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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Youth devider Jason Dhakal on summer flings, quiet breaks, and finding purpose in the everyday

Jason Dhakal on summer flings, quiet breaks, and finding purpose in the everyday

'I come from a family that doesn't come from artists, so this isn't something I take lightly. I love being an artist—it's my dream job,' the 25-year-old singer says.

Published Jun 23, 2025 09:12 am
Jason Dhakal may be known for his soulful voice and genre-defying tracks, but behind the microphone and camera is a young artist still discovering himself through quiet moments—whether alone or with friends and loved ones.
In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle during the Zyn event in San Juan, La Union, the 25-year-old singer gave us a sneak peek into his personal life—from the family dynamics he grew up with and his favorite downtime activities to what’s next for him.
What’s your favorite summer destination?
My favorite summer destination is Batangas. I love Batangas. It’s just so close, it’s not that far. I go to my friend’s place. So there’s not a lot of people. I really love that type of vibe.
How about activities you do when you’re on a break?
Laying down, getting a tan, drinking, reading a book.
Who’s your dream artist to have a collaboration with?
Mariah Carey. I want to write a song for Mariah Carey one day. That’s my dream. Speaking of writing a song, my next project is about summer. It’s just going to be about love and a summer fling. Like bossa nova, jazzy, just chill out. Like a sunset.
As an artist, how do you make sure that wherever you are, whatever you do, you’re always in the moment?
I come from a family that doesn’t come from artists, so this isn’t something I take lightly. I love being an artist—it’s my dream job. It’s not something I ever expected to happen to me. So now that it has, I just want to stay grateful and never take it for granted.
You said you didn’t come from a family of artists. How was life for you growing up?
The environment I grew up with is like any Filipino family. I grew up with an OFW mom. So for her, a job that I should be having is, you know, when you connect the wires behind the TV, and then they’re like, “You’re so good. You should do IT. Do you know your uncle Omar? He has a lot of knowledge. He has a lot of money.”
It’s either I’m an engineer or I’m a doctor. It’s not really possible to be anything creative because there’s no money in that. That’s how my mom is. But I love my mom, more than words could say. So now that I really am in this, I’m just really grateful about it.
What’s next for you?
Something really different. I’m in my 20s. I’m a little bit older now. I just really wanted to be more intentional. Now, I’m in a label, so I get to really choose the resources and everything. I really wanted to be more about where I’m at in my life. I’m really happy. I’m really grateful. I want to show that in my music.
Through sun-soaked getaways, quiet reading breaks, and dreams of soulful collaborations, Jason Dhakal reminds us that even in the spotlight, growth often happens in the in-between moments. As he steps into a new chapter with more intention and gratitude, it’s clear that his journey—both personal and artistic—is just getting started, and we’re all invited to listen.

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