Dylan Yturralde welcomed a room filled with people close to him as he marked an important milestone in his budding music career with an exclusive listening party for his self-titled debut EP.

The intimate gathering brought together Yturralde’s family, friends, fans, members of the media, and the people involved in creating the project. More than a preview of his upcoming release, the event provided a personal setting for the young artist to introduce the music that represents another side of himself.

The listening party came just days before the official release of Dylan Yturralde’s first extended play under StarPop, streaming on platforms on October 2.

For much of the evening, the attention remained on the songs. As each track played, Yturralde shared pieces of the story behind the project, giving those in attendance a better understanding of the experiences and emotions that informed his music.

The format allowed the audience to hear the EP while also hearing directly from the artist about what went into making it. Instead of presenting the songs without context, Yturralde opened up about the personal experiences, inspirations, and creative process that became part of the record.

That personal element is particularly evident in how Yturralde views music as an avenue for expressing emotions that he may not always be able to show in other aspects of his career.

One of the clearest themes that emerged during the listening party was Yturralde’s desire to let listeners discover his romantic side through his songs.

The artist explained that there are certain parts of his personality that are easier to express through music, particularly when it comes to love and longing.

“Sa ibang aspeto ng ginagawa ko, hindi ko mapakita ‘yun (loverboy) eh. Through music, dun ko napapakita kung paano ko magmahal, kung paano ba ko kapag inlove… kunwari nagyi-yearn sila for love, they can listen to me,” Yturralde shared.

The statement offered a glimpse into the kind of connection he hopes to establish with listeners through the EP.

For Yturralde, the songs provide a space where he can translate feelings into something audiences can experience for themselves. Listeners who have experienced yearning for love or found themselves navigating romantic emotions may find a familiar perspective in the stories he puts into music.

Rather than simply introducing himself as a recording artist, Yturralde used the project to present a more vulnerable dimension of his personality.

Yturralde also talked about the people who helped shape his perspective on music, with fellow artist Angela Ken emerging as one of the influences he specifically mentioned.

He recalled first being drawn to Ken after hearing her song “Baka Bukas.” His interest in the song eventually led to a personal connection with the singer, who later introduced him to other artists.

“Nag release siya ng kanta na tumatak sakin, yung ‘Baka Bukas’… Hanggang sa nakausap ko siya, naka-bonding ko siya… In-introduce niya ko sa new artists. Dun ako lalong na-inspire na may ganito palang community kasi hindi ako aware eh,” he said.

The experience helped Yturralde discover a broader community within the local music scene.

That discovery became significant as he began developing his own identity as a musician. Beyond individual songs and artists, being introduced to other creatives gave him a better sense of the community surrounding the kind of music he wanted to explore.

It also showed how musical journeys can be shaped by simple discoveries—one song leading to a conversation, a friendship, and eventually a wider appreciation for the artists working around the same creative space.

The listening party was also made more meaningful by the presence of several of Yturralde’s former housemates from Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11.

Their attendance turned part of the evening into a mini reunion, bringing together individuals who had previously shared the unique experience of living together inside the PBB house.

While the housemates have since moved toward their respective careers and projects, their presence at Yturralde’s listening party reflected the relationships they formed during their time on the reality show.

BGYO member Gelo was among those who showed support for Yturralde during the celebration.

The gathering allowed the former housemates to reconnect while also marking an important moment in Yturralde’s transition into another area of the entertainment industry.

For an artist preparing to release his first EP, having family, friends, fans, and familiar faces in the room added a distinctly personal touch to the occasion.

Throughout the listening session, Yturralde’s conversations about the songs repeatedly returned to the idea of personal expression.

The self-titled project serves as an introduction to his music, but it also allows him to communicate feelings that he wants listeners to hear through his own songs.

The listening party therefore functioned as more than a traditional release preview. It created a space where the people supporting Yturralde could hear the EP alongside him and learn about the experiences behind the project before it became available to the wider public.

The evening eventually moved into a Q&A session, allowing guests to engage with the artist directly. It concluded with a celebratory dinner, giving everyone in attendance an opportunity to mark the upcoming release together.

With the EP set to arrive under StarPop, the listening party offered an early glimpse into the direction Yturralde is taking as a recording artist.

His self-titled debut EP, Dylan Yturralde, was released on October 2, 2026, marking a new chapter for the young artist as he begins to establish his own voice in music. (with reports from Lexi Mercader)