Best known for their cover of "Ambon," Migz and Maya have finally launched their 16-track self-titled album via Star Music.
The song "Ambon" was the theme of the Bea Alonzo-Gerald Anderson movie How To Be Yours.
At the press launch for the budding acoustic singers, Star Music producer Jonathan Manalo said that Migz and Maya are the very first acoustic duo under ABS-CBN's record label.
“Kung maaalala niyo, we signed up MYMP [comprised of Juris Fernandez and Chin Alcantara]. And then pagka-sign up namin sa kanila, nag-split sila.
“Si Juris nag-solo [singing career]. So, hindi natuloy ang project.
“So finally, we have our own duo which is Migz and Maya.”
Star Music's resident producer described Migz & Maya's debut album as the “ultimate hugot album of the year.”
“Kasi kumpleto ang feels.
“Actually, yung narrative ng songs dito nagsisimula sa na-in love muna sila... Naging sila... Tapos nagkaroon ng problema sa relationship...
“Kapag pinakinggan mo yung buong track listing, para kang sumakay sa isang journey ng love story ng isang tao na pinagdadaanan nating lahat.”
Migz (a.k.a. Miguel Haleco) is a music production graduate from the College of St. Benilde. He jumpstarted his singing career by uploading cover songs on his YouTube channel and by joining TV5's talent search Talentadong Pinoy.
Maya (a.k.a. Angeli Flores) happened to be a fellow batchmate of Popstar Princess Sarah Geronimo in the singing competition, Star For A Night. Maya pursued her love for music as a member of the Pan-Asian girl group, Blush.
Both Migz and Maya said that they feel honored to be given the chance to record a full-length album with 16 songs that are close to their heart.
“We're very excited. Eto na, hawak na namin! Migz and Maya under Star Music,” Maya gushed.
Migz added, “Sobrang overwhelmed kami. Actually, kinabahan kami these past weeks kasi sobrang naghanda talaga kami for this.”
Out of the 16 tracks from the album, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked the acoustic duo to pick their top three favorite songs.
Migz said that “Hibang” is definitely on top of their list.
“Favorite song namin ni Maya yung carrier single namin na 'Hibang.' Kasi siyempre first original yun, at yun yung isa sa una naming ni-record para sa album.”
On a personal note, Migz added that he can relate to the lyrics of “Hibang.”
“Napagdaaan ko rin yun—yung na-friendzoned. Kasi tungkol yun sa na-friendzoned.”
He also composed the song “Lihim.”
“Nung ginawa ko yung song na yun nasa bahay lang ako. Naisipan ko lang gumawa ng song na maraming makaka-relate.
“Kasi dati ang ginagawa kong songs, English songs. Yung 'Lihim' yung first try ko na gumawa ng OPM.”
Maya, for her part, said she likes her version of Session Road's “Suntok Sa Buwan.”
“Kasi sobra siyang iba sa original version ng Session Road... Masyadong hugot yung sa amin. Talagang malungkot siya. I like it.”
She also confessed that she was able to identify with “Kulang,” which is one of the original compositions in the album.
“Yung original solo ko na 'Kulang,' nung time na ni-record ko yun, medyo swak siya sa pangyayari sa aking buhay.
“Nung narinig ko nga na, 'Eto yung ire-record mo today.' Tapos binabasa ko yung lyrics... Sabi ko, 'Ah... Nananadya!”
Last but definitely not the least, the acoustic duo said that their cover of “Ambon” is very special to them.
According to Migz, he and Maya had just formed their acoustic duo when they were offered by Star Music to record the theme song for the Star Cinema movie How To Be Yours.
Migz added that it was the perfect launching pad of his and Maya's tandem.
To date, Migz and Maya's “Ambon” has reached more than 300,000 hits from their album on Spotify.