On Saturday 14 November, the One Bangkok Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, becomes the centre of Asian music as it hosts the first edition of the Eurovision Song Contest Asia.
With Woody Milintachinda and Cindy Bishop as hosts, it is a historic event bringing together 11 countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam) in a competition that aims to carry the spirit of the Eurovision format to Asia while showcasing the continent’s cultural, linguistic and musical diversity.
With acts spanning different styles, backgrounds and artistic approaches, this first edition sets out to become an international showcase for new voices and sounds from one of the most diverse regions in the world.
Ahead of this new celebration of Asian music, we take a closer look at the careers of the contenders in a series of profiles dedicated to each participant: their origins, their musical careers, their biggest hits and the stories behind each entry. 11 countries, 11 songs and one stage: Bangkok, where a new chapter in the history of international song contests is about to begin.
This time we meet CARMELLE, who represents the Philippines at the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 with “Sobra-Sobra”.
Meet CARMELLE, the new Filipino pop star ready to take on the world
Carmelle Allyza San Juan Collado was born in Sipocot, Camarines Sur, on 16 July 2007. Known professionally as CARMELLE, she is a Filipino singer who has become one of the rising talents on her country’s music scene.
After making her name on several TV talent shows, winning ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan: School Showdown’ and taking part in ‘Pinoy Big Brother’, she now faces one of the biggest challenges of her career: representing the Philippines at the first edition of the Eurovision Song Contest Asia with “Sobra-Sobra”.
At just 19, CARMELLE already has a track record defined by her vocal power, her versatility and an early start in music.
Her time on Filipino talent shows earned her a sizeable fan base, while her first releases and debut album have introduced a musical identity of her own, rooted mainly in pop and dance sounds.
First steps in music: a passion that runs in the family
CARMELLE is an only child and grew up in a family closely tied to music, where singing was part of everyday life. Her grandmother had competed in singing contests, while her mother, besides supporting her in her early years, became her main vocal coach.
According to her family, her singing ability began to show when she was just three years old. From then on she entered various competitions and performing arts activities, combining her musical training with school.
Beyond music, CARMELLE also stood out as a dancer, majorette, student leader and psalmist at her church. In May 2025 she graduated with honours from King Thomas Learning Academy in Camarines Sur, and went on to study Tourism at the University of Nueva Caceres.
Seven gold medals and ‘The Voice Kids Philippines’
One of CARMELLE‘s first major international achievements came in 2019. Aged just 12, she represented the Philippines at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Long Beach, California, and came home with an extraordinary haul: seven gold medals across different categories.
That same year brought another big opportunity when she joined the fourth season of ‘The Voice Kids Philippines’, on the team of singer and musician Bamboo Mañalac, one of the country’s best-known artists.
CARMELLE made it all the way to the grand final, where she finished runner-up. Although she missed out on the win, the show introduced her voice to a much wider audience and laid the groundwork for her later TV career.
‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’: the contest that changed her career
After continuing with various musical activities, CARMELLE returned to television in 2024 for ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan: School Showdown’, a singing competition within the variety show ‘It’s Showtime’.
Representing King Thomas Learning Academy, she became the first grand champion of this edition in January 2025, with an average score of 98% from the judges.
One of the highlights of her run was her performance in the final round, a medley of three Aretha Franklin classics: “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, “Chain of Fools” and “Ain’t No Way”. It earned her a standing ovation from the judges and sealed her victory.
The win was a turning point for CARMELLE, who went from a promising young talent-show singer to one of the new artists with the brightest prospects in the Filipino music industry.
Shortly afterwards she began appearing on ‘ASAP’ (All-Star Sunday Afternoon Party), one of ABS-CBN‘s flagship music and entertainment shows, where she continued to showcase her vocal and performance skills.
‘Pinoy Big Brother’ and her first musical collaborations
In 2025, CARMELLE extended her TV presence as a housemate on ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0’. The format, which brings entertainment personalities together in a house under round-the-clock surveillance, let viewers see a more personal side of the singer, away from the stage.
At the same time, CARMELLE began working on her first recordings. One of the most notable was a collaboration with Sofronio Vasquez, winner of the 26th season of the US version of ‘The Voice’.
Together they recorded a new version of “Maalaala Mo Kaya”, an original composition by Constancio de Guzmán that is part of Filipino music history. Released in May 2025, it was chosen as the theme for ABS-CBN‘s TV series of the same name. It was produced by Jonathan Manalo, with arrangements by Tommy Katigbak.
She also featured on “Unti-Unti” with Kevin Yadao, part of a series of commemorative singles celebrating songwriter Soc Villanueva. The song would later appear on her debut album.
CARMELLE: her first studio album and a new musical identity
May 2026 marked a new chapter with the release of her first original solo single, “Morena”. Released on 6 May on Star Music, the track is a mix of pop and dance, with a modern, radio-friendly production.
Written and produced by Jonathan Manalo, with contributions from Jeremy G and several members of the group WRIVE (Russu Laurente, Ishiro Incapas and Asi Gatdula), “Morena” carries a message of self-esteem, self-acceptance and celebration of the beauty of Filipino women. The song focuses in particular on pride in brown skin, a cultural and aesthetic element that the singer places front and centre.
