Julie Anne San Jose, Gary Valenciano Song Collab Results In Heartbreaking Song ‘Di Ka Akin’

“Malabo mang basahin ang iyong damdamin

Hahaplusin bawat sandali

Kahit 'di ka man akin

Ako'y samahan, kahit sa pagitan lang

Pipilitin ang sariling tanggapin

Na 'di ka nga pala akin”

With these heartbreaking lyrics, the newest hugot song in town to cry to has finally arrived. Julie Anne San Jose, Asia's Limitless Star, has scored a highly coveted featuring artist for this duet and he’s none other than Mr. Pure Energy himself—Gary Valenciano.

Celebrated as two of Universal Records’ (UR) most sought-after artists for many years, this collaboration surely is a treat to their long-time fans. The track features a hypnotic mellow vibe, giving listeners an opportunity to really just let out their emotions during the times that they feel like they can’t move on from a lost love.

“Di Ka Akin” also marks as the first release after Universal Records Philippines announced its official partnership with Singapore-based music label Cross Ratio Entertainment. The partnership aims to strengthen and promote Southeast Asian music around the globe and bridge the gap between artists and audiences in neighboring countries, bringing them closer to new and existing fans in the SEA region.

The gorgeous pop ballad with Julie Anne’s writing and vocals on full display easily impressed Gary V., a reason why he said ‘Yes’ to this collaboration in a heartbeat. For the OPM icon, an excellent artist like her does not come very often and you really don’t want to miss an opportunity like this. 

Metro.Style learned some interesting facts about the dreamy but emotionally charged collaboration which the artists generously shared during the press conference for the song release.

Julie Anne San Jose wrote “Di Ka Akin” herself.

The young singer gets full credit for writing the song. While the lyrics contain heartbreaking sentiments, Julie Anne wasn’t actually heartbroken at the time she wrote the lyrics.

Gary V. felt nervous about this project.

Even with his superstar status, Gary Valenciano admitted that he still feels nervous during a song release. With this particular song, he felt especially felt anxious not because he’s worried if the song is nice but if “Bagay ba?” In addition, Gary V. usually sings songs that he wrote but this time around, he’s recording a song written by another artist. Thankfully, it’s something he doesn’t have to worry about because their vocals went so well together resulting in a song that will certainly make you pensive and sentimental about romance.

The artists recorded the song separately.

Because of the pandemic and the health protocols, “Di Ka Akin” was recorded by Julie Anne San Jose and Gary Valenciano separately. Because of the harmonious and melodic blending of their vocals, it didn’t feel like it was recorded that way. It sounds sonically cohesive and perfect for OPM lovers.

The two didn’t care about network wars.

The singers just laughed off the fact that they came from competing networks and rival Sunday musical noontime shows. Instead, Julie Anne says this collab is actually a dream come true for her.

The hugot song comes with a hugot music video.

The new melodic single called “Di Ka Akin,” released under UR, also came with an equally heart-shattering music video featuring two ex-lovers asking what they’ve ever meant to each other after the failed relationship. 

Lead photo courtesy of Universal Records