Music has a unique way of telling stories that words alone often cannot. For Filipino singer-songwriter Charleen Ong, every song is a reflection of genuine emotions, personal experiences, and the moments that shape who we are. With a sound that blends indie, folk, and OPM influences, she has built a growing audience through her heartfelt lyrics and sincere performances.
In this interview, Charleen shares the inspiration behind her music, the journey that led her to pursue songwriting, the challenges and milestones she’s encountered, and the dreams that continue to drive her as an artist. Through her candid reflections, readers will get to know not only the musician behind the melodies, but also the person whose stories give them life.
Could you introduce yourself to our readers and share how your musical journey first began?
My musical journey began the moment I was born. My family is musically inclined—to the point that every occasion and reunion must include karaoke. When they realized I could already join in at a very young age, they would let me sing the same song on repeat every single time! So, you could say I’ve been a performer since I was 3 years old. Haha.
The first performance that made people tell me I should start singing at gigs was at my ninang and ninong’s wedding. I was around 8 or 9 years old. I was still shy and timid, but I was committed to preparing for that performance, even though I had never done anything like it before.
By the age of 9, I wrote my very first song because one of my ninongs wanted me to perform at FILSCAP. It was about loving and taking better care of our environment. My second song was about a mother who had passed away, speaking to her child from heaven and wishing them good luck. I was only 11 or 12 at the time—and mind you, my mother is still very much alive, so I honestly don’t know where that idea came from! Haha.
From there, I continued my journey as an independent artist, performing my own compositions while playing the ukulele. Over time, I started to enjoy performing on stage. Although I was still very shy, I always stayed committed. There were also times when I hated performing because I would get so nervous that I’d start shivering on stage. Haha.
You started performing at a young age. What inspired you to pursue music seriously?
I only started taking music seriously when I was invited to perform with a band called Talahib. They were also the reason I had the opportunity to perform internationally and represent the Philippines at their music festivals when I had just turned 15.
For years, I thought performing alone was lonely and scary. But when I performed with them, I felt much more confident because, at least, I had other people sharing the stage with me. It made the whole experience less intimidating and so much more enjoyable. Looking back, it was one of the most fun and memorable times of my musical journey.
Who were some of your biggest musical influences growing up, and how have they shaped your sound?
My biggest musical influence was my mother. She was always listening to music—whether it was on the radio, YouTube playlists, or songs saved on a USB drive. She never forced me to listen to any particular artist; I just naturally grew to love the music over time. Sometimes, I would even rediscover an artist and proudly say, “I found them first!” when, in reality, she had been listening to them long before I did. I just didn’t pay much attention back then because I thought it was “old people’s music.” Haha!
Growing up, we listened to a lot of The Beatles, The Smiths, Radiohead, Oasis, Fiona Apple, and, most importantly, The Carpenters. My mom would often tell me how her own mother used to play The Carpenters and Enya while cleaning the house. Hearing those stories always makes me a little emotional because I find myself imagining what life must have been like back then.
Your music blends folk, indie, and acoustic elements. How would you describe your signature style?
I never really set out to write music within a specific genre. That’s why, whenever people ask what genre my music falls under, I usually just say folk or indie and hope for the best. Haha!
Most of my songs start with just a ukulele or a guitar, and I leave them at that. But once they’re recorded professionally, they often take on a life of their own and become something completely different from how they first began.
As a songwriter, where do you usually draw inspiration when writing new songs?
Usually other people’s life. I get sad and sentimental when people tell me their stories. When I get too sad, I write songs for them, especially to people who passed away.
Your EP Aking Minamahal is deeply personal. What message or story did you hope listeners would take away from it?
In my opening spiel for this song, I always tell the audience that “Aking Minamahal” is about the people you meet for only a short time but who leave a lasting impact on your life. It’s about the people who aren’t meant to stay but are meant to teach you valuable lessons that you carry with you for the rest of your life.
So, it’s not necessarily a love song!
Is there a song you’ve written that feels especially close to your heart? Why does it stand out to you?
There’s this song I wrote a week before or after Aking Minamahal. It’s about a friend who loved dancing to performers on stage and was also an artist. Sadly, he passed away too soon beside a tree behind the stage, where he had been dancing just moments before.
When I heard the news, we were completely devastated. The way he passed away felt so poetic to me that, at that very hour, while it was raining heavily and I was bawling my eyes out, I wrote the entire song in one sitting.
It’s called “No L.” I tell people it’s a reminder to call the people you think of, cherish those who are close to you and the ones you love most, and always remind them that they matter.
How has your songwriting evolved since you first started creating original music?
I feel like it happened gradually, little by little each month. My choice of words became simpler, while my melodies became more interesting to me personally.
