LOS ANGELES — Filipino American artist and songwriter Thomas Orlina celebrates his heritage, family, and cultural identity through “Magsayaw Na Tayo,” a P-Pop song performed entirely in Tagalog that brings his Filipino roots to the global stage.
Meaning “Let’s Dance Now,” the song is deeply personal for Orlina, who was born and raised in Los Angeles while growing up immersed in both Filipino and American cultures. That experience of living between two worlds has become an important part of his artistry, and “Magsayaw Na Tayo” reflects his connection to the language, traditions, memories, and family experiences that shaped him.
For Orlina, performing entirely in Tagalog was an intentional creative decision. The language is more than a lyrical choice; it contributes to the song’s rhythm, emotion, and distinct Filipino character. Through the project, Orlina brings his perspective as a Filipino American artist to the growing international P-Pop movement while celebrating the culture that continues to influence his life and music.
“This project is much bigger than me,” Orlina says. “It’s about representation, family, culture, and showing that Filipino stories deserve to be celebrated on the world’s biggest stages.”
Family serves as a central inspiration behind the song. Orlina’s parents, Tomas and Josephine Orlina, helped inspire the project, drawing on the language, memories, and experiences that were part of his childhood. Creating the song with his parents has made the experience particularly meaningful, and Orlina considers it one of the greatest accomplishments of his life.
He describes “Magsayaw Na Tayo” as his “love letter to the Philippines.”
The project also reflects Orlina’s experience as an openly queer Filipino American artist and LGBTQIA+ advocate. His work aims to embrace the many identities and perspectives within the Filipino American community while creating a message of belonging for those who have experienced life between cultures.
“I want Filipino kids, Filipino Americans, Asian kids and anyone who has ever felt caught between cultures to hear this and feel proud of where they come from,” he says.
That message extends into the song’s visual presentation. Directed by Elani Kay, the “Magsayaw Na Tayo” music video features American and Filipino dancers and combines choreography, athleticism, movement, and boxing to explore themes of perseverance, discipline, and determination.
The inclusion of boxing carries additional cultural significance, paying tribute to a sport with a deep connection to Filipino communities and adding another dimension of Filipino representation to the project.
At its heart, “Magsayaw Na Tayo” brings together the defining elements of Orlina’s story: his Filipino heritage, his Los Angeles upbringing, his family, and his experience as a Filipino American and queer artist. By placing Tagalog at the center of his P-Pop expression, Orlina creates a celebration of identity that reaches beyond borders.
The song represents both a personal connection to his roots and an invitation to others to embrace theirs — particularly those who have ever felt caught between cultures. Through music, family, language, and movement, Orlina continues to create a space where Filipino stories can be celebrated and shared with audiences around the world.
Link to music video:
Link for Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/magsayaw-na-tayo/6798318167?i=6798318168
Link for Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/track/0wiunat15IhY5RMyG7lgSZ?autoplay_ok=1
