A true artist is like vintage wine who gets even better in the passing of times. Such is the case of the pop/R&B band Freestyle headed by Top Suzara. Since they came into the scene in 1998, they successfully built their niche in the local music industry. Up to this point, they remain as one of the most highly influential bands in the country. Their music continues to touch the hearts of listeners everywhere.

Who would ever forget their popular ditties “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang? (with Pops Fernandez)”, “Before I Let You Go”, “This Time”, “Para Sa ‘Yo”, “Till I Found You”, So Slow” and “Once in a Lifetime”? These songs propelled the band to become a household name. Known for their heartfelt melodies, standout tracks, and exceptional live performances, Freestyle has solidified their massive mainstream appeal as one of the country’s top musical acts.

To their credit, Freestyle which is now composed of Ian Tan, Gibson Viduya, IJ Garcia, Buoy Manalo, and Top were able to produce four successful studio albums namely, “Freestyle (self-titled debut album)”, “This Time”, “I Wanna Get Close” and “Once in a Lifetime” and three live albums starting with “Freestyle Live at the Araneta Coliseum”, Freestyle All Hits Live” and “Freestyle Love Concert (The Album).” This new Freestyle squad has, since 2023, released five new original songs namely “Maybe”, “Let Love Win”, “Bespren”, “Walang Ibang Ikaw”, and “Surrender You.”

Now, as 2026 ushered in, the band will have a Valentine show titled “Stages of Love” at the Mall of Asia Arena on February 13, 2026 alongside Neocolours and Gigi De Lana. How is it sharing the stage with them? “We’ve done a show with Neocolours recently, in a concert that we had at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, where they were our special guest. It was a lot of fun and the crowd loved them, of course, and how we were together on stage. This is the first time, though, that we will be sharing the stage as main artists. As for Gigi, this will be the first time that we will be performing with her, so we’re excited” says Top.

It seems that it will be a very busy year for the group. Top shares several projects lined up this year. “We will be releasing a limited release Vinyl Record consisting of all of the new songs we’ve released since 2023 up to today. So far, we’ve released five (5 singles). The Vinyl record will feature these five singles and a few extra tracks. We are very excited for this release! Apart from this release, we plan on releasing a bunch of new songs this year! However, instead of releasing the songs as singles, a full album of songs is what we intend to release.”

“Then, after the Valentines concert at the Mall of Asia Arena, we’ll embark on a US-Canada Tour this March and April. After which, we will be focusing on finishing production of the new songs for the album we will release, all the while still also maintaining keeping very busy with public and private shows so we can continue endeavoring for meaningful and fun connections with fans, both old and new, in live performance settings. It’s always nice to connect with everyone digitally and online, but the intimacy of connections made with people during a live performance is really something else,” he adds.

When asked on the secret to Freestyle’s success and staying power, Top explains: “As you would know, the staying power of Freestyle would not be attributed to the People because the faces have changed over the years. I was there at the start. I left. And now, serendipitously, I’m back, again. And, this time, I’m here to stay.”

“Honestly though, I’m really not sure. Although I do acknowledge that my return to the front of Freestyle and the birth of this new chapter has brough about a resurgence for us that has thus far been nothing short of incredible, I would say it’s the songs and how the

old songs have become indelibly part of many a fan’s life’s soundtrack. That’s why even today, as we perform all the old hits, it’s always very meaningful for us and our audience.

It’s a time machine, music. And we all get to reminisce memories, good and bad, together with each song.”

“Also, it’s the support of fans, old and new. And the connections we make with each person in our audience when performing during a live show. All of these, and the blessings from the Man Up Above, are what I would are how and why.”

Interestingly, Freestyle’s relatable music which serves as a source of inspiration to their fans is what makes them relevant to the public after all these years. Top further attributes this through the stories of the songs and how they tell them musically, especially in a live performance setting.

“From my experience as a singer and songwriter, as Top and Freestyle, it’s always been more because of the stories of the songs. In the case of the old hits, it’s the stories they tell and the memories they bring back to each person listening and singing along.

“For our new songs, apart from more mature production, it’s still stories and storytelling. So many artists are out there releasing so many songs with different stories and flavors that connect with different audiences in so many different ways. For Freestyle, we will keep doing our best to stay true to our commitment to celebrating all the old songs and to making new songs and sharing each one, telling their different stories through and hopefully connecting with each person we have the blessing and privilege of being able to reach and perform to, “ Top ends.

“Stages of Love” is presented by NY Entourage Productions. Tickets are on-sale and now available at SMTickets.com.