Imagine a lazy afternoon where the sun kisses your skin, a soft breeze carries the scent of salt and earth, and a melody drifts through the air like the soundtrack to a daydream. That’s the kind of feeling Sunkissed Lola brings to the OPM scene—warm, nostalgic, and effortlessly captivating. With their soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, you can call them a band that brings a breath of fresh air in a landscape of love songs and heartbreak anthems.
But who exactly is Sunkissed Lola, and why has their music become the backdrop to countless love stories? Sit tight, friend—this is the only guide you’ll need!
Who Is Sunkissed Lola?
Sunkissed Lola is an indie-pop/alternative OPM band that has quickly gained recognition for their signature blend of laid-back, feel-good tunes and emotional lyricism. Formed in Olongapo City, the group consists of Anton Dulce (vocals), Dan Ombao (guitar), Sam Akins (saxophone), Jayson Gonzales (drums), and Joko Dela Rosa (bass). They made their grand entrance into the music scene with an instant hit that resonated with countless Filipinos—"Pasilyo."
Meet The Band:
- Laura Lacbain - vocals
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Dan Ombao - vocals, lead guitarÂ
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Alvin "Bino" Serito - vocals, rhythm guitar
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Danj Quimson - bass guitar
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Genson Viloria - drums, percussion
- Rodnie Resos - keyboards
What's With The Name?
Ever wondered what Sunkissed Lola means? No, it’s not about a lola basking under the sun with a pair of cool shades. The band derived their name from a translation of the Tagalog phrase naaninagan ng kalungkutan, which loosely means "touched by sorrow." They creatively combined the English word sunkissed with the Spanish nickname Lola (meaning "sorrow").
To top it off, the band’s logo was inspired by the children's book Lola the Lollipop Fairy. So yes, their name is both deep and delightfully random—just like their music!
History and Formation
Sunkissed Lola came together in December 2021, thanks to a spontaneous search for a rehearsal space that led to something much bigger. Guitarists Dan Ombao and Alvin Serito were on the hunt for a place to practice for a wedding gig when Ombao reached out to Genson Viloria for studio recommendations around Olongapo City.
As fate would have it, Danj Quimson, nephew of Norman Quimson—the keyboardist of the legendary '90s band Rockstar—offered his studio to the group. What started as a simple jam session quickly evolved into something magical. The four musicians began sharing original compositions, and before the day was over, a new band had been born.
Prior to forming Sunkissed Lola, Laura Lacbain, Danj Quimson, and Genson Viloria had already been playing together in a band called Dr. Pocket from 2018 to 2021. During that time, they released four songs, including Paki Sabi, which would later be reintroduced under Sunkissed Lola’s name.
The band first gained traction by uploading a live performance video on YouTube while serving as a supporting act for Filipino rapper Kiyo at select venues. Their online presence started to grow, leading to their first official guest appearance on MOR Entertainment on October 25, 2022.
Just days later, on October 28, 2022, Sunkissed Lola dropped their third single, Pasilyo (Aisle), across multiple streaming platforms. The song, described as a romantic wedding anthem, resonated deeply with listeners, debuting at No. 1 on the Spotify Viral 50 - Philippines chart by November 23.
From there, Pasilyo skyrocketed. It didn’t just top Spotify Philippines, but also broke the record for the biggest single-day streams for an OPM song. The track’s overwhelming success cemented Sunkissed Lola’s place in the OPM scene, even claiming the top spot on Billboard Philippines Songs—a testament to their rapidly growing fanbase and undeniable musical charm.
Hit Track Analysis: Why Pasilyo Went Viral
When Sunkissed Lola released Pasilyo, they had no idea it would take on a life of its own. Initially written as a heartfelt wedding song, the track unexpectedly became a massive sensation on TikTok, where thousands of users began using it in videos about love, proposals, and dream weddings. Soon, the song’s infectious melody and touching lyrics had people across the Philippines—and even beyond—singing along.
Much like Di Na Muli by Itchyworms, Pasilyo is an emotional track that blends poetic lyricism with a polished, traditional musical structure. The song is framed by a waltz in three-fourth time, a rhythm often associated with elegance and romance, making it the perfect soundtrack for wedding ceremonies. The title itself refers to the aisle that a bride walks down toward her groom, with the iconic line ikaw at ikawencapsulating the pure devotion and love between two people.
The track’s success didn’t just stop at wedding playlists. It broke records on Spotify Philippines, garnering the biggest single-day streams for an OPM song, and it even topped Billboard Philippines Songs, solidifying its status as a modern-day OPM classic. It also sparked a wave of cheesy yet heartwarming short films, created by high school students and aspiring filmmakers, using Pasilyo as the emotional backdrop to their love stories.
At a time when staple wedding songs like A Thousand Years had begun to feel overused, Pasilyo arrived as a fresh, proudly Filipino alternative. Its success proved that Sunkissed Lola was more than just a one-hit wonder—they were an OPM force to be reckoned with.
Discography and Popular Tracks
As a band thriving in the streaming era, Sunkissed Lola has focused on releasing singles before putting together a full album. However, they did release their first EP, Olaholah, in 2024, marking an important milestone in their career.
Notable Singles:
- Pasilyo (2022) – Their breakthrough
romantic anthem that dominated streaming charts and became a wedding
staple.
- Paki Sabi (2023) – A heartfelt song that
showcases their storytelling ability and deep emotions.
- White Toyota (2023) – A chill, vibey track
that adds a fresh dimension to their discography.
- Makalimutan Ka (2022) – A melancholic tune
that highlights their lyrical depth and musical versatility.
- HKP (2022) – An emotional ballad that
resonates with listeners going through heartbreak.
- KAMEHAMEHA (2024) – With a title inspired by Son Goku’s legendary attack from Dragon Ball Z, this track showcases their playful and energetic side.
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| Sunkissed Lola's appearance on Wish 107.5 |
Sunkissed Lola continues to build their musical repertoire, proving they have plenty more to offer beyond Pasilyo. With each new release, they keep their fans hooked and eagerly anticipating what’s next.
The Sound of Sunkissed Lola
Sunkissed Lola’s sound is a rich fusion of multiple genres, creating a unique sonic identity that sets them apart. The band draws inspiration from rock, R&B, soul, pop, jazz, and even classical music, allowing them to craft melodies that are both diverse and universally appealing.
Guitarist Alvin Serito cites Owl City and Jason Mraz as major songwriting influences, bringing in elements of heartfelt storytelling and infectious melodies. Meanwhile, Dan Ombao credits the band Moonchild as a key influence, which explains the band's smooth, soulful, and atmospheric soundscapes.
This seamless blend of styles gives Sunkissed Lola a sound that
resonates with fans across different musical preferences, proving
that their music is catchy and ensnaring. Their music feels both
nostalgic and refreshing, making them a standout act in
today’s OPM scene.
Final Thoughts: Why Sunkissed Lola Matters
Sunkissed Lola isn’t just riding the waves of OPM—they’re the tide itself, pulling listeners into their dreamy, sentimental universe. Their music is the kind that lingers, like the golden glow of a sunset or the memory of a first love.
And the best part? They’re just getting started. With every new song, they continue to carve out their own space in the industry, blending heart, artistry, and storytelling into something unforgettable.
If you haven’t hit play on their tracks yet, now’s the time. Join the growing wave of Sunkissed Lola fans—because trust us, their music will stay with you long after the last note fades.
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