MATÉO is stepping into a new chapter of his musical journey with the release of “POREBER,” his first full-band single, which also debuts today on Spotify’s New Music Friday Philippines playlist. Best known for his breakout hit “Lalim,” which has now amassed over 40 million streams on Spotify, MATÉO has also made waves with “Pinipili,” “Tungo,” and his Cinderella remake “Bato Sa Buhangin.” With “POREBER,” he expands his sound, offering a song that celebrates love in its everyday, tender moments.
He explains that “Poreber is about holding on to the promise of forever with the person you love, but instead of talking about it in a grand scale, it’s talked about in the everyday moments you have together that make up everlasting love.” In contrast to his previous releases, he notes, “‘Lalim’ is for goodnight—‘Poreber’ is for good morning.”
Creating a Fuller Sound
Although the song began simply with voice and guitar, MATÉO worked with his musician friends to shape a richer, fuller sound. “I love producing my own music, letting each instrument guide me to the final sound and allowing ideas to unfold naturally in the process.” One standout moment in production came when recording the harmonica: “I recorded Ian Lofamia’s harmonica in his garage with no acoustic treatment, dogs barking, and someone outside cutting a tree.” Despite the playful chaos, he emphasizes that “whether it’s a slow song or a midtempo one, my intentions for creating will always be the glue.”
Visualizing “POREBER”
The “POREBER” music video reflects the song’s warmth and everyday love. “The single always sounded like spring to me… it’s having your own paradise wherever you are with your loved one,” MATÉO shares. The colorful visuals were chosen to match the new instruments, “minimal, intentional, and not too loud.” A creative twist involved a mannequin to represent unconditional love: “I originally planned to have a leading lady, but we ended up using a mannequin… showcasing that metaphor was all up to how I acted towards it.” MATÉO hopes fans feel the lightness of love: “It’s really just about unconditional love in broad daylight.”
Recognition and Reflection
“POREBER” follows MATÉO’s nomination for Folk Song of the Year at the first Filipino Music Awards for his viral hit “Lalim.” He says that being nominated “fueled and validated me in making more music that is deeply personal and deeply me. My music was never about overthinking, and for it to be recognized made me feel like it belongs.”
Adding to his achievements, MATÉO has also received two nominations at the 11th Wish Music Awards, happening in January 2026: Wish Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Wishclusive Contemporary Folk Performance of the Year for “Lalim.”
A Heartfelt Holiday Release
On November 28, MATÉO will also release “Sana Ngayong Pasko,” a remake of the holiday classic written by his uncle, Jimmy Borja, for the MMFF film Rekonek. “To be part of his legacy was something I really opened myself to,” he says. The intimate arrangement reflects memories of a Christmas when his own family wasn’t complete. “That memory pulled a lot from me emotionally. Christmas is always about the relationships we have with our families and loved ones.”
Closing 2025 on a High
As 2025 comes to a close, MATÉO reflects on a year of growth, milestones, and recognition. This was his first full year as a signed artist under Korean entertainment label Abyss Company, during which he released three singles, expanded his sound, and reached new audiences across the Philippines. With his FMA nomination and two Wish Music Awards nods, MATÉO has cemented his place as one of the major voices of his generation in OPM, while also bringing his music globally. “Each release pushes me to grow. I’m grateful that people get to witness that journey with me,” he shares. Looking ahead, he adds, “I hope to build a community around my music. My music is my solitude and peace. If people connect to that, it would put me in a place of real fulfillment.”
“POREBER” is out now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and all digital streaming sites: ffm.to/poreber_mateo.
