OPM Band Dilaw has cemented itself as one of the most popular and most listened-to local group of this generation.
The group is composed of Dilaw Obero (singer-songwriter), Vie Dela Rosa (guitarist-instrumentalist), Wayne Dela Rosa (bass guitar), Leon Karlos (guitar), En Altomonte (keyboards, synths), and Tóbi Samson (drums).
Whether through TikTok edits or karaoke sessions, their songs have become so ingrained in the lives of Filipinos that you can hear them everywhere—from digital platforms to neighborhood birthday parties.
With over three million monthly listeners on Spotify, the Baguio-based ensemble is loved not only for their sing-along anthems but also for their diverse catalog.
From the romantic ballad “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)” to a powerful single “3019,” the six-piece collective puts a refreshing spin on themes of love, heartbreak, and even corruption.
The latter track even carries this striking line: “Habang tayo'y naghihirap, sila, sige sa pagkalap ng yaman na dapat panglingap sa ating mahihirap.”
At a press conference ahead of their RARARA album launch concert in Pasig City on September 6, 2025, Dilaw candidly shared their thoughts on people using their songs in social media videos tied to current socio-political issues.
Guitarist Vie dela Rosa quipped, "Siyempre nanggagalaiti kami."
Turning serious, he said, "Pero joking aside, masaya kami na yun napapakinggan and nare-remind yung mga kababayan namin kung ano yung, alam mo yun, problemang puwedeng malutas.
"Saka yung, alam mo yun, yung yung bigat na parang nararamdaman ng mga Pilipino sa araw-araw nating ginagawa. Kaya parang sana may, panghugutan nila yung kanta…"
Vocalist Dilaw Obero added, "Oo, na parang pinapakita namin sa kanila na umaambag kami. Na may, na tumutulong kami dun sa, para sa Pilipinas.
"Kasi yun yung, yun yung way namin: music. Para, medyo payapa siyang paraan pero galit pa din talaga kami."
When asked if they plan to release more songs like “3019” and “Kaloy,” Vie responded, “Para sa amin, yung ano na lang, yung "3019" saka "Kaloy." Feeling ko, nasabi namin yung mga gusto naming sabihin dun.
“Saka, ano yun, the song speaks for itself. Kasi yun na yung observation namin [sa] kung anong nangyayari.
“And siyempre, hindi rin mababago yung isip namin regarding doon, yung gusto naming message na sabihin, yun pa rin yun.
“So, yun gentle reminder lang yun na kung ano nangyayari sa araw-araw dito sa Pilipinas.”
Read: Sarah Geronimo, Dilaw's "Uhaw" lead 36th Awit Awards winners
DILAW’S JOURNEY: CHALLENGES, PRESSURE, DIFFERENCES
Dilaw began as a duo, with Dilaw on vocals and Vie on guitar, before eventually expanding into a six-piece band with Leon Karlos Altomonte (guitar), Tóbi Samson (drums), En Altomonte (keyboards), and Wayne Dela Rosa (bass).
Following the massive success of their hit “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat),” alongside “Janice” and “Orasa,” the ensemble admitted that despite their achievements, challenges and pressure are still part of their journey.
Vie openly told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), “Oo, siyempre, parte yun. Parte ma-pressure. Pero good kind of pressure. Kasi parang tine-test niya, yung pressure na yun tine-test niya kung buhay pa ba kayo.”
Still, with a shared vision for music, Dilaw continues to overcome challenges—the same vision that binds them together.
Guitarist Leon expounded, “Yeah, I was gonna say also—it's the music that keeps us together. Because at the end of the day that [is] what brought us together.
“In the first place, we all have personal differences... we talked it out and all that.
"But, when, even when we disagree, we all know our common ground is music. And that's where we fall back when times get rough.”
Lightening the mood, vocalist Dilaw jokingly pointed out how each of them differs in their personalities and routines outside the stage.
In his words: “Si Vie, mahilig talaga sya sa adventure kaya alam ko, adventure lang sya nang adventure sa Valorant.