On 15 May 2026 came her first studio album, simply titled CARMELLE, released digitally by Star Music. Its 11 songs show different sides of her voice, combining Filipino- and English-language songs and exploring different strands of contemporary pop. While “Morena” acts as the calling card for her artistic identity, songs such as “Salamin”, “Checklist” and “Kinang” broaden her range with different musical shades.
“No Apologies” and “Who” give the project a more international feel, while “Pangarap Ko’y Tagumpay” speaks to the dreams and ambitions that have driven CARMELLE from the start. The album also gathers “Stay” and “Unti-Unti”, bringing her earlier releases together in a collection that serves as a full introduction to the singer.
The release was accompanied by ‘CARMELLE LIVE!’, a show held in May 2026 at the SM North EDSA Skydome, where she presented her new music to the public.
“Sobra-Sobra”: her ticket to make history at Eurovision Asia 2026
The next big chapter of her career began in August 2026, when she was announced as one of the acts in Pili, Pinas! Philippine Selection Night, the national selection to choose the Philippines’ representative at the first edition of the Eurovision Song Contest Asia.
CARMELLE competed with “Sobra-Sobra”, written by Nica del Rosario and Mat Olavides, two songwriters behind some of the biggest recent hits in Filipino music. The song blends pop and dance with Latin influences and traditional Filipino instruments such as the kulintang and the kubing.
Its lyrics revolve around self-confidence, female empowerment and the importance of not letting others define who you are. The title, which translates as “too much”, plays on the criticism women face when they show confidence, ambition or determination.
On 30 August, CARMELLE was crowned winner of the national selection at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City. The victory earned her the ticket to represent the Philippines at the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026, making her the country’s first-ever representative at the contest.
In the weeks leading up to the contest, CARMELLE has said she wants to use this opportunity to give Filipino music international visibility, known locally as OPM (Original Pilipino Music), and to show that its sounds can connect with audiences across cultures and languages.
With a career that began in children’s competitions, seven international medals, TV experience and a debut studio album already out, CARMELLE arrives at her biggest international challenge as an artist still very much on the rise. “Sobra-Sobra” is much more than another song in her repertoire: it is a chance to take her identity, her culture and the musical talent of the Philippines to an international stage.
“Sobra-Sobra”: CARMELLE’s entry for the Philippines at Eurovision Asia 2026
CARMELLE represents the Philippines at the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 with “Sobra-Sobra”. The song, which mixes English and Tagalog, was written by Gianina Camille ‘Nica’ del Rosario and Mart Sam Emmanuel ‘Mat’ B. Olavides.
The Filipino entry carries a message of female empowerment, self-love, equality and freedom. At its heart is the idea that no woman should feel inferior, ashamed or held back for being authentic, expressing her feelings or showing her personality.
In its verses, the song lays out the criticism and prejudice many women face. When a woman is decisive, she is called bossy; when she does not smile, she is too intense; and when she shows confidence and strength, some people judge her harshly. It reflects the contradictory expectations society often places on women’s behaviour.
The line “Ang Pilipina hindi sobra”, meaning “The Filipina is not too much”, expresses pride in being a woman and the importance of rejecting stereotypes. The song also mentions María Clara and Gabriela, two female figures who symbolise different ideals of Filipino womanhood, to say that a woman does not need to be compared with others or fit a single model of femininity.
Another key message comes in “Ako’y isang reyna, diyosa”, meaning “I am a queen, a goddess”, a statement of self-esteem, confidence and self-worth. And with the line “Maybe you’re just not enough for me”, the song makes clear that a woman should not make herself smaller to please others.
In the section that pushes back against comments about how a woman should dress, walk, talk or behave, the song calls out society’s intrusion into women’s personal choices and defends every woman’s right to express herself freely, without fear of being judged.
Ultimately, “Sobra-Sobra” is an anthem of female empowerment. Being strong, independent, confident, feminine or different does not mean being excessive, and no woman should change who she is to meet other people’s expectations. All women deserve respect, freedom and equality. The real lesson: we are not too much; we are simply women who know our worth and are not afraid to show it.
Lyrics of “Sobra-Sobra” by CARMELLE, the Philippines’ entry at Eurovision Asia 2026
English / Tagalog (original)
If I take charge, they call me bossy
If I don’t smile, they call me too intense
When I get loud, they think I’m crazy
When I chase what I want, they think I’m too obsessive
Ang Pilipina hindi sobra, kung ika’y humuhusga
Baka ikaw ang mayroong pagkukulang
Si Maria Clara, si Gabriela, ‘di kailangang ikumpara
At kung masyado silang ganito, ganyan
Eh bahala ka
I have figured it out (Hindi ako sobra-sobra)
I won’t put myself down (Ako’y isang reyna, diyosa)
Ako’y sasayaw, ako’y sisigaw, tinig ko’y mangingibabaw
And if I’m too much for you
Maybe you’re just not enough for me
They say I’m just too liberated
When I embrace my femininity
But then I’m too domineering
When I show my strength too bad you can’t stop me
Ang Pilipina hindi sobra, kung ika’y humuhusga
Baka ikaw ang mayroong pagkukulang
Ako’y malakas, ako’y maganda
‘Di kailangang pumili pa
Kung masyado akong ganito, ganyan
Eh bahala ka
I have figured it out (Hindi ako sobra-sobra)
I won’t put myself down (Ako’y isang reyna, diyosa)
Ako’y sasayaw, ako’y sisigaw, tinig ko’y mangingibabaw
And if I’m too much for you
Maybe you’re just not enough for me
Bakit ba? Ang daming nangingialam
Sa kung paano manamit maglakad o gumalaw
Kesyo masyadong maharot, malikot o magaslaw
O kaya masyadong mahiyain, san ba tayo lulugar?
