After winning Himig Handog in 2018, Davao-based singer-songwriter Kyle Raphael, 27, is now slowly but surely establishing his niche in the music scene.

Now writing songs for other artists inasmuch as he also continues to craft viral songs fro himself, Kyle shared he never really expected to be in the position he is in at the moment.

"Siguro kaya naging surprise sa ibang tao na napunta ako sa recording label na ito, kasi never ako nakapag-perform sa school. Nagulat na lang sila na naka-sign na ako with Viva records (Maybe it's a surprise to many that I ended up with this recording label, because I've never performed in school. They were just surprised to learn that I was signed to VIVA records)," Kyle said.

He recalled how he only got to showcase his singing voice when he performed for the school choir.

"Doon ko rin nasimulan yung confidence to perform in front of a crowd. Dun lang siya nagsimula hanggang sa nakapag-perform na ako sa mga concerts and gigs (That's where I found confidence to perform in front of a crowd. That's where it started until I also started performing in concerts and gigs)" he added.

Kyle’s journey wasn’t an easy one. He explored a range of genres, from ballads to jazz, and through constant work and learning, he eventually discovered his true potential in acoustic music.

"Yung music ko po right now, ayun na po yung years of exploration ko and ng mga producer ko kasi nag start kami noon sa  ballad tapos parang naging jazz. Umabot sa ganun. Tapos parang nag hit yung mga songs ko na parang acoustic and bass or more on mellow acoustic sound (The music I’m doing now came from years of experimenting together with my producers. We began with ballads, shifted into jazz, and eventually landed on a sound that felt right—mellow, acoustic songs with bass that really connected)," Kyle shared.

Marking his debut on Spotify Philippines' Top Artists Chart, Kyle and his song "Libu-Libong Buwan (Uuwian)" is now at the 28th spot of the platform's daily Viral Chart.

"I still feel surprised. Last time na nasa charts ako was 2021 for my song 'Paraluman,' and to be honest, I think mas madali pumasok sa charts noon compared ngayon. Kasi, there are hundreds or thousands of songs released daily or weekly (I still feel surprised. Last time I was on the charts was 2021 for my song 'Paraluman,' and to be honest, I think it was easier to get on the charts back then compared to now. Because there are hundreds or thousands of songs released daily or weekly), " Kyle said.

Undeniably, OPM continue to thrive as exemplified by talents like Kyle Raphael.