Angela Ken

Last updated

Angela Ken
Born
Angela Ken Tavares Rojas

(2002-05-16) May 16, 2002 (age 23)
Imus, Cavite, Philippines
Education Mapúa University [ citation needed ]
Occupations
  • Actress
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • dancer
  • influencer
Years active2021–present
Agent Star Magic (2021–present)

Angela Ken Tavares Rojas (born May 16, 2002) is a Filipino singer-songwriter, dancer, actress and influencer. She gained acclaim on social networking service TikTok. [1] [2] [3] After releasing her single "Ako Naman Muna", she signed with Star Magic, a talent agency under ABS-CBN Corporation. [4] [5] [6] Angela is also a member of the Squad Plus. [7] In 2022, Angela made her acting debut in the iWantTFC musical series titled Lyric and Beat as Verlyn. [8]

Contents

Personal life

Angela Ken Rojas was born on May 16, 2002. [9] She is from Imus, Cavite and also resides in Las Piñas. [10] [9] She attended Josiah Christian Values High School. [9] She co-owns and operates a cafe in Imus. [11] She was raised by her mother and grandmother [12] and is an engineering student. [13] She is known to keep pet dogs. [14]

Career

Beginnings

Angela began writing songs at the age of 12, [15] with her first composition being a worship song. [16] She began her professional musical career after being discovered by ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo on TikTok, [17] where she made a draft of what later became her first single "Ako Naman Muna" (Let me first this time) in 2020. [11] The draft gained more than 1.3 million likes on TikTok [18] and led to an invitation by Dreamscape Entertainment to join its music group, The Squad Plus, and another offer by Star Music to produce a full version of the song. [9]

2021

Angela signed a contract with Star Music on March 4. [19] She debuted with "Ako Naman Muna", [20] which reached 2.5 million YouTube views [21] and more than five million Spotify streams. The single was also included in the soundtrack of the television series Huwag Kang Mangamba . [22] An English version of the said song was released on July 23. [23]

She also interpreted "Sila Pa Rin" (Sill Them) for the soundtrack of the television series Marry Me, Marry You . [24]

In December, Angela co-created the soundtrack for the film Saying Goodbye, where she interpreted the single "If We Fall in Love".

2022

Angela released her next single titled "It's Okay Not To Be Okay" on January 14, 2022. [25] It was made in collaboration with Jonathan Manalo and Boy Abunda, and was inspired by a question asked by Abunda during the Binibining Pilipinas 2021 pageant. [26]

In August, Angela was one of the artists who were part of the Beyond The Stars tour as part of Star Magic's 30th anniversary. The artists performed in a US Tour at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, The Warfield in San Francisco, and in the Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills in Los Angeles. Prior to the tour, the artists (except SAB) first performed at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport World Resorts. [27] That same month, she was cast in the iWantTFC musical series Lyric and Beat , [28] which marked her acting debut. [29]

In November, Ken released her first album, Angela Ken, [10] which included six previously released songs and two new singles, "Buti Pa Noon" (It's Better Before) and "Payapa Lang" (Just Peaceful). [17] By the end of the year, she had gained 36 million streams. [30]

2023

In 2023, a copy of "Ako Naman Muna" was sent to the Moon as part of the Lunar Codex archive by NASA. [31] In December, she released the single "Alas-Diyes" (Ten o'clock). [32]

2024

At a songwriting camp by ABS-CBN in Davao City, Angela became one of the creators of the Bini single "Shagidi", which was released in 2025. [33]

In February, Angela made her first theater performance as Olive Ostrovsky in the Broadway musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee produced by The Sandbox Collective. [34] In September, she portrayed Ti Moune in the Broadway musical Once On This Island produced by 9 Works Theatrical, alternating with Thea Astley. [35]

In March, Angela collaborated with Maki and Nhiko Sabiniano from the group Nameless Kids to produce the single "Sikulo" (Cycle). [36] In June, she collaborated with Benj Pangilinan for the single "Nandito Na Ako" (I'm Here Now) under Sony Music Entertainment. [37] That same month, she competed in the women's volleyball competition of the Star Magic All Star Games at the Araneta Coliseum. [38]

In October, Angela released two new singles under different labels. The first, "Pansinin Mo Naman Ako" (Pay Attention to Me), was her first single under Inspire Music, while "Kulimlim" (Gloom) was released under Tarsier Records. [39] In November, she was included as a guest performer in Maki's debut concert, titled "Maki-Concert", [a] in which she performed "Kulimlim" and "Sikulo". [40]

