Why song about ‘things that don’t go as planned’ resonates with Arra San Agustin

Arra San Agustin

In her debut single, “Hanggang Dito Na Lang,” Arra San Agustin touches on relationships that didn’t quite turn out as imagined—something the actress knows all too well.

“I had a past relationship in which I felt there was nothing left, like I couldn’t go on anymore. And I thought the song fit that part of my life. I came to a point when I no longer had the desire, motivation or inspiration,” she said in a recent virtual conference. “I no longer see that person when I picture my future. I no longer dream of spending my life with him.”

While the actress is happily in love at the moment, Arra pointed out that the song isn’t necessarily limited to romantic heartbreak. “It can also be about friendships ending. In life, there are things that don’t go as planned … how we wanted them to be, ideally,” she said. “There are some things that are meant to last only for a certain time.”

Composed by Roxanne Fabian and produced by Rocky Gacho, “Hanggang Dito Na Lang” has a wistful indie-pop vibe that suits Arra’s vocal tone. “They knew what my vocal range was and what kind of sound would suit my voice,” she said, adding that she also wanted to be involved in the creative process as much as possible.

“They’re open to our insights when it comes to creating music, and we’re very thankful for that. They try to push the creativity of the singer who will record the song. It would be good if he or she could have involvement in the process,” she said of her working relationship with her label, GMA Playlist.

Sparks emotions

The decision to go the melancholic route, Arra said, was her idea. “I wanted something that would go straight to our feelings. I also wanted to explore other emotions. But for this single, we focused on melancholy,” she said. “When I listen to a song, I don’t just focus on either the words or the melody. I wanted something that sparks emotions in me when I listen to it. When I feel those emotions, it makes me feel alive.”

As a child, Arra dabbled in various sports and activities. Her mother made her take up ballet and karate lessons. But it was singing, she recalled, that she enjoyed the most—so much so that she would imagine herself headlining a concert.

“It was something I have been daydreaming about since I was a child. I would imagine myself singing and reaching out to the fans to shake their hands,” she said. “Hopefully, I can do my own show in the future, just something intimate with dim lighting.”

In fact, when she auditioned for the sixth season of the reality talent search “StarStruck” back in 2015, one of her main goals was to pursue a career in music. “Of all my childhood interests, it was singing I enjoyed the most. I find it comforting. It allows you to be vulnerable. I was more familiar with singing. Acting was something I learned later on,” she said.

Arra, one of the lead stars of the ongoing action-drama series “Lolong,” is committed to continue releasing new material and do the necessary work to further hone her craft.

“I’m willing to improve my skills. I still have a lot to learn about making music, and I still have room for growth. I’m willing to commit to this,” said Arra, who grew up listening to Avril Lavigne, Paramore, JoJo and Sara Bareilles.

More confident

The 27-year-old talent admitted that she used to doubt her singing abilities. That’s why it’s important, she said, to surround yourself with people who see the potential in you. “Anything can happen when you put your heart into it. You need good people to guide you. Sometimes, you don’t believe in yourself. But there are others who do,” Arra said.

“That’s what helps you pick yourself up,” she added. “Now, I’m more confident because I know there are people who are willing to listen to me.” INQ