Fil-Am rising R&B star, SB19 Josh to perform MassKara Festival song

R&B artist Tiana Kocher (right) and P-pop King SB19’s Josh Cullen / CONTRIBUTED

“I want to eat more chicken inasal!”

Just like many Filipinos who have visited Bacolod or enjoyed a meal at a Bacolod-inspired restaurant, Filipino R&B artist Tiana Kocher eagerly shares that this is the English phrase she’d most love to have translated into Hiligaynon. For her, it perfectly captures the joy of indulging in Bacolod’s famous flavors.

But beyond the irresistible namit chicken inasal, Kocher is even more excited about another special opportunity in the City of Smiles.

Together with P-pop King SB19’s Josh Cullen, she has been tapped to sing this year’s MassKara Festival theme song, titled “MassKara! Sinadya sa Bacolod.”

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Proud to bring a slice of Filipino culture to her largely North and South American audience, the “Daisies” singer-songwriter, who’s musical journey since she was younger felt less like a choice and more like destiny unfolding before her eyes, shares that it has been one of her biggest goals to show the rest of the world what the Philippines – her home country – has to offer.

“I believe the song captures the essence of the MassKara Festival perfectly, it’s very upbeat, bright and lively just like the festival,” she says.

Tiana Kocher / CONTRIBUTED

Written and produced by Marvin Querido, the song’s energy matches the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.

“To me the lyrics show how proud the people of Bacolod are to be from the city that’s considered the city of smiles!” she adds. 

Taking on this year’s theme song, Kocher knew she had big shoes to fill. With past performances by OPM stars like Kyle Echarri, Sue Ramirez and Darren Espanto, the pressure was definitely on.

“I’m new to the Filipino music scene. I just hope I did the song justice and made Bacolod proud!” she said.

Tiana Kocher / CONTRIBUTED

And sure she did. Her take on the theme song showed not only her love for Filipino culture but also her ability to connect with an audience that celebrates pride, resilience and joy. It’s safe to say Bacolod embraced her with open arms – and a whole lot of smiles.

But what makes it even more special? Coming Oct. 27 marks her first time attending a festival in the Philippines.

“It’s such a ‘pinch-me’ moment to not only attend one of the biggest festivals in the country but to be invited to sing the theme song,” said Kocher, describing the opportunity as “a dream come true.”

Having never visited Bacolod before filming the video, she found it exciting to explore new parts of her home country and try new things.

“It keeps me very grounded,” she quips. The MassKara theme song is not only her first project recorded in the country but also her first song that includes a Filipino language.

For Kocher, these experiences enrich her artistic expression and deepen her connection to her roots, even more. 

Although she and Cullen couldn’t film together due to scheduling conflicts, the Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts alumna is thrilled and proud with the final product.

“We totally smashed it! Josh brought so much flair and energy to the song and video. I’d love the chance to work with him again—whether it’s collaborating or writing with him and SB19!” she said.

As for Cullen, collaborating with Kocher allowed him to showcase his Filipino pride. He described it as “a new opportunity” to explore a different side of his artistry.

“I want to share a piece of my identity while celebrating with the community and Bacolod’s beautiful traditions,” he added.

The music video, fully produced by Sarah and Matteo Guidicelli’s GStudiosPH, visually brings the project to life.

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A post shared by Matteo Guidicelli (@matteog)

Perhaps, filled with pride as a Filipino – especially as a woman in music – Kocher has had quite the journey while venturing into the project.

After ticking off the exciting milestone of singing the MassKara Festival theme song and stepping foot in Bacolod for the first time, she’s not only belted out a few lines in Hiligaynon, she might just find herself learning to say, “Gusto ko magkaon damo pa nga chicken inasal,” as she fully dives into the flavors and culture of her homeland.

Who is Tiana Kocher?

Tiana Kocher is an emerging R&B artist with deep roots in both the United States and her Filipino heritage, which she passionately embraces.

The granddaughter of former senator Juan Ponce Enrile, Tiana has expressed a desire to explore her musical roots in the Philippines while seeking opportunities to collaborate with up-and-coming talents.

A Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts alumna, she has worked with notable artists such as TLC, Faith Evans, and AJ McLean, and her track “U Tried It” was produced by Grammy-nominated RoccStar. Her single “Slow It Down,” featuring R&B legend Bobby V, pays homage to the 90s era R&B sound she loves, reminiscent of icons like Aaliyah and Mary J. Blige.

As an independent artist, Tiana has more than 10 million streams on YouTube and Spotify. Her debut single, “Just My Type,” made it onto the Top 40 Indie Chart, followed by successful tracks like “Paint the Town” and “Swing Better.”

With the release of her emotionally charged single “Daisies” and recently released song “Position,” she aims to showcase her versatility and authenticity. Drawing inspiration from her Filipino American idol, Bruno Mars, Tiana is determined to carve her own path in the music industry, sharing her heritage and experiences through her artistry while solidifying her presence in the R&B scene.