ICEBOX returns to his OPM roots with heartfelt new single 'SAAKIN'

MANILA, Philippines — After making waves with his viral hit "ikaw ikaw ikaw," Singapore-based Filipino singer-songwriter and producer ICEBOX is embracing his roots once again with the release of his latest OPM single, "SAAKIN."

Released Friday under PARKA, the new track follows the success of "ikaw ikaw ikaw," which has accumulated more than 30 million streams on Spotify and introduced the rising artist to a wider Filipino audience.

For ICEBOX, "SAAKIN" represents more than just another release—it reflects his growing desire to reconnect with his Filipino heritage through music.

The song explores the emotional aftermath of a failed relationship, focusing on the lingering feelings that remain long after one person has already moved on. Rather than centering on heartbreak alone, "SAAKIN" delves into the uncertainty, unanswered questions, and longing that often accompany the search for closure.

Although much of the song was written nearly three years ago, it went through several revisions before reaching its final version. Originally created as a school project with longtime friend Julia, the track was later reworked with PARKA producers Dominic and Timothy, giving it a fresh sound while preserving its emotional core.

ICEBOX also credited the success of his breakout collaboration with Filipino singer-songwriter Eliza Maturan, "ikaw ikaw ikaw," for influencing the direction of his new music.

“That song has obviously been such a monumental part of the catalysis of my music career,” ICEBOX said. “I never really expected those three-hour writing and production sessions with Eliza amounted to such a hit, unlocking the doors to the Filipino market for me and exposing my art to a familiar yet new audience.”

He added that the overwhelming support from Filipino listeners inspired him to continue writing and producing songs in both English and Tagalog that resonate with his growing fanbase.

After immersing himself in OPM for several months, ICEBOX revisited "SAAKIN" with Dominic and Timothy, determined to transform it from a school demo into a fully realized record.

“I knew ‘SAAKIN’ had to be more than just a school project demo,” he said. “What came out of those sessions is a track that carries the story and core of an OPM song but is fused with production techniques and textures that are derived from the sounds of my upcoming album.”

The single also serves as a preview of ICEBOX's second full-length album, a 12-track project scheduled for release this September. Developed over the past year and a half, the upcoming record promises a more intimate approach to storytelling while showcasing new musical influences and sonic textures.

Alongside the album, ICEBOX is also hoping to reconnect with Filipino fans through more live performances in the country.

“Lots of hard work, soul, and passion have been poured into this project, and we're looking to do more shows in the Philippines for the album as well,” he said. “I sure hope nobody misses it because these coming songs are more than just earworms—they're stories that you might resonate with one way or another, and I wouldn't want to miss seeing them live.”

RELATED: H.E.R. sings 'Maging Sino Ka Man' in New York restaurant