Asia’s Pop Sweetheart, Isha Ponti, is steadily carving out her space in the music industry with a mix of sincerity, artistry, and resilience. From singing competitions abroad to releasing her own originals, the young singer-songwriter is proving that her music journey is built not only on talent but also on heart—and with the unwavering support of her mother, Mommy Ponti.
During a recent media conference in Quezon City, Isha admitted that she’s still exploring the wide range of genres she can dive into.
Still finding her lane
“As a singer po kasi, naguguluhan rin po ako sa sarili ko kung anong genre ako pasók, kasi parang kaya ko naman po. So there’s nothing wrong with exploring,” she shared. (As a singer, I sometimes get confused about which genre I truly belong to, because I feel I can do many.)
She has experimented with pop, R&B, and even rock, recalling her intense performance during her “training season” in a café.
But when pressed to define her core, she didn’t hesitate: “More on pop talaga. Kaya tama naman yung binigay sa akin na tawag na Asia’s Pop Sweetheart.” (It’s really more on pop. That’s why the title Asia’s Pop Sweetheart suits me well).
From seasonal inspirations to heartfelt originals
Isha’s discography already counts over a dozen songs, many of them inspired by seasons and celebrations.
She noted, “Yung pagsulat ko po kasi ng kanta, it depends on the time that I’m writing it. So seasonal po talaga yung mga kanta ko.” (When I write songs, it often depends on the season or upcoming celebrations).
Her first single, Proud to Say, was a Father’s Day tribute. Later, she wrote Christmas songs, love songs for Valentine’s, and even rainy-day anthems. But beyond seasonal tracks, she has written heartfelt originals like Life Isn’t Perfect and the Tagalog ballad Babalik Ka.
Her 2025 release Dyahe, arranged and produced by Adonis Tabanda, captured audiences with its smooth, textured vibe.
Writing her own songs, she explained, feels more natural and fulfilling. “Mas madali po yung ako yung nagsulat kasi sarili kong melody, sarili kong lyrics. So it’s really from the heart.” (It’s easier when I’m the one writing, because the melody and lyrics come from me. It’s truly from the heart).
She even recently ventured into songwriting for other artists, penning a track for the P-pop group Divine.
Beginnings, pauses, perseverance
Isha’s songwriting journey began at just nine years old with an inspirational song titled Invincible. But her creative pursuits paused as she focused on studies and competitions. At 13, she made waves internationally, winning at the Eurotalent Festival in the Czech Republic with her performance of “Speechless” from Aladdin.
Locally, she also claimed the grand champion title at Asia’s Best Singing Competition Season 2 in 2019. These experiences, she said, gave her a glimpse of international standards in music and the discipline needed to grow as an artist.
Today, even as a college freshman studying Multimedia Arts, she balances academics with her blossoming career.
Anchored by her family
When asked who keeps her grounded, Isha was quick to acknowledge her greatest supporter: her mom.
“Of course, it’s going to be my mom talaga. Siya po lahat—stylist, videographer, photographer, manager.” (Of course, it’s really my mom. She does everything—stylist, videographer, photographer, manager).
Her latest single, You Loved Me First, released on her mother’s birthday, is a tribute to that bond.
“It all came down to my thoughts of my mom. From when I was little, grabe na yung pag-aalaga niya sa akin… sa musical journey ko, sa studies, sa tough times—siya po talaga yung nag-guide.” (…She cared for me so much… through my musical journey, my studies, and tough times—she was really the one who guided me.)
Inspirations and influences
Growing up, Isha was surrounded by music at home—old OPM classics and timeless hits. She cites Regine Velasquez, Sharon Cuneta, Lea Salonga, and Sarah Geronimo among her biggest influences, even jokingly recalling that her mother would compare her voice to Sarah’s.
Her taste in old songs sometimes leads peers to tease her for being “luma” (old-fashioned), but she takes it in stride. “At the end, they still love it. In fact, nai-influence ko pa sila makinig ng old music.” (I even influence them to listen to old music.)
In today’s era of P-pop and global streaming, young artists often think about international domination right away. But Isha has a more rooted perspective.
“Hindi ba dapat sariling music po yung talagang pino-promote natin? Kasi music is all about culture, our experiences as Filipinos.” (Shouldn’t we promote our own music? Because music is all about culture, our experiences as Filipinos).
While she’s open to global opportunities, she stresses the importance of staying true to her artistry and Filipino identity.
More of Isha soon
Isha is set to join music legend Nonoy Zuñiga’s Beyond Gold: Songs of a Lifetime this September and is slated for more shows before the year ends. An album release is in the works for 2026, a milestone that will compile her growing catalog of 13+ originals.
She also dreams of collaborations with Sarah Geronimo, SB19, and Janine Tenoso, while continuing to build Ponti Productions, her own venture aimed at helping other artists produce and showcase their music.
Despite her rising profile, Isha remains humble about fame and hits.
“It’s still a hobby, but if people really like my songs, then… God speed…!”
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