OPM singer Isha Ponti has unveiled her enchanting debut Christmas song, "Wala Ka Sa Pasko," a heartfelt ballad that beautifully captures the poignant emotions of longing and nostalgia, as it explores the bittersweet experience of missing a cherished loved one during the festive season.

With each note, listeners can feel the warmth of memories intertwined with the shimmering lights and joyous carols of Christmas, making the song a touching tribute to love and loss during this special time of year.

During a media conference in Quezon City, Isha shared how she wrote an emotional song for the holidays.

"For my inspiration for the song, it was more on the romantic side when I was writing it," Isha said, adding she had no particular romantic person in mind when she penned it.

She added, "I wrote it in the middle of making my album. Ito na yata ang pinaka mabilis ko na sinulat. Mga 14 minutes or 30 minutes? I wrote it in November. So recently ko lang siya ginawa. (This is probably the fastest (song) I've ever written. About 14 minutes or 30 minutes? I wrote it in November. So I just did it recently.)"

Isha, who also writes songs, said it would be an honor to compose songs for popular OPM artists like Arthur Nery and Sarah Geronimo.

She recalled that she began writing songs at age 7, but started writing seriously at 13. Her first song, "Proud to Say," was released in 2021.

"It was a surprise birthday gift for my dad. Since then, I have continued writing songs," she said. To date, she has written 24 songs, 19 of which have already been recorded. "They will be released next year."

Isha also said that she and Andrea Gutierrez are ready for their first major concert together, dubbed "The Next Ones," which will be staged at the Music Museum in Greenhills, San Juan, on Dec. 13.

They fondly reminisce about that unforgettable moment when the chance to bring their vision of the concert to life was finally presented to them.

"I felt unsure. Wala pa kasi kami talaga sa limelight or mainstream as individual artists. Wala pa kaming hit songs pero bakit kami magkakaroon ng concert?" (We weren't really in the limelight or mainstream as individual artists yet, and we didn't have any hit songs, so why would we be offered a concert?)," Isha admitted, when asked, that she felt honored to be invited to headline a major show.

Isha added, "The thing is, we agreed. We wanted to break up our cage. Instead of makita nila kami as front acts, we wanted to go out there."

Andrea expressed feeling pressured, but described it as a normal experience.

"Hindi talaga yata maiaalais ang pressure especially baguhan pa lang kami sa industry. Basta, practice lang kami, and then we will give our best on the day of the show. Pero ang saya-saya namin kapag may nagsasabi sa amin na ang galing mo after the concert at may nakaka kilala rin sa amin. May nagpapa-picture. Happy naman po. (I don't believe the pressure can truly be relieved, especially since we're new to the industry. We practice diligently, and on the day of the show, we give it our best effort. We're incredibly happy when someone tells us how great we were after the concert, when someone recognizes us, or when someone takes our pictures. Those moments bring us joy.)"

Under the creative vision of concert director Calvin Murphy Neria, an electrifying set list came to life, crafted with the expert guidance of musical director Adonis Tabanda. Together, they wove a tapestry of sound, blending diverse musical elements that promise to captivate the audience.

"I want to claim that Isha and Andrea are the next ones," said Calvin. "We know that there are emerging artists now, so we want to take the chance na sila naman ang magshine. Believe ako sa kanila because they have been trying to do their own music. They compose songs and produce them. Doon pa lang makikita mo ang determination and drive nila to make it in the music scene. (We know that there are emerging artists now, so we want to take the chance for them to shine. I believe in them because they have been trying to do their own music. They compose songs and produce them. That's where you can see their determination and drive to make it in the music scene.)"

Calvin added, "Gusto kong ipakita ang kanilang brand. I also want to showcase their versatility, which is why they will do pop songs, not alien to them. Hindi ko sila ilalagay sa usual way of performing. I want them to show their own brand. Hindi ko sila ipipilit sa isang genre na hindi sila comfortable. That's why I collaborate with them, because I want them to enjoy the show. (I want to show their brand. I won't perform them in the usual way. I want them to show their own brand. I won't force them into a genre they're not comfortable with.)"

Adonis confidently announced that the lineup of songs for the show is perfectly tailored to resonate with the distinct styles and vibrant personalities of both Isha and Andrea.

"In this show, we prioritize collaboration. We listen to everyone's suggestions, which makes it a true team effort. I will refine the show by tailoring the songs specifically for these two artists. For example, if they choose cover songs, I make sure that the style aligns with their personalities. I work closely with them on music, voicing, and harmony to create an exciting performance," the musical director explained.