For many young people today, growing up often means learning how to live with uncertainty. There is pressure to succeed, to meet expectations, and to figure everything out quickly. But for 25-year-old singer-songwriter Jan Roberts, life does not have to be rushed. Sometimes, the most honest moments happen in stillness.

That quiet honesty is what defines Jan’s latest single, “Kung Masusunod,” a deeply personal folk ballad featuring OPM icon Johnoy Danao. While the song explores love and vulnerability, it also mirrors something many young people experience today: the struggle of wanting to become better while feeling unsure if they are enough.

“I think what truly matters is finding joy in the journey, knowing that you won’t be able to please everyone every time, and that you don’t have all the answers,” Jan tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. 

In a generation constantly pressured to keep up, Jan’s outlook feels refreshingly grounded. Rather than pretending to have life figured out, he embraces uncertainty with honesty. His advice is simple: stay the course, trust your intentions, and keep wanting to grow.

That mindset also shaped the emotional space behind “Kung Masusunod.” Surprisingly, Jan did not write the song from heartbreak or loneliness. Instead, it came from a place of safety and love.

“Honestly, while writing ‘Kung Masusunod,’ I was in a really good space,” he shares. “I was surrounded by people who cared for me deeply, my family and loved ones. I think when you feel safe and loved, that’s actually when the most honest things come out.”

At a time when social media often rewards curated perfection, Jan’s music stands out because of how human it feels. His songs are soft spoken, emotional, and rooted in ordinary experiences. He does not try to create a larger-than-life image of himself. Instead, he tells stories that reflect everyday emotions many young listeners quietly carry.

“What pushed me toward this sound was really just the desire to tell stories of ordinary people like me,” he says. “I just felt that this style was where I felt the most honest.”

Growing up in Bicol also played a huge role in shaping his perspective and songwriting. Jan says many of his songs are inspired by the everyday life he experienced while growing up, which may explain why listeners find comfort in the familiarity of his music.

That connection has become especially meaningful for young listeners navigating heartbreak, healing, and mental health. Online, Jan often sees comments from people who use his songs as emotional outlets during difficult moments. Even with his growing success, Jan admits he still deals with self-doubt. For him, one of the biggest challenges of being an independent artist is managing his tendency to overthink.

“My biggest challenge is actually this internal struggle, how I can overthink things,” he says. “At the end of the day, I just want to trust my emotions and stay true to what I’m feeling.”

Still, he remains grounded through the support system around him. Offstage, Jan values having a small and trusted circle that keeps him emotionally balanced.

“A tight circle has always been important to me,” he says. “I have people I trust who help and support me, and I try to stay grounded as much as possible.”

His collaboration with Johnoy Danao also became a meaningful milestone in his journey. Jan describes the partnership as a dream come true, especially since he considers Johnoy one of his inspirations in music. For young creatives trying to build their own paths, moments like this remind them that growth does not always happen overnight. Sometimes, it comes quietly, through persistence, authenticity, and staying true to yourself.

If someone listens to “Kung Masusunod” alone at 2 a.m. while going through something difficult, Jan knows exactly what he hopes they take away from it.

“I hope they feel peace,” he says, “and a sense of realizing that things will eventually be alright.”