The Philippine music scene continues to evolve with the emergence of exciting new talent, and HALIYA is at the forefront of this change. This independent girl group, consisting of members Diwata, Tala, and two unreleased trainees, is making a significant impact with their fresh sound and empowering message.
Diwata and Tala, who initially debuted as a sub-unit of HALIYA, recently released their debut single, “Ayoko Na”. Written and produced by the acclaimed Hazel Faith, known for her viral hit Kinikilig, and arranged by Caleb Santos, formerly of the boy group XLR8 (now X8), “Ayoko Na” serves as a bold statement of positivity. The song rejects the culture of “hugot” (a Filipino term for deep emotional sentiments) and encourages listeners to embrace a more optimistic outlook on life.
Hazel Faith, also known as the “Reyna ng Kilig,” has made a name for herself in the P-pop scene with her infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics. She has expanded her influence by writing and producing songs for various P-pop groups, shaping the sound of the genre. Her collaboration with HALIYA underscores her commitment to empowering artists through her music.
The name HALIYA is inspired by the Bicolano goddess of the moonlight from Philippine mythology. Haliya, a warrior goddess who hides her beauty behind a golden mask, symbolizes strength, resilience, and femininity—qualities that the group aims to embody. Reflecting this connection, HALIYA’s fandom is called AMARIS, which means “moon child” in Latin. Just as Haliya is a protector of the moon, the AMARIS are seen as the guardians of HALIYA, supporting them with unwavering dedication.
Formed in 2021, HALIYA started with eight trainees, many of whom were inspired by the first PPOP CON in 2022, where groups like SB19 and other pioneers of the genre performed. For Tala and Diwata, their path to forming HALIYA was a blend of destiny and hard work. Both were volunteers at the Manila leg of SB19’s Get In The Zone concert tour, where they met their manager, Ms. Rose Ariane Pearl P. Lope, also known as Ate Rose or Ate Rappl.
Ms. Rose is a significant figure in the Philippine music industry, having worked with SB19 during her time at ShowBT Philippines. Her directorial achievements include SB19’s first short film, EXMAS, as well as ABS-CBN Adober Studios’ web series Bakit Ka Single? and Unspoken Rules. Her extensive background in managing and directing has been invaluable in shaping HALIYA’s development.
Years of training, mentorship, and overcoming challenges culminated in HALIYA’s debut on August 28, 2024, with the release of “Ayoko Na”. This track marks not just the beginning of their journey, but also a bold statement about their mission as a group. HALIYA’s music goes beyond catchy tunes—it’s a platform for empowerment and self-expression.
Stream HALIYA’s “Ayoko Na” on Spotify, YouTube Music, and selected platforms, distributed by SoundOn. The lyric music video is also available on their official YouTube page. Watch it here.
Stay connected with HALIYA through their social media channels and join the AMARIS in supporting this dynamic new group as they make their mark on the Philippine music scene.
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Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/haliyaofficial
Tiktok – https://www.tiktok.com/@officialhaliya
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@haliyaphofficial
X (Twitter) – https://x.com/officialhaliya
