Madeline returns with funk-inspired track 'Di Mapigilan'

MANILA, Philippines — Alternative pop band Madeline has returned with a new single, "Di Mapigilan," a funk-infused track that explores the rush of emotions that come with falling in love, chasing a passion, or embracing feelings that can no longer be held back.

The four-piece band, composed of vocalist and guitarist Madeline Ramboyong, lead guitarist RB Bandiola, bassist Jerome Faustino, and drummer Shan Regalado, continues to build on the emotionally driven songwriting that earned them a following through songs such as "Kaya Kong Mag-isa," "Tinamaan," "Hintay," "'Di Bale Na Lang," "Wala Na," "Sayang," "Sa Panaginip," "Akin Ka," "Kahit Sandali" and "Kung Hindi Na Tayo."

According to Ramboyong, the song was inspired by personal experiences and a Korean drama, resulting in a track about emotions that become too overwhelming to suppress.

"It's all about those intense feelings na hindi mo na kayang itago or kontrolin, whether that's falling for someone, excitement, or pure passion," she said. "Life is too short to hold back whatever you're feeling."

Faustino said the single encourages listeners to be honest with themselves and express their genuine emotions.

"It's really about realizing that it's okay to express what you're truly feeling," he said.

For Bandiola, the message is about accepting every emotion, whether joyful or painful.

"It's okay to be sad or happy and to let yourself love someone, even if it feels scary or unexpected," he shared.

Musically, "Di Mapigilan" marks a slight shift for the band. While Madeline has become known for heartfelt alternative pop songs, the new release introduces a brighter, funk-inspired sound with an upbeat tempo and more playful lyrics.

The band described the track as a reflection of its artistic growth while maintaining the emotional sincerity that has defined its music.

The song underwent several months of development, from early demos and jam sessions to arrangement refinements and studio recording.

"We didn't rush the process," Faustino said. "We wanted everything to feel complete before releasing it."

To accompany the single, Madeline also released its first performance-driven music video, directed by Jeremy Jay Abaño and Charls Anthony Mangubat.

Rather than following a narrative, the video focuses on the band's live performance energy through dynamic camerawork and visual effects.

"We felt that a standard storyline wouldn't do justice to the song," Ramboyong explained. "We wanted viewers to experience the excitement and fun of performing it."

Bandiola added that the band's performance became the centerpiece of the visual.

"Rather than telling a specific story, we let the performance become the story."

Since its release, the band said listeners have shared positive feedback, with some adding the song to their driving playlists and playing it on repeat.

Faustino said the group's biggest hope is that audiences find their own experiences reflected in the song.

"We hope people see themselves in the song. Everyone experiences moments when they simply want to be honest about what they're feeling."

Madeline also confirmed that more music is already in the works. While the band hopes to release a full-length album in the future, it is currently focused on promoting "Di Mapigilan" through live performances, visual content and upcoming releases.

"We're continuously writing and creating new songs," Ramboyong said. "The next release will definitely showcase another side of our music—something fresh, but still unmistakably Madeline."

"Di Mapigilan" is now available on major digital streaming platforms.

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