dwta and Arthur Miguel reflect on unrequited feelings in collab single “Tahan na”

Acclaimed singer-songwriter dwta teams up with chart-topping newcomer Arthur Miguel on “Tahan Na,” out via Sony Music Entertainment.

Capturing the universal experience of longing for love and connection, “Tahan Na” expresses the realities of harboring unrequited feelings for someone not capable of reciprocating the same level of affection.

According to the Bicolano recording star, the heartfelt track illustrates the beauty of not giving up hope for love despite being constantly let down by circumstances.

She adds, “Tahan Na tells us to acknowledge our feelings of longing and heartache but also to remember that our value isn't based on someone else's feelings. In the end, it's a song about staying strong, not giving up, and believing in the transformative power of love."

The stripped-down, alt-country song was written by dwta in 2022. It has gone through multiple iterations since then, with Brian Lotho co-producing the tune with the young singer-songwriter under one condition: capture the immediacy and emotional vulnerability of the moment when the latter first conceived the material in her own bedroom. Nothing more, nothing less.

dwta or Jhasmine Villanueva in real life, explains, “To recreate that cozy vibe, we recorded the acoustic guitar while sitting on the floor, mirroring the casual and intimate setting of my bedroom, where I often find inspiration. We wanted the song to feel like a comforting hug for anyone who listens to it. At first, we weren't sure if we should make it sound like a lullaby or a grand melancholic dance within a castle. But then we thought, why not blend both elements? So, we incorporated strings like the violin, reminiscent of a grand ballroom, while still maintaining the gentle strums of the acoustic guitar and the soft melodies of the keyboard, blending them together to create something special.”

“Tahan Na” marks the second time that dwta and Arthur Miguel have worked together on a project. The two accomplished solo artists linked up last year on the reworked version of “Lihim,” which blends Tagalog and Bicolano with captivating results.

Villanueva emphasized that working with Arthur Miguel has always been a remarkable experience. Having great connection and chemistry when it comes to writing, collaborating, and performing songs as a duo, dwta is grateful to the budding crossover act for allowing her to experiment with different musical elements and expand her skills as both a songwriter and performer.

“I realized that his singing style and emotions would add a lot to the song's meaning and make it even more heartfelt,” dwta muses. “Our collaboration has opened up new opportunities for growth and exploration in our music. Working with Arthur Miguel is really enjoyable for me, and every time we work together, there's always something new to learn, some adventure, and lots of fun moments.”

dwta and Arthur Miguel’s “Tahan Na” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.