CONTRIBUTED
LOS ANGELES – Filipino American singer-songwriter Thomas Orlina has joined the race for the 2027 Grammy Awards, submitting his Tagalog-language P-pop song “Magsayaw Na Tayo (Let’s Dance Now)” for consideration in the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category.
The song celebrates Orlina’s Filipino heritage, family and cultural identity while highlighting his experience growing up between two cultures.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Orlina grew up immersed in Filipino and American traditions. He said the project reflects his connection to the language, memories and family experiences that shaped his upbringing.
“This project is much bigger than me,” Orlina said in a statement. “It’s about representation, family, culture, and showing that Filipino stories deserve to be celebrated on the world’s biggest stages.”
Orlina joins several Filipino artists seeking recognition at the 2027 Grammys, including SB19, BINI, Ben&Ben and Baby Dolls, as Filipino music continues to gain international attention.
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The Recording Academy is scheduled to announce the nominees on Nov. 16, ahead of the Grammy Awards ceremony on Feb. 7, 2027.
A love letter to the Philippines
For Orlina, performing “Magsayaw Na Tayo” entirely in Tagalog was a deliberate creative decision, allowing him to place his Filipino identity at the center of the song.
He described the project as his “love letter to the Philippines,” drawing inspiration from his parents, Tomas and Josephine Orlina, who helped nurture his connection to Filipino culture.
Creating the song with his parents made the experience particularly meaningful, with Orlina considering it one of the greatest accomplishments of his life.
The project also reflects his experiences as an openly queer Filipino American artist and LGBTQIA+ advocate.
“I want Filipino kids, Filipino Americans, Asian kids and anyone who has ever felt caught between cultures to hear this and feel proud of where they come from,” he said.
The accompanying music video, directed by Elani Kay, features Filipino and American dancers in performances combining choreography, athleticism and boxing.
The inclusion of boxing pays tribute to a sport with deep ties to Filipino culture, while the choreography highlights themes of perseverance, discipline and determination.
Through “Magsayaw Na Tayo,” Orlina hopes to introduce more international listeners to Filipino music and culture while encouraging younger generations to embrace their heritage.
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