2025

For the 2025 Philippine general election in May, Angela was cast with other musicians in a rendition of "Ako Ang Simula" (I Am The Beginning), ABS-CBN's election theme song. [41] Later that month, she released her single "Pwede Bang Mamaya" (Can It be Later). [42] In June, she became a guest performer at the official launch of the music video of Maki's single, Kahel na Langit . [43] She competed in the women's volleyball competition of the Star Magic All Star Games held at the Araneta Coliseum on July 20. [44]

Artistry

Angela cites Ben&Ben, [9] Moira dela Torre, The Carpenters, Yeng Constantino, Hannah Montana, Niki, Sabrina Carpenter and Imago as musical influences. [15] [45]

Discography

Albums
TitleAlbum detailsSales Certifications Ref.
Angela Ken [10]
Singles
YearTitleLabelRefs.
2021"Ako Naman Muna" Star Music [20]
"Ako Naman Muna (English Version)"
"Sila Pa Rin" (soundtrack from Marry Me, Marry You )
"Kontrol" (soundtrack from Click, Like, Share ) [46]
"If We Fall In Love" (soundtrack from Saying Goodbye)
2022"Akala Maling Akala" (soundtrack from 2 Good 2 Be True )
2023"Alas Diyes" [47]
2024"Ikaw Sana Siya" (soundtrack from What's Wrong with Secretary Kim )
"Pansinin Mo Naman Ako" [48]
"Kulimlim" Tarsier Records [48]
2025"Pwede Bang Mamaya" [49]
"Kathang Isip" (soundtrack from It's Okay to Not Be Okay) Star Music

Collaborations

List of collaboration singles, showing associated albums
TitleYearAlbumRef.
"Sabay Natin"
(with Jeremy Glinoga)
2022Love in 40 Days (Official Soundtrack)
"Your Everything"
(with Jeremy Glinoga)
How To Move On in 30 Days (Official Soundtrack)
"Sikulo"
(with Maki and Nhiko)
2024Non-album singles [50]
"Nandito Na Ako"
(with Benj Pangilinan)
[37]
"Ako Ang Simula"
(with various artists)
2025 [41]

Songwriting credits

List of singles, showing year released and associated albums
TitleYearArtistAlbum Composer Lyricist
"Shagidi"2025 Bini NoneCheck-green.svgCheck-green.svg

Filmography

Music videos

TitleYearDirector(s)Ref.
"Ako Naman Muna"2021Amiel Kirby Balagtas [51]
"It's Okay Not To Be Okay"2022Miko Pelino [52]
"Dagdag Na Alaala"Jasper Salimbangon [53]
"Payapa Lang"Raymark King Bingcang [54]
"Buti Pa Noon" [55]
"Dambana"2023 [56]
"Alas Diyes"Kashka Gaddi [57]
"Sikulo"2024Ingrid Ignacio [58]
"Ikaw Sana Siya"Riel Mandapat [59]
"Nandito Na Ako"Julia Arenas [60]
"Kulimlim"Ingrid Ignacio [61]
"Kulimlim" (Lyric Video) [62]
"Pwede Bang Mamaya"2025Ingrid Ignacio [63]
"Ako Ang Simula" (with various artists)Richmond Cadsawan [64]

Television/Digital

YearTitleRoleRef.
2021–present ASAP Herself (performer)
2022 Lyric and Beat Verlyn [65] [8]
2024 It's Showtime Herself (performer) [66]

Theater

YearTitleRoleProducerRef.
2024 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Olive OstrovskyThe Sandbox Collective [34]
Once On This Island Ti Moune9 Works Theatrical [35]

Live performances

Accolades

AwardYearCategoryRecipient(s)ResultRef.
Awit Awards 2022Best Inspirational Recording"Ako Naman Muna"Won [68]
Catholic Mass Media AwardsBest Secular Song"It's Okay Not To Be Okay"Won [69]
PMPC Star Awards for Music 2024Female Acoustic Artist of the Year"Ako Naman Muna"Won [70]
TikTok Awards2021Rising Star AwardAngela KenNominated [71] [72]
Wish Music Awards 2025Wishclusive Collaboration of the Year"Sikulo" (with Maki and Nhiko)Nominated [50]

Notes

  1. lit.'Join a Concert. Maki being a Tagalog prefix to join an activity'

