Released via Offshore Music, the new single pairs distorted guitars and grounded synths with a haunting exploration of body image and personal insecurities
Photo by: Waddle House Manila
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Filipino indie underground favorite Ligaya Escueta drops fuzzy new single, “Penelope,”now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Offshore Music. This marks Ligaya Escueta’s first track as an official four-piece outfit, pivoting towards a heavier yet dreamier sound.
The follow-up to “June” will also be accompanied by a music video, slated for release on the same day, November 13 (via Offshore Music).
A lucky day for the baby bats out there: the new track ‘Penelope’ coincides with Friday the 13th, a strikingly apt choice for a song steeped in hazy, dreamlike melancholia with brooding undertones. Complemented by distorted guitars and grounded synths, the song conveys the shaky feeling of disembodiment in one’s own skin. “Body image is something I’ve been struggling with for years,” Escueta admits. “I feel like once I feel at peace with my appearance, it’s only a matter of time until I lose confidence again. It’s a really disappointing and disheartening cycle I wish no one had to go through.”
According to Escueta, the sheogaze-inflected track sounds more cohesive and collaborative than her previous releases. The songwriting and production process reflects the band’s current creative direction, with each member contributing their piece of the pie while being more open to each other’s input.
Official Artwork for “Penelope” by Ligaya Escueta
Stream “Penelope,” out now on all digital streaming platforms. The band will go live on Instagram to celebrate the release, with an additional premiere of their “June” music video via Ligaya Escueta’s YouTube channel.
About Ligaya Escueta
In 2026, Ligaya Escueta entered a new chapter in her musical journey, evolving from a solo project into a four-piece band. Fronted by Escueta on bass and vocals, the lineup now includes Diego Cerrudo and Kristo Mercado on guitars, and Ninja Nicolas on drums. This new formation marks a significant step in her artistic evolution, bringing a fuller, more collaborative sound to her distinct blend of rock, dream pop, and shoegaze.
A singer-songwriter from Manila, Philippines, Ligaya began releasing music in 2020, followed by her debut album, Laughing In Milk, in 2022. In 2023, she signed with Offshore Music Philippines, releasing the singles “Novelty,” “12 Steps,” and “Blue General, Come Home.” She later released her sophomore album, Dollweb, in January 2025.
In the same year, Ligaya joined fellow Filipino musicians at the prestigious SXSW Sydney, bringing her music to an international audience alongside her bandmates. She was also featured in Young STAR PH, PhilSTAR's youth-focused publication, where her approach to punk was described as “deliberate” and “graceful”—qualities that reflect her distinct interpretation of the genre.
Having started performing at small gigs at just 15, Ligaya has since shared the stage with notable acts such as Ely Buendia, The Itchyworms, and Grrrl Gang. Drawing inspiration from artists like Mitski, Radiohead, and Weezer, she crafts catchy yet sonically adventurous rock songs, pairing expansive, distortion-heavy soundscapes with deeply personal, diary-like lyricism.
Ligaya Escueta Socials
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/32GPsNDIVdDvE2EX2GcVyT
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ligaya-Escueta
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ligayaescueta
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dollshoesnicesocks
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ligayaescueta
Source: Nyou