This is The Juans’ official statement about the theme of their new record. Said new release, the appropriately titled “Liwanag”, is the first full length release for 2022 from the hit group that brought us “Hindi Tayo Pwede”, “Hatid”, and “Istorya” among others. The band – lead singer keyboardist Carl Guevarra, singer lead-guitarist Japs Mendoza, bassist-singer Chael Adriano, drummer singer Joshua Coronel and singer rhythm guitarist RJ Cruz – put much effort and time in preparing for the roll out of this massive 15-track compilation of all original tunes of varying themes about life, love and relations.

And a big chunk of that preparation was the songwriting. And one of big boasts of this new record is that for the first time, The Juans have doubled the source of song contributors. Whereas before, lead singers Carl Guevarra and Japs Mendoza have the bulk of songwriting, this time, bassist Chael Adriano and guitarist RJ Cruz are contributing significantly to the songwriting. And the resulting sound is adventurous.

While most retain a pop sheen, The Juans are pushing outside of their sonic comfort zones. Danceable tracks like “Pangalan” sit comfortably side by side with the anthemic numbers like “Liwanag” and electropop flavored tunes like “Pinakahihintay”. Which is to say that The Juans are consciously innovating their sound. And tracks like “Salamin” and “Love You” are fine examples as these are strikingly different from their past releases.

Come to think of it, trying out new approaches to songs have been a hallmark of the band. As a result, they’ve never stagnated in their almost decade-old career. Listening to the faux-rap and trap beat inflected original song “Kahon”, the dance pop flavored “Still Standing” and the showtunes-y “Teka Muna” , seems so far away from the sound of their “Atin Ang Mundo” debut.

One of the highlights in “Liwanag” is the poignant and yearning piano ballad called “Kuya”. A song that seems to embody the underlying themes of hope and inspiration. “Kuya” seems to capture the singer at his lowest, and yet despite, still yearns for hope that there will be better days. As The Juans themselves said: “Lahat tayo kailangan ng liwanag; liwanag na gumagabay, liwanag na nagbibigay buhay; ang liwanag na nagpapalinaw sa mga bagay na hindi natin maintindihan at Liwanag na tutunnaw sa mga kasinungalingan niyayakap natin sa kadiliman.”

Previously released fan-fave singles “Anghel”, “Dulo” and “Sabik” are also included to complete this pivotal new album.

Anticipating the release of “Liwanag” on all streaming platforms, The Juans and VIVA Records have lined up a grand day of activities on Mar. 17, 2022 that will start the press conference at the Boteyju in Fisher Mall in Quezon City.

Then a short exclusive interview with radio partner Wish FM 107.5’s Wishbus (situated just in front of Fisher Mall) commences after the presser. But the day’s highlights will be later in the evening for The Juans listening party for the “Liwanag” album at 6pm.

After which a red-carpet affair for the band, movie and TV personalities and fellow pop acts and musicians will follow for the premiere of the official lyric videos of the songs from the album which will be shown at the Fisher Mall Cinema.

Then music fans can listen to “LIWANAG” when it drops first at Spotify at 9pm. Eventually, The Juans new album will made available to all streaming platforms by midnight of March 18, 2022.

The lyric videos first seen on the big screen will be released on The Juans official Youtube channel by March 18, 2022 (1pm).

Special thanks to Boteyju Fisher Mall, Fisher Mall Cinemas, and Wish FM 107.5. The Juans “LIWANAG” album is released by VIVA RECORDS.