Some bands leave an echo; others, like Freestyle, spark a legacy that uplifts and inspires with every note. Led by Top Suzara, Freestyle’s journey since 1998 has proven the power of passion, perseverance, and creativity. Their story is not just about making music, but about touching lives and inspiring countless fans across generations.

Their unforgettable hits—such as “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang? (with Pops Fernandez),” “Before I Let You Go,” “This Time,” “Para Sa ‘Yo,” “Till I Found You,” “So Slow,” and “Once in a Lifetime”— catapulted Freestyle into nationwide recognition.

Renowned for heartfelt melodies, standout tracks, and exceptional live performances, Freestyle has cemented its reputation as one of the country’s leading musical acts.

Freestyle, now comprised of Ian Tan, Gibson Viduya, IJ Garcia, Buoy Manalo, and Top Suzara, has produced four successful studio albums: “Freestyle (self-titled debut album),” “This Time,” “I Wanna Get Close,” and “Once in a Lifetime.”

They have also released three live albums, beginning with “Freestyle Live at the Araneta Coliseum,” followed by “Freestyle All Hits Live,” and “Freestyle Love Concert (The Album).” Since 2023, this new lineup has introduced five original songs: “Maybe,” “Let Love Win,” “Bespren,” “Walang Ibang Ikaw,” and “Surrender You.”

Now, as 2026 ushered in, the band will have a Valentine's show titled “Stages of Love” at the Mall of Asia Arena on Feb. 13, 2026, alongside Neocolours and Gigi De Lana.

How is it sharing the stage with them? “We’ve done a show with Neocolours recently, in a concert that we had at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, where they were our special guest. It was a lot of fun, and the crowd loved them, of course, and how we were together on stage. This is the first time we will share the stage as main artists. As for Gigi, this will be the first time that we will be performing with her, so we’re excited,” says Top.

It seems the group will have a very busy year. Top shares several projects lined up this year. “We will be releasing a limited release Vinyl Record consisting of all of the new songs we’ve released since 2023 up to today. So far, we’ve released five (five singles).

The Vinyl record will feature these five singles and a few extra tracks. We are very excited for this release! In addition to this release, we plan to release several new songs this year. However, instead of releasing the songs as singles, a full album of songs is what we intend to release.”

“Then, after the Valentine's concert at the Mall of Asia Arena, we’ll embark on a US-Canada Tour this March and April. After that, we will focus on completing production of the new songs for the album we will release, while staying very busy with public and private shows, so we can continue to make meaningful and fun connections with fans, both old and new, in live performance settings. It’s always nice to connect with everyone digitally and online, but the intimacy of connections made with people during a live performance is really something else,” he adds.

When asked about the secret to Freestyle’s success and staying power, Top explains: “As you would know, the staying power of Freestyle would not be attributed to the People because the faces have changed over the years. I was there at the start. I left. And now, serendipitously, I’m back again. And, this time, I’m here to stay.”

“Honestly, though, I’m really not sure. Although I do acknowledge that my return to the front of Freestyle and the birth of this new chapter have brought about a resurgence for us that has thus far been nothing short of incredible, I would say it’s the songs and how the old songs have become indelibly part of many a fan’s life’s soundtrack. That’s why even today, as we perform all the old hits, it’s always very meaningful for us and our audience. It’s a time machine, music. And we all get to reminisce about memories, good and bad, together with each song.”

“Also, it’s the support of fans, old and new. And the connections we make with each person in our audience when performing during a live show. All of these, and the blessings from the Man Up Above, are what I would be how and why.”

Interestingly, Freestyle’s relatable music, which inspires their fans, is what has kept them relevant to the public over the years. Top further supports this through the songs' stories and their musical presentation, especially in live performance.

“From my experience as a singer and songwriter, as Top and Freestyle, it’s always been more because of the stories of the songs. In the case of the old hits, it’s the stories they tell and the memories they evoke for each listener and singer.

“For our new songs, apart from more mature production, it’s still stories and storytelling. Many artists are releasing songs with diverse stories and flavors that resonate with different audiences. For Freestyle, we will keep doing our best to stay true to our commitment to celebrating all the old songs and to making new songs and sharing each one, telling their different stories through, and hopefully connecting with each person we have the blessing and privilege of being able to reach and perform to, “ Top ends.

“Stages of Love” is presented by NY Entourage Productions. Tickets are now on sale at SMTickets.com.