The reason I started using simpler words was because there was this tito—someone I consider a very good lyricist—who told me that the secret to writing deeper, more poetic lines is to use simple words and arrange them into meaningful, profound sentences.
That advice has stayed with me throughout the years. I often think about it whenever I talk to people, paying attention to the words they naturally use and finding ways to weave those choices of words into my lyrics.
How has your experience performing in different venues and for different audiences influenced your confidence and growth as an artist?
Performing at different events, especially internationally, really honed my confidence. At the same time, my growth was shaped by my mom’s advice and constructive criticism. Through her, I developed an awareness of when I did well and when I could have done better.
The audience would almost always tell me I did a great job—unless you ask my titos and my mom. Haha!
What’s your typical creative process—from the first idea to the final recording?
My creative process usually starts with me being emotional. Everything depends on my emotional and mental state. I’ll write or record a demo, and then I let it sit for a month—or sometimes even a year—because I usually end up hating the songs right after I record them.
I basically let the recordings marinate, and time will tell me when a song is finally ready. Hahaha!
For the final recordings, I send genre references or sound inspirations to whoever is mixing my songs. Once we get to a version that I really love, that’s when we upload it.
How do you overcome creative blocks when inspiration doesn’t come easily?
Well as I said I love marinating my songs, so the same goes for me, I wait for a month or more than a month before writing again because I know that after a creative block comes a great song that has been locked up inside me haha. Or if it’s a rush, I would drain myself and force it, then hate it, which turns out to be a good song after all, and I wasn’t just in the mood.
What has been the most memorable performance or milestone in your career so far?
When I went to Taiwan to perform at the age of 15.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an independent artist in the Philippines?
Trying to stay financially stable to pay for commutes to Gigs hahaha! And trying to stay sane while also getting distracted because of all the issues in this country.
How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while connecting with a wider audience?
Very cliché answer, but I just try to be more authentic. The more I love myself and embrace who I truly am, the more people see that I’m weird—or maybe they just get desensitized to it—which is okay.
I think everybody has their own kind of weirdness that we learn to hide because we’re afraid that “some people might not like it.” But trust me, some people will still hate you even if you act “normal.” Lol!
A lot of people will relate to you either way.
Is there a dream collaboration—local or international—that you’d love to make happen?
I honestly haven’t thought about this, but I would go for Barbie Almalbis and Adrienne Lenker!
What role do you think independent artists play in shaping the future of the Philippine music scene?
Since indie artists are often not full-time musicians, we tend to live what looks like ordinary lives. Because of that, we usually write songs based on our own experiences and the people around us, which makes our music feel authentic.
Being an independent artist means starting from the very beginning. Sometimes we feel like giving up. Sometimes we become the epitome of the five stages of grief. We may be given opportunities—or none at all. We go through every possible challenge without the support of major labels, and along the way, we grow, whether consciously or unconsciously. We learn to be practical, support one another, and help promote fellow artists.
It teaches us to be more empathetic and to show listeners what raw, unfiltered talent sounds like. Most importantly, whether we’re performing on a big stage or a small one, independent artists have the opportunity to share stories that inspire people to keep going and live well, even if there’s only one person in the audience.
You’re someone a lot of people can relate to. Inspiring others is awesome—you should try to do it all the time!
Beyond music, are there any hobbies or interests that inspire your creativity?
Beyond music, I do nail art gel as a side hustle. I’m not a painter but because of this I feel like I am one!
What can fans look forward to from you in the coming months? Are there any new releases or projects in the works?
Please look forward to my album! After releasing two or three singles, I’ll be putting out a collection of my old, forgotten, well-marinated songs, along with some new ones too.
What advice would you give to young Filipino singer-songwriters who are just beginning their journey?
I would say, don’t do it and be practical. Study well, find a high-paying job that could retire you by the age of 30, and just make songwriting a hobby. Release your music online, call it a day, live well, and have fun.
But a part of me also wants to say that singing and songwriting is life! Music is what makes you you. I want you guys to keep in mind that what you listen to shapes who you become, even unconsciously. I want to remind you that it is very important to write high-vibrational music, and it is just as important to listen to it.
Be the best version of yourselves, and be very delusional about becoming the best too! You don’t have to compete with other artists because, remember, we are here to help each other.
Other than that, don’t forget to trust the Universe, Jesus, and most importantly, trust YOURSELF.
Finally, do you have a message for your supporters and for the readers of City Writer PH?
I am very thankful that you guys reached out to me at a second most important part of my life where I now have the audacity to answer all 20 questions! Hahahaha!
You guys are doing great! And I am very grateful for all my supporters who have seen me give up and stand back up again in my musical journey. I will always be in gratitude for all of you ❤️
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