References

  1. "Learn how TikTok brought Angela Ken's music to the world". Manila Standard. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  2. "Viral TikTok artist Angela Ken jons ABS-CBN Music". Manila Bulletin. March 4, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  3. "Get to know Angela Ken, Tiktok's rising music star". Manila Bulletin. March 25, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  4. Balleras, Care (April 22, 2021). "New Star Magic talent Angela Ken is a budding singer-songwriter". Daily Tribune. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  5. Alarilla, Joey (March 15, 2021). "Angela Ken: From TikTok star to ABS-CBN Music artist". Digital Life Asia. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  6. "Angela Ken Drops English Version of Self-Love Anthem "Ako Naman Muna"". One Music PH. Archived from the original on August 11, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  7. "Angela Ken, ikinagulat ang pagkakasama sa Gold Squad Plus ng 'ASAP'". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
  8. 1 2 Basco, Karl Cedrick. "Aside from 'Saying Goodbye', SethDrea to star in musical series 'Lyric and Beat' via iQiyi". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 "Get to know The Squad Plus' new breed of singers". Manila Bulletin. April 20, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  10. 1 2 3 "Angela Ken releases self-titled debut album". ABS-CBN. November 4, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  11. 1 2 "6 Reasons Why You Should Stan Multi-Talented Artist Angela Ken". Nylon Manila. November 17, 2023. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  12. "Angela Ken Writes Songs That Know You Better Than You Do". L'Officiel. March 12, 2025. Archived from the original on April 20, 2025. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  13. "Singer Angela Ken talks about being an Engineering student: PUSH Bets". ABS-CBN. December 8, 2023. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  14. "Meet Angela Ken's pet dogs!". ABS-CBN. January 20, 2023. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  15. 1 2 "#ParcinqFresh: Featuring Angela Ken". Parcinq. March 27, 2025. Archived from the original on April 23, 2025. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  16. "5 Fast Facts You Need to Know About Angela Ken". Candy Magazine. August 23, 2022. Archived from the original on September 30, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  17. 1 2 "Angela Ken shares her journey and struggles in debut album". Manila Bulletin. December 8, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  18. "Viral Tiktok artist Angela Ken joins ABS-CBN Music". Manila Standard. March 6, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  19. "TikTok star Angela Ken joins Star Magic, to release full version of 'Ako Naman Muna'". ABS-CBN. March 4, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  20. 1 2 "Angela Ken's 'Ako Naman Muna' tops Spotify's viral PH, global charts". Manila Bulletin. April 7, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  21. "Angela Ken's 'Ako Naman Muna' tops Spotify's viral PH, global charts". Manila Bulletin. April 7, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  22. "Introducing the Squad Plus". Manila Standard. April 24, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  23. "Angela Ken drops English version of self-love anthem "Ako Naman Muna"". ABS-CBN. July 23, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  24. "Miscarriage, obsession in 'Marry Me, Marry You' finale trailer". ABS-CBN. December 30, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  25. "Angela Ken gives comfort in new song "It's Okay Not To Be Okay"". ABS-CBN. January 17, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  26. "Another Pinay artist banners Spotify billboard on Times Square". Manila Standard. January 25, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  27. "Hottest Kapamilya stars kick-off Star Magic's 'Beyond the Stars' tour at the Resorts World Manila". Manila Bulletin. July 1, 2022. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
  28. "iWantTFC's 'Lyric and Beat' earns praise for jaw-dropping musical numbers". Manila Bulletin . August 23, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  29. "The 'hugot' behind Angela Ken's relatable songs". ABS-CBN . January 20, 2023. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  30. "Young stars hit musical milestones". Manila Standard. January 15, 2023. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  31. "Moira Dela Torre, Angela Ken, BGYO, BINI to launch songs to the moon in 2023". Rappler . June 8, 2022. Archived from the original on September 15, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  32. "Angela Ken longs for love in new single 'Alas-Diyes'". Manila Bulletin . December 2, 2023. Archived from the original on December 25, 2023. