Isha Ponti displayed her talent and wowed the crowd as the front act of Nonoy Zuñiga’s 50th anniversary concert “Beyond Gold: Songs of a Lifetime” held last weekend at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT).
Isha performed her original songs “Tangan,” “Kabang Kaba” and “Dyahe” and lit up the stage alongside the League of Monsters Brothass, an all-male dance group that backed her performance.
The sold-out concert, directed musically by Bobby Gomez and staged by Calvin Murphy Neria, brought together generations of fans in a celebration of timeless Filipino music.
Two other artists also entertained the full-house crowd before Nonoy took the stage. Andrea Gutierrez delivered smooth renditions of “Fly Me to the Moon,” “The Way You Look Tonight” and “Salamat Musika.” Raymond Gorospe followed with heartfelt performances of “Basta’t Kasama Kita,” “You Are My Song,” “Kahit Isang Saglit” and “Say That You Love Me.”
In an era where music often fades fast, 19-year-old Isha is creating something lasting: songs that connect deeply, performances that electrify and a story rooted in the support of her mother, Emeelette Pontanares.
From emerging talent to award-winning artist, Isha is more than a singer. She’s a songwriter, dancer, rapper and producer whose multidimensional artistry continues to win hearts on and off the stage. Her leadership as managing director of Ponti Entertainment Productions and her recognition as Aliw Awards’ Best New Female Artist of 2024 mark her rise in the music industry.
Isha has written and released songs that speak from the heart. “Life Isn’t Perfect” is a reflective anthem on resilience and self-acceptance. “Babalik Ka” is a moving Tagalog ballad released last June. “Tara” brings playful upbeat energy while “Pakpak” is a catchy and empowering pop hit.
Her recent single “Dyahe” was written by Isha and produced by Adonis Tabanda. “Invincible” follows as a motivational anthem celebrating strength and perseverance. Her latest track “You Loved Me First” was released on August 15, her mother’s birthday, as a heartfelt tribute.
For Isha, music is more than melody. It’s storytelling, emotion and truth. “Life isn’t perfect,” she says, “but in every song, there’s truth and connection.”
These sentiments reflect her grounded work ethic, humility and creative boldness.
At the heart of her journey is her mother. “My mom has been my anchor. Her belief in me makes every note possible,” Isha shares.
Her father, Alvin Pontanares, is also a steadfast supporter of her dreams.
Up next, Isha will perform with Andrea Gutierrez in a concert at the Music Museum on December 13, produced by Ponti Entertainment Productions and directed by Calvin Murphy Neria. Before that, on November 13, she’ll appear as one of the special guests in “All That Sound,” a concert by Chad Borja at the same venue.
With an expanding fanbase, a growing catalog of original music and a bold vision for the future, Isha Ponti stands at the threshold of a defining chapter in her career.
