As many celebrities continue to speak up on current issues, singer-songwriter Angelo Miguel has been particularly outspoken about corruption, describing it as a problem rooted “in the core of the earth.”
Angelo Miguel said the issue runs so deep that it feels almost impossible to uproot.
“Unless the root is found and cut, it will just continue. I hope one day there will be real changes in our country,” he told Manila Standard Entertainment in a sideline interview.
For the musician, corruption is not just an abstract concern. He links it to everyday struggles such as flood control and infrastructure, arguing that Filipinos continue to suffer from the consequences of weak governance.
“They’re working behind it, in the shadows. Even long ago, they were already planting how they would do it. That’s why it’s so hard to remove,” the singer added.
He also admitted that sometimes, he feels a sense of hopelessness when reflecting on how entrenched the system has become. Still, he believes Filipinos deserve better and hopes change is possible. “But I hope there will be a way to cut the root.”
This drive to reflect on national issues is not new for him. Though he has built a reputation as a performer with a powerful voice, he insists that songwriting has always been his true calling, particularly songs that mirror the state of the country.
“If you ask me to write a song about social awareness, I can do it. Like what’s happening with corruption now, I can even write one on the spot,” he shared.
That side of him is most evident in “Perlas ng Silangan,” a patriotic anthem he released to highlight the Philippines’ beauty and potential. The track, he said, came from both pride in his homeland and frustration with the lack of cultural promotion.
“I wrote that song because I love the country. There are so many beautiful places, but I don’t really feel the effort from tourism,” Angelo Miguel explained.
Even as he remains vocal about corruption and national issues, Miguel continues to explore different shades of his artistry. His latest single, “Magkaibang Mundo,” shifts to a deeply personal theme, which is heartbreak.
Written last October during what he described as a burst of creativity after years of writer’s block, the song captures the pain of watching someone you love choose another. “Gusto kong gumawa ng ultimate hugot song,” he said. “Lahat ng gusto kong hugot na lines, nilagay ko doon.”
The track’s music video features actress Kim Rodriguez, whose professionalism Angelo Miguel praised during the one-day shoot. For him, the song represents not just emotional honesty but also a step toward defining his identity as a solo artist.
As Miguel marks another year in music and life, his wishes remain simple yet clear, hopinng for peace, progress, and a better Philippines.
“I hope the Philippines becomes better. And of course, I hope more people hear my songs,” he said.
