Mahika makes magic for Adie and Janine Berdin

There is magic in the air and it happened so unexpectedly. Adie and Janine Berdin, two young singers and composers, had already been doing very well in their solo careers when Mahika came along. And just like what the title says (Mahika means magic), the song skyrocketed to the top in the hit lists of YouTube, Spotify, etc., etc. They never planned on this but Adie and Janine are now looking at what could be their biggest seller and they are in an instant, local pop music’s newest love team.

Also, a model for the fashion brand H&M, the lanky Adie started his career almost three years ago by joining a songwriting contest. He did not win because OC Records executive Kean Cipriano saw something in the kid and signed him to a contract. His first single was Luha, which did very well. But the clincher came with his second release.

Adie was inspired by the beautiful actress Angelica Cruz to write Paraluman. Instead of the dreaded sophomore jinx, that song along with the video directed by actress Bela Padilla which starred the lovely Ivana Alawi, became Adie’s ticket to big-time stardom. He also did very well with the follow-ups, Dungaw and Tahanan. He is now acknowledged as one of the popular Harana Boys.

Janine was a child actress who was lots of times in the drama series Maalaala Mo Kaya and other shows. She was also a singer who often competed in talent contests. Her big break came along when she became the champion of the second season of the Tawag ng Tanghalan portion in the noontime show, It’s Showtime. Among her recordings were Mabuti Pa Sila, Wala Ako Niyan, The Side Character and Pagod Na Ako.

Janine has lately been in the news because of her on-line altercation with dancer and rapper DJ Loonyo. Janine carelessly shared a post about renaming the NAIA in Loonyo’s name, which understandably Loonyo felt bad about. The furor about this is starting to subside, which is just as well. If Janine would be talked about these days, then, it should be for the great work she did with the engaging Mahika.

The harana term in referring to Adie is no joke. This boy writes lyrics using poetic Tagalog just like in the harana songs of long ago. I think it is great that this song is making kids familiar with our language and are now using such words in casual conversation. Magical indeed.

“Nagbabadya ang hangin na nakapalibot sa ‘kin/ tila merong pahiwatig ako’y nananabik/ di naman napilitan kusa na lang naramdaman/ ang di inaasahang pag-ugnay ng kalawakan.”

Wow! That is deep. But set against a sweet, simple melody, it is just what kids are singing these days to let their crushes know how they feel.

Left and Right, the collab between American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth and Jungkook, the young heartthrob of the South Korean boy band BTS, continues to hold on to the top position of the Billboard Hits of the World hit list, Philippine edition. But I am happy to say that close behind in the No. 2 slot is Mahika. Do note that Adie’s earlier hits, Paraluman and Tahanan also made the list.

Here is the latest tally:

Left and Right by Charlie Puth and Jungkook; Mahika by Adie and Janine Berdin; Glimpse of Us by Joji; Muli by Ace Banzuelo; Angel Baby by Troye Sivan; POP! by NAYEON; Isa Lang by Arthur Nery; Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez; Kagome by Lo Ki; Ikaw Lang by Nobita; Kumpas (Theme from 2 Good 2 be True) by Moira; Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) by Kate Bush.

As It Was by Harry Styles; Sun and Moon by Anees; Paraluman by Adie; Pagsamo by Arthur Nery; NVMD by Denise Julia; Pano by Zack Tabudlo; Habang Buhay also by Tabudlo; Tahanan by Adie; Ghost by Justin Bieber; About Damn Time by Lizzo; All Too Well (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift; Asan Ka Na Ba? again by Tabudlo; and Line without a Hook by Ricky Montgomery.