Following the success of his breakout hit “ikaw ikaw ikaw,” Singapore-based Filipino singer-songwriter and producer ICEBOX returns with his latest single, “SAAKIN,” now available on all major streaming platforms via PARKA.

The release marks another step in the 21-year-old artist’s growing connection with Original Pilipino Music (OPM), embracing the language and emotional storytelling that reflect his Filipino heritage despite growing up overseas.

“SAAKIN” explores the lingering emotions that remain after a relationship ends, focusing not only on heartbreak but also on the uncertainty, longing, and unanswered questions that often follow. Rather than depicting a single moment of loss, the song captures the difficult search for closure when one person has already moved on while the other continues to hold on to hope.

Although the song’s lyrics were originally written nearly three years ago as part of a school collaboration with longtime friend Julia, “SAAKIN” underwent several revisions before ICEBOX revisited the track with producers Dominic and Timothy of PARKA, giving it a fresh sonic direction.

The artist said the overwhelming response to his hit collaboration with Filipino singer-songwriter Eliza Maturan, “ikaw ikaw ikaw,” played a significant role in shaping the sound of his latest release.

“That song has obviously been such a monumental part of the catalysis of my music career,” ICEBOX shared. “I never really expected those three-hour writing and production sessions with Eliza amounted to such a hit, unlocking the doors to the Filipino market for me and exposing my art to a familiar yet new audience.”

He added that connecting with Filipino listeners has influenced how he approaches songwriting and production for both his English and Tagalog releases.

“Being able to garner and meet so many new fans both online and in person through my performances is one of the best privileges I’ve been able to experience after releasing ‘ikaw ikaw ikaw,’ and it has definitely influenced how I produce and write my new songs to fit the sound my new audience knows me for,” he said.

After immersing himself in OPM over the past several months, ICEBOX and his collaborators reworked “SAAKIN” into a track that blends the emotional core of Filipino songwriting with the modern production style that will define his upcoming album.

“I knew ‘SAAKIN’ had to be more than just a school project demo,” he said. “What came out of those sessions is a track that carries the story and core of an OPM song but is fused with production techniques and textures that are derived from the sounds of my upcoming album.”

The single also serves as an early preview of ICEBOX’s second studio album, a 12-track project scheduled for release in September. Developed over the past year and a half, the album promises to showcase new musical influences, richer sonic textures, and more personal storytelling.

“Lots of hard work, soul, and passion have been poured into this project,” ICEBOX said. “We’re looking to do more shows in the Philippines for the album as well, and I sure hope nobody misses it because these coming songs are more than just earworms—they’re stories that you might resonate with one way or another.”

Professionally known as ICEBOX, Leo is a Singapore-based Filipino singer-songwriter and producer whose music blends diverse influences with deeply personal songwriting. As he continues to refine his artistry, he aims to further establish himself as one of the emerging voices in Asia’s music scene.

“SAAKIN” is now available on digital streaming platforms worldwide through PARKA.