A Melody for the Mountains: Orange & Lemons and Valerie West Release “Heart of Ifugao”

 

Orange & Lemons returns to the music scene, this time lending their signature sound to emerging artist and Miss World Philippines – Ifugao 2026 candidate, Valerie Pawid West. Their collaboration brings to life “Heart of Ifugao,” a heartfelt tribute to the breathtaking wonders of the Cordilleran mountains.

Though raised in the United States, the 23-year-old Valerie has maintained a deep connection to her heritage. Through this song, she honors her Ifugao roots—celebrating the culture, landscapes, and identity that continue to shape who she is.

Members of the media were invited to the single’s launch on November 28 at 70’s Bistro in Quezon City, where Valerie took the stage to jam with Orange & Lemons. The event also featured an exclusive preview of the music video, which was filmed entirely in Ifugao.

Band frontman Clem Castro shared that shooting the music video was a unique and challenging experience. The team trekked through the mountains to capture the stunning vistas of Kiangan, Ifugao—Valerie’s home province. He also recalled that a passing typhoon added another layer of difficulty to the shoot, making the final product even more meaningful.

Orange & Lemons are no strangers to collaborating with beauty queens; in 2024, they teamed up with Chelsea Manalo for the song “La Bulaqueña.”

With this new release, “Heart of Ifugao” stands as both a musical homage and a personal testament to the power of embracing one’s origins, no matter the distance.

Meanwhile, Valerie Pawid West is set to represent the province of Ifugao in the upcoming Miss World Philippines 2026 pageant, which is scheduled to begin in just a few weeks.

“Heart of Ifugao” is now available for streaming on all major music platforms.

Listen to "Heart of Ifugao" here: 

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