If Isha Ponti were a song, she wouldn’t be a remix. She’d be a sweet but surprising original — catchy but with depth that catches you off guard.
At 19, she’s already achieved what many only dream of, and with an unwavering support from her family, especially the woman behind the scenes: her mother.
Isha is tagged “Asia’s Pop Sweetheart” after winning grand prizes in both Asia’s Best Singing Competition Season 2 and the Eurotalent Festival in the Czech Republic. She was only 13 at the time, competing against older performers. Since then, she’s become a writing machine, composing several songs enough for a full album. She is also a producer and creative force who serves as managing director of Ponti Productions. Just recently, she was named Best New Female Artist of 2024 by the Aliw Awards.
Her rise is grounded in something stronger than ambition. It’s anchored in family — especially in the love of her mom, Let Ponti. From styling and shooting her daughter’s music videos to managing gigs and shaping her image, Let has been Isha’s partner and biggest believer.
“My mom has been my anchor — her belief in me makes every note possible,” Isha says. That belief is the inspiration behind her newest single You Loved Me First, released on August 15, the birthday of her mom.
“I dedicate it to my mom kasi ‘yun yung thoughts ko when I think of her,” Isha shares. “Mula pagkabata, when I was still in her tummy, grabe na ‘yung pag-aalaga niya sa akin. Sa musical journey ko not just as an artist but as her daughter and student, siya talaga ‘yung gumagabay sa akin.”
Produced and arranged by Adonis Tabanda, “You Loved Me First” is a tribute to all mothers whose love shapes the artists, dreamers and doers of the world.
These aren’t just songs but stories, moments and memories translated into melody. Isha’s discography reveals her growth as a writer and producer. From the reflective anthem “Life Isn’t Perfect,” to the Tagalog ballad “Babalik Ka,” the upbeat “TARA,” the empowering “PAKPAK,” the emotionally layered “Dyahe” and the bold, uplifting “INVINCIBLE,” each track adds a new layer to her evolving identity.
She’s not in a hurry. Despite having more than 13 original songs — enough for a full album — Isha remains deliberate and intentional. “I’m not in a rush. I know what I want,” she says. “Kung hindi nagva-vibe sa kanila, okay lang. This is my song. I hope you like it.”
Her audience continues to grow, and so does her presence onstage. She recently opened for Marco Sison at “Seasons of OPM” and will be performing at the 50th anniversary concert of Nonoy Zuñiga, ”Beyond Gold – Songs of a Lifetime” on September 5 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, under the direction of Bobby Gomez and Calvin Neria.
Even in live settings, her sincerity resonates. Whether it’s an acoustic version of “Manchild” or a brand-new release, Isha brings warmth and truth to every performance. Her goal isn’t just to entertain. “My goal is to heal broken hearts, heal shattered dreams, and remind people of those who guided us — like our parents and God,” she says.
Dreaming forward, Isha hopes to collaborate with OPM stalwarts Sarah Geronimo, SB19, Maki, Adie and BINI. And even as she reaches for bigger stages, she stays true to her roots, guided by the same love that nurtured her earliest performances.
