Newcomer Isha Ponti pens original songs
MANILA, Philippines — She started singing when she was only seven, but amazingly, writing songs also became her wont by the time she was nine. Today, 19-year-old singer-songwriter Elisha Pontanares, Isha Ponti for short, has penned nearly 20 songs, not just for herself, but also for other artists.
Isha is undoubtedly a versatile singer. When she turned 13, she wrote a Father’s Day song, Proud To Say, which she gave as a surprise birthday gift to her dad. She can render varied genres — from ballad to pop to upbeat. She plans to release her solo album next year.
From an emerging talent to an award-winning artist, Isha is not just a singer-songwriter. She is also a dancer, rapper and producer whose artistry has been winning hearts both on and off stage.
In September 2019, Isha joined “Asia’s Best Singing Competition” Season 2 and ended up as the grand champion.
That same year, she also participated in the “Euro-Talent Festival” in the Czech Republic, where she won a cash prize. She was only 13 then and she performed Speechless from “Aladdin” and On My Own from “Les Miserables.”
When she was younger, Isha was into musicals — “Hamilton,” “Cats” and “Les Miserables.” She once tried to make it to television and even auditioned for “Goin’ Bulilit,” although she still hopes to do theater one day.
Tagged as Asia’s Pop Sweetheart, Isha displayed her talent and wowed the crowd when she did the front act to Nonoy Zuñiga’s 50th anniversary concert, “Beyond Gold: Songs of a Lifetime,” last September, with a repeat last Dec. 9, both at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT).
In an era where music is often fleeting, Isha is creating something lasting — songs that connect deeply, performances that light up stages and a story anchored in the love of her most devoted supporter, her mother, Emeelette Pontanares.
Last July, Isha did the front act for Marco Sison’s concert at Solaire. While late last November, Isha was one of the special guests of Chad Borja in his “All That Sound” concert at the Music Museum.
Isha’s creative leadership as managing director of Ponti Entertainment Productions and her recognition as Aliw Awards’ Best New Female Artist of 2024 signal a career on a powerful upward trajectory.
Whether performing an acoustic rendition of Sabrina Carpenter’s Man-Child or debuting a brand-new single, Isha radiates a sincerity that resonates with her audience.
Isha is proving that her artistry belongs among the great. She has written, composed and released music that speaks from the heart. With a growing catalogue of originals, each is revealing a new shade of her creative soul.
Life Isn’t Perfect is a reflective anthem about resilience and self-acceptance. Babalik Ka is a heartfelt Tagalog ballad released last June. Tara, meanwhile, is a playful, upbeat track with irresistible energy. Pakpak is a catchy and empowering pop hit.
Isha wrote and recently released Dyahe, a smooth and emotionally single, arranged and produced by Adonis Tabanda. Invincible is a motivational anthem celebrating strength and perseverance.
There’s no stopping Isha as she releases her latest composition, the Christmas ballad, Wala Ka Sa Pasko, which she herself wrote in only 40 minutes.
“While we were trying to finish the song, around November this year, it was really recent,” shared Isha.
Meanwhile, You Loved Me First is the song Isha dedicated to her mom and to all the moms in the world. The single dropped last Aug. 15, the birthday of Isha’s mom. Isha penned such a beautiful and heartwarming composition with Adonis as an arranger and producer of the ballad for Ponti Productions.
The songs are not just music, they are stories, emotions and moments translated. In her own voice, Isha captures her ethos as an artist. “Life isn’t perfect, but in every song, there’s truth and connection,” shared Isha.
And on the role her mother plays in her journey, Isha quipped, “My mom has been my anchor — her belief in me makes every note possible.”
The sentiments are not just statements, they are the foundation of her work ethic, her humility and her courage to take creative risks.
If Isha’s music is a beacon, her mother is the steady light that guides it. Her mom is the woman behind the star. Her dad, Alvin Pontanares, also supports Isha’s dreams a hundred percent.
From encouraging early songwriting experiments to being present at every milestone, her mom has been Isha’s mentor, cheerleader and emotional refuge. Her belief in her daughter’s potential is as unwavering as it is transformative — fueling Isha’s artistry with love and purpose.
Beyond her recorded work, Isha connects with her audience through live performances, social media storytelling and collaborative projects. Whether reviving old lyrics into new compositions or working alongside fellow artists, she continues to evolve her sound while staying true to her roots.
Today, Dec. 13, Isha will perform with Andrea Gutierrez in a concert titled “The Next Ones,” at the Music Museum, bankrolled by Ponti Entertainment Productions and directed by Calvin Murphy Neria, with Adonis as the musical director. Isha and Andrea are undoubtedly ready to take center stage.
“Andrea and I are the next generation artists, with the next generation of music,” beamed Isha. “It’s our time to represent OPM (Original Pilipino Music), like bossa nova, pop, P-pop, ballads Elvis Presley-style and even classics.”
Isha idolizes Sharon Cuneta and Sarah Geronimo. “Since I was young, Sharon and Sarah have been my idols,” disclosed Isha, the third in a brood of four. “My dad loves the songs of Sharon Cuneta. He listens to her most of the time.”
Isha also expresses her desire to collaborate one day with singer Janine Teñoso. “We align in our musical artistry and the type of songs that we sing,” said Isha of Janine.
With an expanding fan base, a slate of new music in the works and a presence that bridges Filipino and international audiences, Isha stands at the threshold of a defining chapter in her career.
Every song she writes, every stage she graces, carries both her personal truth and the steadfast love of her mother.
The album that Isha will release next year is about personal growth. “Every song has an element that symbolizes personal growth,” she said. “As of the moment, there are six to seven tracks that will be included in the album.”
Isha is not just an artist to watch, she’s a voice to remember. With originals like Life Isn’t Perfect, Babalik Ka, Tara, Pakpak, Dyahe, Invincible and You Loved Me First, Isha is composing the soundtrack to resilience, love and ambition.
And at the heart of it all is a story of a mother and daughter — dreaming together, creating together and proving that with talent, hard work and unshakable support, the world is yours to sing to.
“As a singer, after I recorded the songs that I have in my library, I still get confused what genre I am in,” granted Isha. “There’s nothing wrong with exploring. That’s why I want to try everything that I can. I can make songs through that. That’s a wide range for me.”
Not surprisingly, Isha finds it easier to create her own songs. “I write my own lyrics and create my own melody,” she said. “Those are really from the heart. That comes out smooth.”
For Isha, she finds it more fulfilling if she creates the lyrics and the tunes. She started writing songs in school and Christmas tunes for her school. That started her songwriting stint.
“After that, I really find it more fulfilling to create my songs,” Isha concluded.
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