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July 10, 2025 — Taguig-based musician, singer, and songwriter John Sam continues to make waves in the indie and OPM scene with the release of his latest single, Sandali. Known for his tender melodies and poetic Tagalog lyrics, John Sam has built a quiet refuge for listeners since his 2022 debut, offering heartfelt songs that blur the line between OPM and indie. Tracks like Bumabalik and Hunyo ’97 have earned him a loyal following, resonating deeply with themes of nostalgia and longing. His recent single Palaging Masaya landed on Spotify’s alt.ph playlist, cementing his growing presence among local indie music lovers.
Sandali traces its origins to May 2023, when John Sam began writing it as a gentle love song for his girlfriend. But life, and the responsibilities that came with it, pulled him away — especially after returning to work abroad later that year. The unfinished track sat dormant for nearly two years until he stumbled upon it in a folder of old demos in May 2025. Revisiting the raw emotion of that moment, he finally brought the song to life. What began as a fleeting expression of affection has evolved into a full-circle narrative of love, distance, and reunion.
Sonically, Sandali blends John Sam’s signature moody indie-alternative style with a wistful yet warm undertone, perfectly capturing the ache of distance and the comfort of coming back home.
After his breakout track Palaging Masaya — featured on Fresh Finds PH, New Music Friday PH, OPM Says Chillax, Relax Tayo, and hitting #1 on alt.ph — John Sam returns with a track that promises to stay in listeners’ hearts, a reminder that even the briefest moments can hold a lifetime of meaning.