Team DailyPedia
At just 19, Elisha “Isha” Pontanares, known to her growing fanbase as Isha Ponti, is stepping into a defining moment that many artists spend a lifetime chasing. With the upcoming release of her self-titled debut studio album, Isha isn’t simply introducing new music—she is offering a deeply personal statement about who she is, where she comes from, and where she hopes to take OPM next.
For Isha, music has always been more than performance. It has been a language she learned early and spoke fluently long before adulthood. She began singing at just seven years old and started writing songs by nine, composing melodies and lyrics driven by instinct, emotion, and curiosity. While most children her age were still discovering their interests, Isha was already shaping her artistic voice—one song at a time.
Over the years, that early passion evolved into discipline. She has written nearly 20 songs for herself and other artists, building a creative identity rooted in honesty and narrative. Each composition reflects her belief that music should tell stories—real, vulnerable, and lived.
Isha Ponti defies easy labels. She is a singer, songwriter, dancer, rapper, producer, and creative leader rolled into one. Her versatility has earned her recognition as Asia’s Pop Sweetheart, not because of viral trends, but through consistent artistry and emotional sincerity.
In 2024, she was named Best New Female Artist at the Aliw Awards, a milestone that affirmed her impact not only as a recording artist but as a compelling live performer. Long before her debut album, Isha had already proven herself on international stages, winning Asia’s Best Singing Competition and earning top honors at the Euro-Talent Festival in the Czech Republic—achievements that signaled her potential far beyond local borders.
Her self-titled debut album features seven original tracks, all written and composed by Isha herself. Each song represents a chapter of her journey—intimate reflections shaped by growth, love, uncertainty, and self-discovery.
Tracks like “Halika,” “Hinga,” “Gulong,” “Mismo,” “Warmth,” “Riversky,” and “Numero” blend pop sensibility with poetic imagery, offering listeners a sonic diary that feels both youthful and emotionally mature. This isn’t a debut crafted by committee; it’s a body of work rooted in personal truth.
Helping bring these stories to life is her frequent collaborator Adonis Tabanda, whose arrangements elevate Isha’s songwriting without overshadowing its emotional core. Together, they strike a balance between polish and vulnerability—allowing the songs to breathe while remaining sonically refined.
Behind Isha’s confidence and courage is unwavering family support. Her parents, Alvin and Emeelette Pontanares, have been her strongest advocates from the very beginning—encouraging her songwriting, guiding her creative choices, and standing by her at every milestone.
“I’m grateful for every bit of encouragement,” Isha once shared. “And I wouldn’t be here without the support of my mom and dad.”
That love is woven quietly but powerfully into her music, shaping the sincerity that defines her artistry.
Long before this album, Isha was already earning her place in front of live audiences. She has opened for OPM legends, performed original songs in prestigious venues, and headlined her own sold-out concert, “The Next Ones,” at the Music Museum.
From Nonoy Zuñiga’s 50th anniversary concert Beyond Gold, to Marco Sison’s Seasons of OPM at The Theater at Solaire, to special guest appearances alongside respected artists, each performance sharpened her confidence and deepened her connection with audiences.
These weren’t mere warm-ups—they were formative experiences that prepared her for the spotlight she now commands.
As anticipation builds for her self-titled album, Isha Ponti stands at the edge of something meaningful. This release isn’t just a debut—it’s a declaration. It signals the arrival of an artist ready to shape her own era of OPM: thoughtful, heartfelt, fearless, and authentic.