“Tapos si Tóbi, ano lang yan, chill lang yan sa bahay. Workout, ganyan. Si Wayne, tumatakbo dito hanggang Baguio.
“Tapos yan si Leon, si Leon busy sa business. Si En, masyadong maraming pinagkakaabalahan si En na hindi ko maintindihan. Pero alam ko, maganda palagi.
“Ako, nasa bahay lang din. Ah ano lang, take it easy.”
Despite their differences, the group revealed that they share a common ground when it comes to their music.
When asked about their favorite line from their new releases—the one that resonates with them most—they instantly made the same nonverbal expression in unison: “Woah!” from the track “!”
Vie explained, “Meron po kaming track na exclamation point... yun po yung tumatak talaga samin.”
He also described its theme, saying, “Yung theme nung kantang yun kapag, kunyare bumabyahe kayo tapos nakatulog na lahat ng passenger niyo.
“Tapos pagtingin niyo sa rearview mirror nyo, may humihilik, may tulog na tulog. Tapos wala kayong ibang makakausap kundi sarili niyo."
DILAW ON RARARA ALBUM and CONCERT
RARARA is Dilaw’s newest album, featuring eight tracks and two pre-released singles like “FLYING KISS” and “BLACK N’ WHITE.” The event on Saturday was held to celebrate the release of the album under Warner Music Philippines.
When asked how it differs from their previous releases, the band emphasized its sound.
“Feeling ko, ah, ano, mas tunog kotse, saka tunog adventure. Saka medyo mas ano, mas optimistic yung approach namin,” Vie shared.
Leon agreed, interjecting, “Yeah, I think, the album is the closest to how we want to sound.
“I feel like if you ask any member of the band—how proud they are with the album—I feel like everyone is proud of what we've done.
“Because, because it's honest, something that's real. And it just reflects what we want now. Just like how our songs before reflect what we wanted then.”
“For the record, hindi kami nag-away sa album na 'to,” Vie playfully revealed, to which En quipped, “First time.”
The album, Leon mentioned, is dedicated to people who are “on an adventure right now.”
Picking up, Vie told reporters, “Oo kasi, hindi lang sa yung about sa bakasyon.
“Maski yung bagong venture, bagong tinatahak na landas, bagong trabaho, bagong, kahit ano pang bagong negosyo.”
Earlier, on August 9, 2025, Dilaw gave select fans in their hometown of Baguio an exclusive preview of the album. The band shared how meaningful the moment was, as it allowed them to honor their roots.
“Una, siyempre masaya kami. Kasi parang homecoming... Yung gusto naming sabihin dun is gusto naming mag-start kung saan kami nag-umpisa,” Vie recalled.
Leon chimed in, “Personally, that's one of the favorite shows that I've ever been [to].
“Because everyone who was there with us from the start, we got to see them again. We got to perform in the space that's been special to us for years.”
Dilaw jested, “Ibang klaseng kasiyahan yung nadulot samin kapag, nung nakapag-perform kami sa harap nila.
“Nakita nila kung ano yung progress namin, pinaggagagawa namin sa Maynila. Kasi iniisip nila, tumatambay lang kami dito, e.”
For the launch concert, fans were treated to opening performances from Novocrane, Kenaniah, and Kamikazee.
Then it was Dilaw’s turn—taking the stage for a solid two-hour set that showcased their musical prowess. They performed tracks from the new album, including “RARARA,” “ALL IN,” and “FLYING KISS.”
Other songs in their setlist were “AMISTAD,” “IKAW AT AKO AY,” “HOY (HANG OVER YOU),” “!,” “LAMYERDA,” and “SEYP.”
The band did not leave out their crowd favorites, thrilling audience with smash hits “Uhaw,” “Orasa,” and “Janice.”
Raising the energy even higher, Dilaw delivered powerful live versions of “Kaloy,” “Sansinukob,” and “YIEE.”
They capped the night with a rousing performance of “3019.”
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