Why ‘Paham’ and their hit song ‘Hiraya’?

Paham, the rising ‘Harana Pop’ band, is making waves in the music scene with the release of their much-anticipated self-titled debut album. Consisting of 12 tracks, the album delves into themes of love, resilience, and hope, all wrapped in Paham’s signature blend of modern alt-pop infused with the soul-stirring essence of harana.

Comprising Cymon (rhythm guitar), James (lead guitar, vocals), Kian (keyboards, vocals), Yuan (bass), and Ryen (drums), Paham has gained recognition for their heartfelt compositions that resonate deeply with dreamers and seekers alike. Their latest album features fan favorites, including “Hiraya (Haharanahin Kita),” an orchestral reimagination of their viral hit that has captivated listeners.

During an intimate interview that included CinemaBravo, the band opened up about the meaning behind their music.

When asked about their hit song “Hiraya (Haharanahin Kita),” Cymon shared, “Yung Hiraya po is about someone po na ina-admire mo, and siya yung parang biggest sana mo. Yung parang lahat ng magagandang sana mo sa buhay e yun yung gusto mong matupad kasama niya.”

(Hiraya is about someone you admire, and they are your biggest ‘what if.’ All the beautiful possibilities you wish for in life, you want to fulfill with them.)

Kian also reflected on the band’s name, explaining, “Naa-appreciate po kasi namin yung mga deep Tagalog words. Kaya yung ‘paham’ po, isa po siyang deep Tagalog word, meaning ‘to understand’ [as a verb] and ‘wise man’ [as a noun]. Yun yung gusto naming i-describe sa aming banda.”

“We appreciate deep Tagalog words. ‘Paham’ is one of them, meaning ‘to understand’ as a verb and ‘wise man’ as a noun. That’s how we want to describe our band.)

As for their message to fans, Kian expressed his gratitude, saying, “Maraming-maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa amin. I-stream n’yo yung bago naming album. Excited kaming marinig n’yo ‘tong album na pinaghirapan namin since nag-start kami. Stream on all major streaming platforms. Paham!”

(A huge thank you to everyone supporting us. Stream our new album—we’re excited for you to hear this project we’ve worked hard on since we started. Available on all major streaming platforms. Paham!)

What started as a school band has grown into one of the most promising acts in the indie/alternative rock scene. Their songs, including hits like Hiraya, Lakbay, and Akin, have become staples on Spotify playlists such as OPM Rising, Pinoy Indie Mix, and New Music Friday, garnering millions of streams and placements on Spotify’s Viral 50. Paham’s music goes beyond catchy tunes, delving into themes of self-discovery, romance, and hope, capturing the spirit of modern OPM while honoring its roots. A Spotlight on “Hiraya (Haharanahin Kita)” Paham elevates their hit Hiraya with a breathtaking orchestral version, transforming the modern kundiman-harana into a cinematic masterpiece. Lush strings, soulful wind instruments, and a full chorale breathe new life into the song, creating a timeless love letter that bridges tradition and innovation.

Opening their self-titled album, Hiraya (Haharanahin Kita) sets the stage for a serenade-filled journey, celebrating love in its grandest and purest form. With nearly 2 million streams, countless viral moments, and a legacy as a modern love anthem, this reimagined version invites fans to fall in love all over again.

Crafted with passion since 2021, Paham is a labor of love that charts a narrative of connection, dreams, and perseverance. The album seamlessly blends nostalgic OPM elements with fresh, genre-bending energy, offering listeners a timeless yet contemporary soundscape. Each track feels like a personal letter, speaking to universal emotions with authenticity and charm. From tender ballads to upbeat anthems, Paham delivers melodies that linger, reflecting the band’s commitment to meaningful artistry.

This album has been executive-produced by Ricky Ilacad under their label Off The Record and Sony Music Entertainment Philippines. It was co-produced by Nikhil Amarnani of Line In Productions and Francis Dayao, ensuring a polished and dynamic sound that elevates the band’s vision.

This debut release cements Paham’s place as a transformative voice in the indie/alternative rock scene.