Filipino band The Juans is set to offer a fresh and more emotionally layered take on their hit song “Ngiti” through an upcoming music video featuring Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition duo Bianca De Vera and Dustin Yu, collectively known as DusBia.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, the band shared that the music video will depart from the song’s light, romantic tone and instead present a more cinematic and story-driven narrative.
“Iba ito in terms of the storytelling. We made sure that we want, we add depth to the meaning of the song. From yung Ngiti na pwedeng surface level lang, ito yung Ngiti na kaya ka nakapangiti dahil may pinanggalingan ka, mayroon kang tinahak na journey,” lead vocalist Carl Guevarra said.
The band described working with Dustin and Bianca as a memorable experience, praising the pair for bringing the story to life.
“DusBia ang aming lead stars for this short film. Proud ako sabihin na binagay nila ang sobrang todong excellent performance for this. It's something that I am proud to share. This is our best material yet. I would say the best thing that we have put out in our 13 years,” he added.
Guitarist RJ Cruz also teased that while the video captures moments of joy between the two leads, viewers can expect an emotional twist.
“Excited kami mapanood ito ng lahat. With the help of director John Manalo, and also, hindi niyo ieexpect yung, kung saan siya situated. Ayan yung something na aabangan nyo,” he said.
In a press statement, the band shared that “Ngiti” draws from lived and relatable experiences, “that have become a defining part of The Juans’ sound.”
“We’ve always believed that our music carries real stories. With Ngiti, we wanted to create something that people going through a tough time can sit with, and maybe find comfort in, even in the smallest smile,” Carl said.
The track, written by lead guitarist Japs Mendoza, is part of the band’s 10th anniversary album, Tawid.
Ahead of the music video released on April 25, “Ngiti” has already surpassed 12 million streams on Spotify, a milestone that surprised the band, who have long been associated with heartbreak songs.
“Actually, minanifest po namin ni Chael (Adriano). Habang prinoproduce yung song, feeling ko hit song ito. Manifesting lang. Pero sobrang nakakatawa na umabot sa million streams yung 'Ngiti' and nakakatawa siya in a way na bago siya sa The Juans,” Japs said.
He added that despite the band’s reputation for heartbreak songs, they are happy that listeners have started embracing a different side of their music.
“Usually kasi nakikilala kami sa mga heartbreak songs rather than the love songs. May balance naman na may love songs din naman kami pero mas nare-recognize talaga yung mga heartbreak songs. Pero now, we're happy na na-notice din yung Ngiti and nabigyan nila ng time para mapakinggan,” he added.
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Carl also expressed: “I think kami masaya kami because we're able to show a different side of ourselves. As much as we are happy that people know us because of our heartbreak songs, we're extra happy. May extra ngiti sa aming mga labi na nadi-discover nila din yung aming mga songs about love. So, sana nga ito ay magsilbing tulay para makatawid naman sila din sa mga masasayang kanta namin.”
Meanwhile, The Juans is set to have their European Tour starting on May 31 in Milan, Italy; followed by Paris, France on June 6; Madrid, Spain on June 7; and Frankfurt, Germany on June 12.