At just 19, Isha Ponti is already being hailed as ‘Asia’s Pop Sweetheart’—a title once held by OPM powerhouse Julie Anne San Jose.
But for Isha, the crown isn’t about rivalry. It’s about generational evolution.
“I feel like, Asia’s Pop Sweetheart ng Gen-Z! Ganon na lang!” she said with a laugh during our exclusive interview. “We know Ms. Julie Anne, siya ang aking ate sa industry. Kaya ako na lang po ang next generation, ang Gen-Z Pop Sweetheart!”
The moniker came unexpectedly, first bestowed during her guest appearance at the Truth Festival last year.
“OMG! What happened was, na-heads up ako ni Direk Calvin Neria,” she recalled. “Si Direk Calvin po ang nagsabi na ‘uy, magkaka-title ka na!’ Then bigla pong inanounce ng host… ‘Asia’s Pop Sweetheart’ ganon? So, doon ko po nakuha ‘yung title. And sa Aliw Awards din po. Talagang sila ‘yung nag-certified.”
For Isha, the recognition was both surreal and affirming. “Nagulat ako kasi hindi ko inexpect na magkaka-title ako agad! It’s such a privilege, and knowing Direk Calvin, sobrang taas na niya sa industry. I was still focusing on my songs na, still little… but I hope it will grow along the way.”
And grow it has. Isha’s music—gentle, melodic, and emotionally resonant—has found a devoted following among young listeners. Her songwriting reflects the sensibilities of a Gen Z artist who’s deeply aware of her influence.
“As much as possible, I don’t want any vulgar words sa mga kanta ko,” she explained. “May mga nakikinig din kasing younger na mga bata sa akin. Marami akong fans sa grade school, so iniisip ko rin sila. Sana mag-enjoy sila at mainfluence sila na stay innocent, ganon!”
Her breakout single Umulan, Bumagyo became a campus anthem, with classmates discovering her music through social media.
“Actually, hindi ko po masyado pinapaalam sa mga classmates ko na singer ako,” she admitted. “Nalalaman lang nila when they stalk me… sila nga ‘yung super-supportive ever since ni-release ko ‘yung ‘Umulan, Bumagyo’. Yun po talaga ‘yung naging national anthem ng school namin. They all loved it!”
Despite her rising fame, Isha remains grounded in her studies and her craft. She’s currently working on her debut album, aiming to complete seven new songs to add to the 13 she has already written.
“Hopefully kayanin ko. Next year, ipupush ko ang aking creative self na gumawa ng 7 songs in one album!” she said.
Her vision for the future is expansive yet rooted in community.
“Five years from now, I feel like I will focus on music production and concert production—concert and music and helping others din po sa industry na ito,” she shared.
“But if ever I really did a hit song, then that would be so fun! Sana ma-invite ako sa mga major concerts tulad ng Stardust ng Cup of Joe… ‘yung SB19 with Sarah… and Regine Velasquez with Vice Ganda! Sana ma-invite ako as special guest. And I will also be launching my own concert para sa mga fans ko rin, and friends and family na sumusuporta sa akin.”
What sets Isha apart isn’t just her voice—it’s her heart. Her songs are crafted with care, her lyrics shaped by empathy, and her presence in the industry marked by humility. She’s not chasing fame; she’s building a legacy.
In a competitive landscape filled with rising stars, Isha Ponti shines with quiet brilliance. She may be Gen Z’s Pop Sweetheart, but her artistry speaks to all generations—those who ache, those who heal, and those who believe in the power of a song to make the world feel just a little more tender.
And if her dreams are any indication, the best is yet to come.
