Bryan Termulo's trailblazing country quest
Published Mar 1, 2026 12:25 am
Filipino singer-songwriter Bryan Termulo is boldly chasing his dream to make history in country music.
Undeterred by the fact that no Filipino has yet taken this path, Bryan is determined to introduce the soulful spirit of country music to his homeland.
Bryan Termulo (Images courtesy of Facebook)
Now based in the US, he aspires to become the first Filipino artist to write, sing, and chart a country song — proving that no dream is ever too distant when you believe and persevere.
"Noong bata pa ako, mahilig na akong kumanta ng mga country songs. Gusto ko itong genre na ito. Now that I am living in the US, especially in Tennessee, gagawin ko na talaga yung genre na gusto ko, which is country music. Ang mga Pinoy talaga ay mahilig sa love songs pero ako whatever it takes, gusto ko lang gawin kung ano yung gusto ko talaga. (When I was little, I loved singing country songs. I love this genre. Now that I live in the US, especially in Tennessee, I will focus on the genre I love: country music. Filipinos really love love songs, but whatever it takes, I just want to do what I really love)," said Bryan during the launch of his latest song "Almost There" on Feb. 28.
Bryan said the song has a wonderful message: endure and keep going.
"Once you fail in life, tuloy lang. Keep going. That's the message of the song. It's not the typical approach to a love song. Country song talala siya. At nagkataon pa na nasa Tennessee ako. Wherever you go, country music lang ang maririnig mo rito," he added. "Magpo-produce pa ako ng maraming country music. (Once you fail in life, just keep going. Keep going. That's the message of the song. It's not the typical approach to a love song. It's a country song after all. And I just happen to be in Tennessee. Wherever you go, you'll only hear country music here," he added. "I'll continue to produce more country music.)"
Bryan has been in the US for five years. He revealed that he has established connections in the US who could help him distribute his songs.
"It's in the process now. I don't want to provide any further details. Since I have released 'Almost There,' I may send future projects to them. I have established contacts, and so far, they liked it. But no promises yet. Sabi nila, "If you trust us, we can distribute your songs."
Bryan also admitted that he was still testing the waters when he jumped into the country music scene.
"Ayoko ma-frustrate. It's about taking risks at the end of the day. Kung hindi man siya mag materialize, there's no other person to blame than myself. (I don't want to be frustrated. If he doesn't materialize, there's no other person to blame but me.)"
Bryan shared that he looks up to country music stars Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and Brett Young. He also teased the style of country music he plans to release in the near future.
"Yung mga darating kong songs, it's all about being thankful. Wala akong love songs na lalabas. Not because bitter ako sa love. So my songs for now are all about positivity. Sabi ng ibang friends ko parang gospel songs daw. I don't know, pero ito ang nararamdaman ko noong ginagawa ko yung songs. (My upcoming songs are all about being thankful. I don't have any love songs coming out. Not because I'm bitter about love. So my songs for now are all about positivity. Some of my friends say they're like gospel songs. I don't know, but this is how I felt when I was making those songs.)," the Filipino singer said.
Asked if he is in a relationship these days, Bryan remarked, "Wala. But it's almost there." Bryan said that while it is difficult to live in a foreign land, he is grateful for the opportunities.
"Instead of magreklamo ka, you should be thankful that you are still okay. You are healthy. Mahirap if you are in a foreign land and you have to adjust. You need to adapt. There's no room for us to complain because we are strangers in this land. But I am still testing the waters," he said.
Bryan says he remains grateful to be able to continue doing what he loves: performing. Still, he admits missing the unique energy of Filipino audiences.
“I miss the crowd back home, especially during fiestas. The energy when you perform in the Philippines is different — the screaming crowd and connection are special,” he said.
Released in December 2025 as a symbolic year-end anthem, “Almost There” encourages listeners to reflect on their experiences and recognize how challenges build strength for the future.
Looking ahead to 2026, Bryan will continue promoting the single while preparing another country track titled “Be Thankful,” a song centered on gratitude and appreciation for life’s blessings.
Through heartfelt storytelling and a growing commitment to country music, Bryan aims to inspire audiences with songs about hope, resilience, and gratitude — reminders that no matter the struggle, we are all closer to our dreams than we think.