The Qings release their first original track “Samantha” to streaming platforms, following a successful run on local radio stations in Cebu.
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu-based pop rock band The Qings will release their first original single, “Samantha,” on Sept. 12, marking the group’s debut in Bisaya songwriting and a bold step forward from their earlier work.
“Samantha” follows the band’s 2024 debut EP, Parallels, a collection of reimagined songs from three of the members’ previous project, Bethany. As their first original composition, the single introduces a smoother, city pop-inspired sound, while embracing Bisaya lyrics for the first time.
Cover art by Valerie Jayne Jamili and Julie Jayne Jamili
“‘Samantha’ is a blend of tension and texture,” the band shares. “While it comes across as a feel-good bop, its lyrics carry a touch of melancholy, reflecting on a relationship that works in theory but falls apart in reality.” The title itself is a playful nod to the song’s opening line, “Asa man ta? (where are we headed?)”
The track is produced by Vince Lucero (Mikee Misalucha, Wonggoys, Sansette) with co-production by The Qings. It was recorded and mixed by Lucero, with additional instrumentation and mixing by Jake Relacion, and mastering by David Lina (Ben&Ben, SB19, Juan Karlos). Cover art was designed by Valerie Jayne Jamili and Julie Jayne Jamili.
Prior to its release on streaming platforms, “Samantha” saw airplay on local radio in Cebu City, eventually reaching the number 4 spot on Tops Media Center 105.1’s Weekly Top Ten.
“We wanted to tap into that feeling of intimacy, like an old secret that only two people in a relationship know about,” frontman Luis Quibranza shares. “In the age of on-demand online streaming, radio remains for the romantics, so launching ‘Samantha’ first on local airwaves was both our love letter and thank you to Cebu, the home we owe our music to.”
In the age of on-demand online streaming, radio remains for the romantics.
Luis Quibranza III, on why ‘Samantha’ was first released on radio
To celebrate the release of “Samantha”, The Qings are hosting a listening party and meet-and-greet at the Filla Killa Shop in Atua Midtown Cebu on the day of the release.
The Qings is a five-piece band made up of the Quibranza siblings—Luis, Angelo, Paolo, Fonso, and Cesco. Building on Bethany’s legacy as key figures in Cebu’s indie rock scene, the group now carves out a fresh identity through their own music.
Presave “Samantha” on streaming platforms and follow @qingsmusic on social media for more updates!
