Filipino artist Debbie Lopez is making waves in the OPM scene with her latest single “Tindog,” an upbeat song about overcoming heartbreak and rising after life’s setbacks. The track, now available on major streaming platforms, draws from a deeply personal story—Debbie’s journey of letting go of a first love after 27 years. The release is a preview of her debut album, Radiance, which will be released later this year.
Debbie, who hails from Baguio City and traces her roots to Poblacion, Talisay City, Cebu, is known for her honest and emotionally charged music. “Tindog,” which means “Bangon” or “ahon,” is sung in Cebuano, Tagalog, and English. “It’s about moving on,” she shared. “It’s based on my own experience. I had to let him go kasi sasakit lang ang dibdib ko.”
Her songs consistently explore themes of love, hope, pain, and resilience. Debbie explains that her connection to each song is what gives her the courage to be so open. “Kapag kumakanta ako, napi-feel ko talaga yung lahat ng emotions,” she said, noting that she gravitates toward mellow, millennial tunes and always shares input with her composers.
Recently awarded New Recording Artist of the Year at the 17th PMPC Star Music Awards, Debbie feels both grateful and overwhelmed by the recognition. “At first kinakabahan ako. Kasi yung katapat ko ay si Alyssa Muhlach and some of the other independent artists. Overwhelmed ako na ako ang na-pick as Newest Recording Artist,” she said.
Her journey as an independent artist has had its share of challenges, including experiences with producers who made empty promises. “Yung peperahan ka. I’ve experienced before na may producer na pinangakuan akong papasikatin pero pera pera lang pala. I already forgave them anyways. Kasama naman din sila sa naging journey ko kung nasaan man ako ngayon,” Debbie said, adding that her independence gives her creative freedom in choosing her songs and working with music directors.
A multi-hyphenate, Debbie balances music production, radio hosting, DJing, and even cosplaying. She credits her ability to stay motivated to her commitment to giving her all in every project. “You have to choose talaga what’s the best for you. Lagi naman akong all-in sa mga proyekto at trabaho ko.”
Looking ahead, fans can expect more from Debbie, with her debut album Radiance gradually rolling out track by track. She also teased an all-English album lined up for release next year. She dreams of collaborating with artists like JM de Guzman, Sam Mangubat, and Michael Pangilinan.
Her musical influences include Taylor Swift, Boyce Avenue, and Elijah Woods, who have shaped her songwriting and production style. To aspiring artists, her advice is simple: “Dream big.”
Debbie Lopez’s journey is a testament to her resilience and belief that talent is most meaningful when it inspires others. With “Tindog” and her upcoming album, she continues to connect with audiences and shine as one of OPM’s most promising new voices.