There’s both pride and pressure as Diego Gutierrez follows in the footsteps of his Mamita, Pilita Corrales, renowned as “Asia’s Queen of Songs.”

In his talented family, Diego seems the only one in his generation to pursue music. Acknowledging the weight of expectations that comes with his choice, the 27-year-old singer-songwriter admits, “Medyo [may pressure] pero nakakagaan din ng loob kasi nga pinagdaanan nila ang pagdadaanan ko.”

Diego happily announces that he has been getting gigs. When asked how he handles pre-performance jitters, Diego keeps it simple: “Pray.”

He has also received invaluable advice from his family, particularly his Mama Lot, Ate Janine, and Mamita Pilita. “Kapal lang ng mukha,” he says with a shy laugh, a piece of advice that has stuck with him.

Recalling a conversation with his Mamita, who has entertained audiences for seven decades, Diego shares that she admitted she still gets nervous before performing. But his grandmother reassured him with words of encouragement: “She told me, ‘You’re there for a reason. They chose you to perform because they know that you can do that.’ That helps a lot.”

Diego is set to release a new single titled “Huling Sayaw,” his second under Sony Music Philippines.

“’Huling Sayaw’ was the first song I wrote after my breakup,” he reveals, adding that the relationship lasted for seven years.

The song, set to drop this October 2, captures the bittersweet realization that a relationship is changing, expressing a longing for one final dance despite its inevitable end. Despite its theme, it has an upbeat tune and, as Diego describes, “hopeful” tone for that “one last dance.”

In terms of inspiration, Diego often draws from personal experiences but also incorporates stories from others and media he consumes. “Mostly, I write about my experiences, but I also like to write about other people’s experiences or anything in general,” he explains.

Songwriting serves as his emotional outlet, especially since he finds it challenging to open up about his feelings, even to his family, Diego discloses.

When he shared “Huling Sayaw” with his family, it elicited an emotional reaction. “When I first played it for my family, they were really touched because the song is quite sad.”

Almost a year after his breakup, Diego feels he is now in a “much better place” and is focused on his music career rather than seeking a new romantic relationship. “I’m also the type of person to not look for it; if it comes, it comes,” he says.

As for acting, while Diego has expressed interest, his current priority is pursuing his music. “I want to act, but right now, the opportunities in music are better.”

At this point, Diego is content to navigate his music career with a focus on personal growth, using songwriting as a means of emotional and artistic expression and storytelling.