A heartwarming track celebrating camaraderie among barkadas

Kapamilya artist Rob Blackburn defines the true meaning of friendship in his new single “Tabi.”

He penned the track as a thank-you message to his genuine friends who stood by him through his ups and downs. It was produced by StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos.

“I was thinking about what it means to have a friend. The concept of love can’t just apply romantically to two people of the opposite sex, it’s also alright for boys to express the love they have as friends. Like John Mayer said, ‘Love shouldn’t always be expressed as superficial romance but as a way to say that you have somebody’s back,’” said Blackburn.

Early this year, he released the singles “Runaway” and “Biyernes Ng Gabi,” which show his romantic side. This time, the rising artist explores the alternative rock genre in his new single.

“This song’s riff and pattern takes inspiration from the alternative rock I listened to in the birth of my musical journey. Past the romance of both ‘Runaway’ and ‘Biyernes Ng Gabi,’ I can also express love in terms of friendship. This song can serve as an anthem for any close and diehard barkada to say I love you to each other,” he said.

For Blackburn, pursuing music provides a sense of purpose. It has become an outlet for him to express his emotions and share his stories. 

He shared, “Music has always touched my soul, and listening to alternative reignited that soulful connection. Ever since I was a child I sang songs and melodies to myself and it has been the way I have expressed myself in the majority of my life. I want to live my life continuously singing to ensure that my voice matters and because I feel a higher passion and purpose, I want to maximize this potential through my songwriting abilities.”

In 2022, he became one of the housemates of “Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10” where he finished as fourth big placer. He also dabbled into acting with his starring roles in Pie Channel series such as “The Chosen One” and “Eat Pray Love.”

Check out Blackburn’s new single “Tabi” available now on all digital streaming platforms. For more details, follow StarPop on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.