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Korean entertainment powerhouse Abyss Company marks its expansion into the Philippines by spotlighting MATÉO, the musical moniker of singer-songwriter Matthew Ong. Known for his smooth melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics, MATÉO is carving a niche in the local scene with his revival of the modern kundiman and harana—Filipino love song traditions rooted in deep sentimentality.

Far from a typical music industry origin story, MATÉO’s journey began during his elementary school days and evolved through his work in entertainment. But it was his audition into Kundirana, La Salle Greenhills’ acclaimed high school music ministry, that became a pivotal moment. The group, which has produced legends like Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Mon Faustino, and Louie Ocampo, became a training ground for his artistry despite his lack of formal vocal training. Like many Filipinos, he initially sang just for fun—but Kundirana gave him the discipline, exposure, and stage confidence to shape his musical identity.

It was through Kundirana that MATÉO was introduced to a diverse range of musical styles, including the classic sounds of kundiman and harana. This experience deepened his appreciation for Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and helped define his signature sound.

MATÉO counts OPM icons Rey Valera, Johnoy Danao, and Unique Salonga among his local inspirations, while also drawing influence from international artists such as Bruno Major, Jacob Collier, and Jason Mraz.

Now under the wing of Abyss Company—which also manages global K-pop acts—the singer-songwriter is poised to bring Filipino music to a wider audience, blending nostalgia with fresh vulnerability to create something uniquely his own.

The crooner wears his heart on his sleeve. When asked about his first release, “Lalim,” MATÉO reveals that he wrote it for the girl he admires. It wasn’t initially written for public release or to gain popularity; it was simply a serenade, created to convey his emotions in the way he knew she—an artist and musician herself—would understand best: through a song. However, once it was decided to be produced and released as a passion project, the impact of social media had different intentions, transforming it into an internet hit.

“It’s a series of singles, actually, with ‘Lalim’ as the debut track. It was meant to help me de-stress because, at that time, I was busy. Being part of the music corporate world, I was working on projects that consumed my mental space,” MATÉO says. He shared snippets and lyric videos of “Lalim” on TikTok prior to its release, capturing the attention of many who urged him to release the complete version of the song, which he eventually did on Spotify in September 2024. The song debuted at #1 on the Viral 50 Philippines chart on Spotify after the first week of release and now has millions of organic streams and counting.

“Although we all wish to see more advancements in Philippine music, I must admit that I still really enjoy the sound of the country’s old yet timeless music. As an A&R myself, I also understand that easy-listening, sweet love songs are ingrained in Filipino culture. Probably, by presenting a soft love song, I somehow touched a bit of people’s culture—being Filipino—that ‘harana’ remains in the heart of the Filipino people,” MATÉO explains.

Fellow artists like Janine Teñoso, Colet of BINI, and Eliza Maturan, among others, shared it on social media, creating even more buzz. MATÉO wrote and produced “Lalim,” with Monching Carpio on guitar, Ronald Tomas on flute, and Emil dela Rosa handling mixing and mastering.

He followed “Lalim” with another romantic tune, “Pinipili,” released in November 2024. A perfect acoustic wedding aisle song, it captures the enduring promise of love. The lyrics paint a picture of a love that knows no doubt, fear, or hesitation. MATÉO shares, “I wrote it on behalf of my lolos and dad—expressing their will to romantically choose my lolas and mom, respectively—but in the form of a song.”

With over 1.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, MATÉO continues to grow his audience while staying true to his vision of heartfelt, culturally rooted storytelling. His February 2025 single “Tungo” explores that fleeting yet powerful space between attraction and intention. “‘Tungo’ became a reflection of what it’s like to be in your head when you notice someone. It’s about the spark, the build-up, the courage to act on a feeling,” he shares. “I do hope it emphasizes that very specific moment of attraction… nostalgic for some who have it and exciting for some who have yet to be in that moment—yung you’ll act on it, ‘tungo’ sa kanya.”

Following that is MATÉO’s much-anticipated fourth single, “Bato Sa Buhangin”, out today, July 25, 2025 —a remake of the classic OPM hit by Cinderella, originally released in 1976. “It has been and always will be my favorite OPM song,” says MATÉO, who first encountered it while in Kundirana. “I never tried to play around with it. The song already had the soul in it. It’s such an iconic song that it carries you, and you never try to carry it.” Through his version, he hopes to help pass the song on to younger generations: “Let’s leave love out of the fast-paced and disposable. I hope this message about love—the kind that is sure, mabagal, and lasting—lives on.”

“Bato Sa Buhangin” is MATÉO’s first official single as a signed artist under Korean entertainment label Abyss Company, home to renowned Korean acts like Sunmi, MeloMance, and Sandara Park, as it expands operations to the Philippines. This release marks a meaningful step for MATÉO as he joins a diverse and respected roster of artists.

“It’s an honor to be part of a label that supports such talented artists I’ve long admired,” he shares. “Abyss has a strong vision, and I’m proud to represent Filipino music alongside a team that values authenticity and creativity—not just in Korea, but around the world.”

With his sound rooted in deep emotion and Filipino tradition, MATÉO leads the way for a new generation of modern kundiman—making timeless love songs that feel right at home in today’s world and bringing them to a global spotlight.