Sobrang lakas kapag hindi sobrang hina
Aking tinig ay hindi ko na papalitan
At kung ako’y sobra-sobra manigas ka nalang diyan
Nakakapagod na nga maging babae, dadagdag ka pa, uh
I have figured it out (Ooh, oh)
I won’t put myself down (Ako’y isang reyna, diyosa)
Ako’y sasayaw, ako’y sisigaw, tinig ko’y mangingibabaw
And if I’m too much for you
Maybe you’re just not enough for me
I have figured it out (Hindi ako sobra-sobra)
I won’t put myself down (Ako’y isang reyna, diyosa)
Ako’y sasayaw, ako’y sisigaw, tinig ko’y mangingibabaw
And if I’m too much for you
Maybe you’re just not enough for me
English translation (unofficial)
If I take charge, they call me bossy
If I don’t smile, they call me too intense
When I get loud, they think I’m crazy
When I chase what I want, they think I’m too obsessive
The Filipina is not too much; if you’re the one judging
Maybe you’re the one who’s lacking
María Clara, Gabriela, there’s no need to compare them
And if they’re too this or too that
Well, that’s your problem
I have figured it out (I am not too much)
I won’t put myself down (I am a queen, a goddess)
I will dance, I will shout, my voice will rise above
And if I’m too much for you
Maybe you’re just not enough for me
They say I’m just too liberated
When I embrace my femininity
But then I’m too domineering
When I show my strength too bad you can’t stop me
The Filipina is not too much; if you’re the one judging
Maybe you’re the one who’s lacking
I am strong, I am beautiful
I don’t have to choose
If I’m too this or too that
Well, that’s your problem
I have figured it out (I am not too much)
I won’t put myself down (I am a queen, a goddess)
I will dance, I will shout, my voice will rise above
And if I’m too much for you
Maybe you’re just not enough for me
Why? So many people meddling
In how we dress, how we walk or move
Saying we’re too flirty, too restless or too brash
Or else too shy, so where are we supposed to fit?
Too loud when we’re not too quiet
I won’t change my voice any more
And if I’m too much, tough luck, just deal with it
Being a woman is tiring enough, and now you add to it, uh
I have figured it out (Ooh, oh)
I won’t put myself down (I am a queen, a goddess)
I will dance, I will shout, my voice will rise above
And if I’m too much for you
Maybe you’re just not enough for me
I have figured it out (I am not too much)
I won’t put myself down (I am a queen, a goddess)
I will dance, I will shout, my voice will rise above
And if I’m too much for you
Maybe you’re just not enough for me
Listen to all the songs of the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 in the ESCplus playlist on Spotify:
How CARMELLE won her ticket to Eurovision Asia 2026: victory at Pili, Pinas! Philippine Selection Night
CARMELLE represents the Philippines at the first Eurovision Song Contest Asia with “Sobra-Sobra” after winning the national selection Pili, Pinas! Philippine Selection Night, held on 30 August in Quezon City.
The national final, organised by broadcaster ABS-CBN, took place at the New Frontier Theater, with artists competing with original songs for the ticket to the international contest. The show was hosted by Vice Ganda with Darren Espanto and Alexa Ilacad, who also played a key role in the green room, interviewing the acts after their performances.
The contenders included leading names in P-pop (Pinoy pop), the country’s homegrown pop scene, which grew out of OPM and mixes modern styles such as pop, rap and R&B. The line-up featured DNA, AJAA, Jason Dy & Sassa Dagdag, JM Dela Cerna & Marielle Montellano, VVINK & WRIVE Russu, SAGA, Ryssi Avila, Elha Nympha, Esang de Torres, Lance Reblando & Nar Cabico and KHIMO, alongside the eventual winner, CARMELLE.
The final result of Pili, Pinas! Philippine Selection Night was decided by a mixed voting system combining a professional jury with public votes: 40% for the expert panel, 40% for viewers in the Philippines and 20% for the international public. The jury, made up of well-known figures from the Filipino entertainment industry, scored each entry after its performance.
In the end, CARMELLE won with “Sobra-Sobra”, becoming the Philippines‘ representative at Eurovision Asia 2026 and the song that will carry Filipino music to the stage in Bangkok. SAGA finished second and JM Dela Cerna & Marielle Montellano came third.