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  33. "Bini debuts new tour single 'Shagidi' inspired by local children's game". Manila Standard . June 5, 2025. Archived from the original on June 6, 2025. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  34. 1 2 "Theater newbies AC, Shanaia, Angela shine in 'Spelling Bee'". Daily Tribune . March 1, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  35. 1 2 "Angela Ken opens 'Once On This Island' first show". ABS-CBN . September 7, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  36. "Maki, Angela Ken, and Nameless Kids' Nhiko Sabiniano Release New Single "Sikulo"". Billboard Philippines . March 22, 2024. Archived from the original on April 19, 2025. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  37. 1 2 "Benj Pangilinan and Angela Ken work together for the first time on the feel-good track 'Nandito Na Ako'". Philippine Daily Inquirer . June 27, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  38. "The exciting face-off between Star Magic's Lady Setters and Lady Spikers in the All-Star Games 2024". ABS-CBN . June 4, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  39. "Angela Ken releases back-to-back singles". The Philippine Star . October 30, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  40. "Everything We Loved About Maki's First-Ever Concert". ABS-CBN. December 2, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
  41. 1 2 "Halalan 2025: Remaking 'Ako Ang Simula'". ABS-CBN News . April 21, 2025. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  42. "Angela Ken Releases new single 'Pwede Bang Mamaya'". ABS-CBN . May 23, 2025. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  43. Jefferson Fernando (June 23, 2025). "Maki paints goodbye in 'Kahel na Langit'". Daily Tribune . Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  44. Dela Cruz, Liezel (July 20, 2025). "Lady Setters and Lady Spikers set the Women's Volleyball court on fire at Star Magic All-Star Games 2025". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
  45. Balleras, Care (July 5, 2023). "New Star Magic talent Angela Ken is a budding singer-song-writer". Daily Tribune. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  46. "Kyle, Angela in 'Click, Like, Share' soundtrack". Philippine Daily Inquirer. May 26, 2021. Archived from the original on January 8, 2022. Retrieved January 8, 2022.
  47. "LISTEN: Angela Ken releases new single 'Alas Diyes'". ABS-CBN News. November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  48. 1 2 "Angela Ken releases back-to-back singles "Pansinin Mo Naman Ako" and "Kulimlim"". ABS-CBN News. October 24, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  49. "Angela Ken Releases new single 'Pwede Bang Mamaya'". ABS-CBN News. May 23, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
  50. 1 2 "Here Are The Winners For The 10th Wish Music Awards: SB19, BINI, Dionela, and More". Billboard Philippines. January 19, 2025. Archived from the original on January 20, 2025. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  51. ABS-CBN Star Music (April 4, 2021). Ako Naman Muna - Angela Ken (Music Video) . Retrieved May 7, 2025 via YouTube.
  52. ABS-CBN Star Music (March 28, 2022). It's Okay Not To Be Okay - Angela Ken (Music Video) . Retrieved July 20, 2025 via YouTube.
  53. ABS-CBN Star Music (April 3, 2022). Dagdag Na Alaala - Angela Ken (Music Video) . Retrieved July 20, 2025 via YouTube.
  54. ABS-CBN Star Music (December 9, 2022). Payapa Lang - Angela Ken (Music Video) . Retrieved July 20, 2025 via YouTube.
  55. ABS-CBN Star Music (December 9, 2022). Buti Pa Noon - Angela Ken (Visualizer Video) . Retrieved July 20, 2025 via YouTube.
  56. ABS-CBN Star Music (June 16, 2023). Angela Ken - Dambana (Music Video) . Retrieved July 20, 2025 via YouTube.
  57. ABS-CBN Star Music (December 1, 2023). Angela Ken - Alas Diyes (Lyric Video Visualizer) . Retrieved July 20, 2025 via YouTube.
  58. Tarsier Records (May 17, 2024). "Sikulo" - Maki, Angela Ken, Nhiko (Official Music Video) . Retrieved February 9, 2025 via YouTube.
  59. ABS-CBN Star Music (June 15, 2024). Angela Ken - Ikaw Sana Siya (Performance Video) . Retrieved July 20, 2025 via YouTube.
  60. Benj Pangilinan (June 23, 2024). Benj Pangilinan, Angela Ken - Nandito Na Ako (Official Music Video) . Retrieved July 20, 2025 via YouTube.
  61. Tarsier Records (December 18, 2024). "Kulimlim" - Angela Ken (Official Music Video) . Retrieved March 14, 2025 via YouTube.
  62. Tarsier Records (October 18, 2024). “Kulimlim” - Angela Ken (Official Lyric Visualizer) . Retrieved July 27, 2025 via YouTube.
  63. Tarsier Records (May 23, 2025). Pwede Bang Mamaya - Angela Ken (Official Music Video) . Retrieved May 30, 2025 via YouTube.
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  66. "Angela Ken, Benj Pangilinan visit 'Showtime,' promote music collab". ABS-CBN. July 24, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  67. "Maki turns emotional in Day 2 of concert". ABS-CBN News. December 3, 2024. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
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