After nearly seven years away from the spotlight, OPM singer Miguel Escueta is making a meaningful return to music—this time with a renewed sense of purpose.
The singer-songwriter officially launched his third studio album, Stand in the Fire, during a press event held at Pandan Asian Café in Quezon City on May 26, 2026.
Speaking to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other members of the press, Miguel reflected on how his comeback has shifted his perspective, giving him a deeper appreciation for the present and the opportunity to make music again.
He said: "Now there's a newfound appreciation of the present moment and realizing the importance of making the most of it and maximizing of what's in front of you.
"Sometimes kasi we're too worried about ano yung mangyayari later on, at saka masyado tayong apektado kung ano ang nangyari noon na nakakalimutan natin kung ano ang nasa harap natin.
"And I think doing music again, I'm just so grateful to be able to do it, and I do realize that I don't know how long this is going to be again.
"So I just want to enjoy every moment, maximize it, and always give my 110-percent effort. And I think that's the main difference from before.
"Kasi when you're younger, feeling forever, di ba, and sometimes you just go through the motions.
"Pero now, with the production of this album and to even when we perform, we're just so intentional.
"We're so meticulous when it comes to the details of everything and, we just want to make sure that we do it right every single time."
MIGUEL ESCUETA'S MEANINGFUL COMEBACK
Miguel said that his comeback wasn’t something he initially planned.
In May 2025, he began writing songs again simply as a creative and therapeutic outlet.
It was only when music producer Juni Devecais heard his work that things started to shift toward a full return.
He recalled: "I think nung sinulat ko yung 'Summer Dream,' I think hindi naman siya plano maging comeback.
"Parang inunti-unti ako ni Lord, I think, because I do believe, this path that I'm on is part of the bigger plan.
"But to answer your question, first... writing the song came as a need, and it was very therapeutic for me kaya ko siya isinulat.
"Hindi ko siya balak i-record or i-release. Pero nung pinarinig ko kay Juni, parang sabi, 'O, record natin ta's release na.'
"Tapos biglang may isa pang song, parang, 'Release na natin ito,' tas... about mental health awareness siya, tapos nag-collab ko pa siya with Champ ng Hale. So we did that. Nag-music video din siya."
Champ Lui-Pio is the lead vocalist of the rock band Hale.
The momentum continued when talent manager Arnold Vegafria reached out with plans for a full-length album.
"Doon nag-get in touch sila ALV, and sabi niya, 'Miguel, parang baka pwede nating gawin 'to.' And they had a vision and plans for an album.
"So it slowly snowballed into that and, you know, we have a full-length album now. So, in terms of the comeback, hindi ko siya plano maging album.
"Medyo nangyari siya organically and, so many people contributing to getting this one out, and that's why na-feel ko na it's the right time to do it."
MIGUEL ESCUETA: STAND IN FIRE
With Stand in the Fire, Miguel takes on more socially conscious themes, aiming to spark awareness rather than controversy.
He explained: "Well, for me, hindi siya controversy... it's factual and it's something that we need to re-bring, [or] we shine a light on.
"Kasi, parang ang nangyayari sa atin is pag may nangyaring issue o mali, after the passing of time, parang nakakalimutan na lang po sa next issue.
"Pero, I think, this one shouldn't be the case."
Miguel also shared how real-world events, including the oil crisis, influenced the direction of his music.
"I think nag-evolve siya into this type of song noong nag-meeting kami about the music video and trying to conceptualize ano yung maganda.
"And at that time, the oil crisis had just happened and sinabi ng gobyerno, 'Ay, hindi kami pwede magtagal ng VAT at saka ng excise tax sa gas kasi kailangan namin yun pambayad ng expenses.'
"So, yung utak namin napunta sa flood control kasi, 'E, kung hindi kayo nagnakaw nun, e, di sana nakatulong kayo sa taumbayan ngayon,' di ba?
"So, parang yun yung... I remember, it was a very riling experience. And then fast-forward to anong nangyayari sa Senado ngayon. So, parang nakaka-frustrate lang talaga.
"And for us, it's a privilege to be able to use our platform to bring it to life, and I hope people get inspired to not forget about it and to continue to stand up for what's right.
"And it's an ode to those who have continued to do it despite not getting heard."
For the singer, artists have a responsibility to speak up and use their influence for good.
"I think that shouldn't be the case because we have a platform and we are creators.
"We are songwriters. And it's important that we use those tools and talents for the betterment of society, I believe.
"And I don't believe in just keeping quiet. Hindi naman chismis yung binubuga namin.
"Like I said, factual siya. And if you noticed, hindi rin kami nagsa-side on a political party. We're not saying na pro or against kami sa kanino.
"And I think everyone could unite behind just holding the government accountable regardless of who is in-charge. I think we all deserve that."
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