There was something refreshingly personal about the way Janine Berdin celebrated her latest musical chapter. Instead of a large-scale launch filled with spectacle, the singer-songwriter brought her music closer to the people who came to listen as she hosted an intimate listening party for her deluxe album, MORE LAB SONGS NG MGA TANGA, on July 31 at Bigger Pictures in Mandaluyong.
The venue became a space where music, memories, and honest conversations came together. Fans, media guests, and industry friends gathered to hear Janine’s expanded body of work and, more importantly, to understand the stories and experiences that helped shape the songs.
Released under Island Records Philippines / UMG Philippines, the deluxe edition gives listeners more of Janine’s distinct musical perspective while building on the momentum of the original project. Among the tracks that have already captured attention is “What if I miss you for the rest of my life?” A song that found an audience far beyond the Philippines and even received praise from international stars such as SZA and Demi Lovato.
But during the listening party, the spotlight wasn’t simply on the song’s viral success. Janine brought the conversation back to where the music began—with her own experiences.
As she shared stories about her career, Janine opened up about periods of uncertainty, self-doubt, and the challenges she encountered while trying to establish herself as an artist. Her reflections offered a different perspective on the music that audiences hear today. Behind the songs is an artist who had to navigate difficult moments, learn from them, and continue creating despite not always knowing where the journey would lead.
That honesty became one of the defining moments of the gathering. Listening to the album while hearing Janine talk about her experiences made the songs feel even more personal. The deluxe record wasn’t presented simply as another release but as part of a continuing story—one that reflects where Janine has been and how she has grown.
She also took the opportunity to recognize UMG Philippines for giving her the space and confidence to pursue her creative vision. For Janine, that support has played an important role in allowing her to explore her identity as a singer-songwriter and create music that feels authentic to her.
@lionheartv At the recently concluded listening party for Janine Berdin’s album “MORE Lab Songs ng mga tanga”, sino-sino nga ba ang kumasa to sing their own version of “what if I miss you for the rest of my life?” #UMG #JanineBerdin #LabSongsngmgaTanga #LionHearTV #RawrNation @UMG Philippines @not janine berdin @Adie @RJ Cruz @Carl Guevarra ♬ original sound – LIONHEARTV
The evening also highlighted how far her music has traveled. The response to MORE LAB SONGS NG MGA TANGA, particularly the attention surrounding “What if I miss you for the rest of my life?”, demonstrates how deeply personal stories can connect with listeners. What may begin as an intimate expression of emotion can eventually reach audiences well beyond the room where it was created.
For the guests at Bigger Pictures, the experience offered something that goes beyond simply pressing play on a new album. They were given a closer look at the artist behind the tracks and the journey that brought her to this point in her career.
And the listening party appears to be only the beginning of another exciting chapter. With Janine preparing for her headlining concert this October, the songs from MORE LAB SONGS NG MGA TANGA are set to take on an entirely new life onstage. (with reports from Aldrine Benitez)