Heartbreak offers a deep well of inspiration that enables an artist to craft songs that are not only deeply personal but also relatable, as many people connect with themes of love, grief, and healing.
Case in point, singer-songwriter Diego Gutierrez releases a new single, “Huling Sayaw,” a song inspired by the end of his seven-year relationship last year.
The single, which drops today, Oct. 2, on major streaming platforms, will have a launch party on Oct. 4 at Mansion Makati City. The release coincides with the birthday of his sister, actress Janine Gutierrez, who turns 35.
Diego, 27, opened up about the breakup, clarifying that no third party was involved. “I’m in a better place now after the breakup,” he shared, adding that his family knew about the relationship, though he chose not to make it public on social media.
When asked if his ex-girlfriend knew about the song, he said, “Maybe when she hears it, she’ll realize.”
Diego did not formally study music but took voice lessons. “I had voice lessons and would like to continue them. I studied integrated marketing in college at the University of Asia and the Pacific,” he said listing John Mayer, Shawn Mendes, and The 1975 as his musical influences.
“The song reflects the moment when it was time to end our relationship. Things were slowly fading. You could see it in how we looked at each other. We preferred being alone,” Diego added.
He explained that “Huling Sayaw” came from a desire to share one last dance before going separate ways. The track was the first he wrote after the breakup, following months of creative block.
“It took me a while to start writing again. I was dealing with so many emotions I didn’t know how to process them. For three to four months, I couldn’t write,” he recalled.
Diego said that creating the song helped him deal with the heartbreak. “I don’t usually share too much about my problems. When I do, it’s filtered. Writing became an outlet to express my feelings,” he explained.
He also spoke about the support from his family, who always remind him to stay confident in his career. “They tell me to keep going until I make it.”
“My grandmother, Mamita (Pilita Corrales), said she still feels nervous when she performs, so it’s normal. Just own it. Sometimes I wonder if I’m ready for performances, but she reminds me, ‘You’re there for a reason,’ and that helps,” he said.
Diego admitted that following in the footsteps of his successful family members comes with pressure, but he’s determined to achieve success in his own right.
Diego is also currently working on new singles and hopes to release an EP next year.
