Heartbreak was the main theme of TAWID Exclusive Album Listening Party held on Sept. 4 at Ayala Malls Trinoma, but The Juans made sure it didn’t stay there for more than a moment.
The band’s newest record, according to keyboardist and vocalist Carl Guevarra, is about turning pain into songs of healing—stories that speak to unspoken love, quiet goodbyes, and the strength to move on.
The Juans, now composed of Guevarra, Japs Mendoza, Chael Adriano, and RJ Cruz, have been together for more than a decade, and their shared experiences shape the album’s narrative.
“Longevity is the name of the game,” Guevarra said. “It’s not about chasing hype, but about living our purpose every chance we get.”
“Ako Na Lang,” which Guevarra described as a song for hopeless romantics, captures the plight of those who stay by someone’s side without ever confessing their feelings.
“You already know their favorite food, their favorite color,” he said. “You already know everything about that person because you’re always by their side, but somehow, you never confess because you don’t have the courage.”
Another cut, “Di Na Masakit,” offers a different perspective. It tells of the relief of finally waking up and realizing that heartbreak no longer defines you.
“Once you recover, you realize life is still worth living even if that person is no longer with you,” Guevarra said.
of The Juans shares how faith and purpose shaped the themes
of their latest record
The band also explores unconventional themes in “Magaan.” Instead of fights or betrayals, it deals with letting go for the sake of someone else’s happiness.
“Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is to admit you’re not the right person for them,” Guevarra said. “Is it possible to break up with someone without them hurting too much? That’s the question the song asks.”
Personal reflections also shaped “Naiwan.” Guevarra admitted he wrote it after attending a friend’s wedding and realizing how life can feel like it’s passing you by.
“I was happy for him, but at the same time, I felt like I was losing a friend,” he said. “It’s not heartbreak from love, it’s heartbreak from comparing yourself to others and thinking, ‘Why am I not there yet?’”
Completing the nine-song set are “Gusto Kita,” “Ngiti,” “Missed Call,” “Ano ba Talaga Tayo?” and “Tanda,” which Guevarra said add their own colors to the album.
The process of creating TAWID was as layered as its themes. Guevarra recalled how the band, all of whom are songwriters, started with about 20 potential tracks before narrowing them down to nine.
“The selection also shows our maturity as artists,” he said. “We really wanted to commit to the messaging.”
Beyond storytelling, faith continues to influence their work. Guevarra said they wanted to create space in the album for people to be vulnerable, even in moments of worship.
“We believe that only God can heal broken hearts, so when people open up, we don’t want to waste that moment,” he explained. “That part of who we are as musicians will always stay with us.”
For The Juans, longevity comes from this sense of purpose rather than chasing trends. “As long as our music touches a soul, that’s fulfillment for us,” Guevarra said.
With TAWID, The Juans steps outside the usual love-song mold, confronting heartbreak in its different faces while weaving stories that listeners can claim as their own.
TAWID was officially released on Sept. 12, the same day the band kicks off the Tawid Album Tour at Glorietta 4.
