Some memories stay with us—the first crush, laughter that leaves your sides aching, or the quiet comfort of being known without saying a word. They linger, unprompted, bringing a softness we don’t question. This is the feeling ISSA captures in “Alaala.”
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Soft Memories
“There wasn’t a specific memory or moment that came to mind when writing this,” ISSA shares. Instead, the process began with the word itself—alaala, the Tagalog term for memory—its cadence catchy, almost sing-songy. From there, the melody and lyrics took shape alongside collaborators Raissa Laviña, Brian Lotho, and James Reid.
The pop R&B track marks her first fully Tagalog release, rooted in gratitude. It exists in the in-between—missing someone while holding onto the joy they brought. Through intimate storytelling, ISSA explores the quiet comfort of knowing that even as time passes, some people make ordinary moments unforgettable.
“Some memories are just too sweet to be left in the past, and ‘Alaala’ is about living in the memory of love.”
– ISSA
Bright Moments
Leaning into optimism, ISSA also frames the song as an act of manifestation. “It’s about putting energy into something you want,” the artist explains. “You’re singing it out, attracting it—whether it’s from a friend, a lover, or even the universe—and trusting that it will come to you.”
Ultimately, ISSA hopes listeners hold onto the moments that soften them—the kind that stay vivid long after they’ve passed.
Reflecting on early love, she adds: “When you’re new in a relationship, you feel that giddiness—and you grow with it. It sets the foundation. You’re already putting so much love into it.”
“Make the most of the small beginnings.”
– ISSA on the message she hopes “Alaala” leaves with listeners
Summer Release
As ISSA continues to evolve as an artist, she teases upcoming songs drawn from past experiences. “I still want to release the feelings I’ve had before,” she shares with a laugh. “They’re in the past, but I think of them as my babies—I want to put them out into the world.”
“I’m going to go deeper with my next releases,” she adds, hinting at more introspective work ahead. “They’ll reflect more of who I am and the stories that have shaped me.”
ISSA is also set to release another song this summer—alongside plans for a thematic EP, a cohesive body of work built around a singular concept. “I still want to fully build that concept,” she shares. “I want it to be meaningful and a true representation of myself—so it will take time.”
Get lost in “Alaala”—now streaming on Spotify and YouTube.
Featured Image and Photos: ISSA
Frequently Asked Questions
ISSA’s single “Alaala” explores the theme of nostalgic love and gratitude. The track captures the quiet comfort of holding onto sweet memories even after a relationship ends.
“Alaala” was written by ISSA alongside Raissa Laviña and Brian Lotho. The pop R&B single was produced by Brian Lotho and James Reid under CASA Entertainment.
Yes, “Alaala” marks ISSA’s first fully Tagalog song release. The track blends her signature contemporary pop R&B style with intimate, native-language songwriting focused on emotional vulnerability.
ISSA plans to release a thematic concept EP following her summer music rollout. The upcoming body of work will features cohesive, introspective storytelling built around a singular artistic concept.
ISSA’s latest music, including her new Tagalog single “Alaala,” is currently available for streaming globally on major digital audio platforms, including Spotify and YouTube.
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