Originally from the Philippines, this artist currently resides in DC balancing his university life with the rising popularity of Manila Killa– the musical alias he adopted. His sound is dreamy and drowsy with light tropical notes sprinkled over his mixes to keep things light and refreshing. Forming 1/2 of Hotel Garuda and a core member of Moving Castle, this young talent shows off his multifaceted musical identity by developing distinct sounds with each.
Photography by Lauren Engel
interviewed by Mel Truong
With the growing popularity of Manila Killa and Hotel Garuda, do you have a problem keeping the sounds distinct from one another?
I don’t really have a problem keeping the sounds between Manila Killa and Hotel Garuda distinct. My love for house music is one that I’m rooted in so for Hotel Garuda, I’m always reaching into that field of music for influence. As for Manila Killa, I feel that Manila Killa is the side of me that is more rooted in experimenting with fresh, more modern sounds and influences.
What is the difference between atmosphere at a solo show versus one with either Moving Castle or Hotel Garuda?
Solo shows are always fun for me because I really get to play whatever I want. For example, I played in Denver over the summer and my tracklist reflected that of something that I would play at a friend’s party: I got to play throwbacks like Ashanti and Fat Joe, but also got to play songs from M83, Porter Robinson, and RL Grime, just to name a few. With playing with Moving Castle or as Hotel Garuda, I tend to consider the other people I’m playing with. For example, with Moving Castle showcases, I’ll craft my set so that it compliments the homies I’m playing with. And with Hotel Garuda, I’ll tend to play more house, clubby tracks.
From working with a partner and a collective, what have you learned from either that you’ve applied to your own music or thought process?
The biggest thing I learned and have applied from working with a partner and collective is that you can never have enough constructive feedback. As an artist who’s still learning something new about producing every day, it helps to be surrounded by like-minded creatives who help rock my brain when I’m stuck or in need of feedback.
I heard you just started sending an original track out to your producer friends, any hint to what it may sound like?
It’s a crossover between the underground and pop music. I’ve loved both realms of music so I’m excited to finally create a product that ties into both worlds.
Will there be a vocalist? Can you let us know the gender?
You’ll have to find out for yourself!
What is your perception about real love?
“Real love” is something I’m still trying to figure out for myself. But if I were to put it in a nutshell, real love is when that thing or person or whatever you love, gives you a sense of motivation to just keep pushing, working, and bettering yourself.
The moments you are lying in your bed.. which thoughts come up to you?
I like to do a lot of reflection. I like to reflect on what I did that day, the kinds of music that I discovered, the time I spent with my family and friends, and what kind of ramen I’m going to eat over the weekend.
