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March 4, 2026 — Cinematic pop-rock trio Route xYz officially made their debut on February 20, 2026, with the release of their first single, “Madama,” now available on digital streaming platforms. The band will celebrate the milestone with a live single launch on March 12, 2026, at The 70’s Bistro, marking their formal introduction to audiences on stage.
Blending emotional storytelling with sweeping orchestral elements, “Madama” fuses the nostalgia of classic OPM with a bold cinematic pop-rock sound. Layered harmonies, dynamic arrangements, and expressive instrumentation create a powerful sonic landscape that explores a kind of love that exists but cannot fully be felt — whether it is a farewell to something once cherished or a connection restrained by circumstance. Each note carries longing, restraint, and emotional depth, establishing the band’s artistic direction from the very start.
Route xYz is composed of Lemuel “Lem” Belaro, Hiro Ozaki, and Ivo Gatela, three artists bringing together legacy, cross-cultural influence, and fresh perspective. Belaro, the composer behind Callalily’s iconic hits “Magbalik,” “Pansamantala,” “Ex,” “Pasan,” and “Stars,” brings over two decades of experience and award-winning songwriting into this new chapter. His recognitions include honors from the Wish 107.5 Music Awards, OPM Songhits Awards, and the MYX Year-End Countdown, underscoring a lasting impact on the OPM landscape.
Vocalist Ivo Gatela, a rising artist mentored under Belaro’s guidance, delivers the emotional core of the band’s music with sincerity and depth. On guitars, Hiro Ozaki, a Japanese-born musician who found a creative home in the Philippines, is also one of the composers behind the theme song of “Pulang Araw,” a Netflix Philippines teleserye. Ozaki is widely recognized for creatively transforming OPM songs into J-rock arrangements for his growing digital audience, bridging cultures through music.
Built on strong songwriting, melodic storytelling, and immersive live performances, Route xYz positions “Madama” as both an introduction and a statement of intent. While the single introduces their sound to streaming audiences, the March 12 launch at The 70’s Bistro promises to bring that cinematic intensity to life on stage, signaling the start of an exciting new journey for the band.
For updates, streaming links, and event details, follow Route xYz on their official social media platforms.