Ely Buendia continues to prove that his artistry knows no bounds. The OPM icon has officially released the cinematic music video for “Kandarapa”, a hauntingly beautiful single from his latest album Method Adaptor, now streaming on YouTube.
The “Bulaklak sa Buwan” hitmaker has recently showcased not just his musical genius but also his growing prowess in acting. Following his appearance in Pandamlagan (2025)—a full-length period film featured in this year’s Cinemalaya Film Festival—Buendia brings that same depth and emotion into “Kandarapa.”
A Collaboration Rooted in Trust and Vision
The official music video for “Kandarapa” is a product of collaboration between Ely Buendia and Gada Nyssa Zayco, an emerging creative from his very own label, Offshore Music. Produced by Buendia himself, the project embraces a D.I.Y. (do-it-yourself) spirit while showcasing Zayco’s artistic vision and direction.
“When I first heard Kandarapa, I felt the courage behind it,” Zayco shared. “It takes a certain kind of bravery and strength to begin a song with an admission that something isn’t okay right from the first line. I wanted the visuals to feel like a dream you’re half-aware of—caught between wanting to wake up but at the same time trapped.”
Zayco, who has worked on numerous creative projects within Offshore Music, is known for her keen visual storytelling. Her previous work includes directing Pinkmen’s “Di Pa Rin Sapat (Ang Sahod)”, a socially resonant visual piece tackling labor struggles through raw, guerilla-style imagery.
A New Era for Ely Buendia
In contrast, “Kandarapa” takes on an art house approach, blending metaphorical visuals, minimalist color palettes, and recurring ocean imagery—a recurring symbol of emotional cycles and rebirth. “They all echo what it feels like to live through cycles,” Zayco explains.
For Zayco, this collaboration carries personal and professional weight. “He gives you space to create yet challenges you to see things from a deeper place,” she said, recalling how Buendia’s trust became her creative compass. “I used to see him as someone almost unreachable—a legend whose work defined generations.”
The Story Continues
Released under Offshore Music, “Kandarapa” serves as the third single from Method Adaptor—a 10-track album that dives into Buendia’s introspective storytelling and experimental sound. Each track reveals a new layer of his artistry, and this latest music video further expands his narrative universe.
The “Kandarapa” music video is now available on Ely Buendia’s official YouTube channel, with Buendia having hosted a TikTok Live session during its premiere to connect with fans and discuss the creative process behind the project.
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