When life gets tough, many find solace in music. For FEU alumnus John Robert “Rob” Angeles, a Hotel and Restaurant Management graduate, it became his lifeline and purpose, shaping his songwriting career.

Today, his song ‘MHWG,’ performed by Philippine Pop (P-Pop) group VXON, earned its place as one of the Top 12 finalists in the Philippine Pop Music Festival or PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Festival. 

But behind this success lies a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and a drive to leave a meaningful legacy.

A melody of beginnings

Rob Angeles, now 30 years old, did not start out dreaming of becoming a songwriter. Growing up, he thought of himself as "just a dancer."

“Ako ‘yung ‘maputing, matabang bata na laging ginigitna dahil sobrang bibo sumayaw’ (I was that ‘fair-skinned, chubby kid who was always in the middle because he was so energetic when it came to dancing,’” the songwriter recalled. 

Dancing has always been his identity, from cheering squads to cultural performances. 

During his stay at Far Eastern University (FEU),  Angeles showcased his passion as an active member of the FEU Cheering Squad in 2010 and 2011.

Though he never competed, he shone in halftime University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) performances and events with the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management Pep Squad and Dance League.

Yet, his time at FEU did more than sharpen his dancing skills—it laid the foundation for a deeper purpose that would only reveal itself years later.

In 2021, the songwriter’s life took a devastating turn.

"l was clinically diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, [Generalized] Anxiety [Disorder], and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)," he shared. 

Despite this, even in his darkest moments, music was the songwriter’s refuge.

"Gusto kong gumawa ng mga bagay na hindi mawawala sa mundong 'to. Parang natatanong ko sa sarili ko, 'Ano ang purpose ko dito sa buhay?’ (I want to do things that will not disappear in this world. It’s like I keep asking myself, ‘What is my purpose in life?’)” he said.

It was in this soul-searching that Angeles found songwriting—what he calls his "latent talent."

As he recovered, Angeles channeled his pain into purpose. He became a mental health youth coach for the National Youth Commission of the Philippines and founded Have Courage Inc., an organization advocating for hope and support.

Through these efforts, he used his voice to inspire resilience and healing. Beyond advocacy, he also integrated his passion for music into his mission, creating songs that echo messages of hope, self-discovery, and strength.

The journey behind “MHWG”

Amid the emotional journey of his recovery, he poured his heart into ‘MHWG,’ short for “Mahiwaga,” capturing his struggles and his desire to share a message of hope. 

The song became a reflection of his experiences, turning his pain into something meaningful for others going through tough times. 

Written during his recovery, the song captured the emotions of his quarter-life crisis. With its uplifting message and catchy P-Pop beats, the song has become an anthem of encouragement.

“The chorus encapsulates the song’s core message: ‘Dalangin ng puso (at buhay) para sa ati’y mahiwaga’ (The wish of the heart (and life) is for us to be magical),” he explained.

Angeles sees this as a reflection of life’s magic and endless opportunities, patiently awaiting those bold enough to take the first step forward. He believes that this simplicity and relatability make ‘MHWG’ stand out in the competition.

“Kahit simple lang siya, pangmasa kasi, kaya tumatak sa mga tao (Even though it’s simple, it’s for the masses, which is why it resonates with people),” he said.

Yet, even with the song’s commercial success and the recognition it garnered, Angeles candidly admits that he still battles with impostor syndrome.

“Minsan [tina]tanong ko sa sarili ko, ‘Anong ginagawa ko dito?’ (Sometimes I ask myself, ‘What am I doing here?’),” he admitted.

Joining the PhilPop Himig Handog Festival was initially a leap of faith, but for Rob Angeles, it became an opportunity to showcase his passion and prove his potential in the competitive world of songwriting.

In photo: Rob Angeles with fellow OPM artists and songwriters during the PhilPop Himig Handog Mediacon, celebrating their contributions to Original Pilipino Music. (Photo courtesy of PhilPop Himig Handog).

To his surprise, “MHWG” made it to the Top 12—a feat he had never anticipated.

“The other finalists have written for artists like BINI and Darren Espanto. Until now, hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala (The other finalists have written for artists like BINI and Darren Espanto. Until now, I still can’t believe it),” the alumnus admitted.

Despite his initial disbelief, the festival became a turning point in his journey. With mentorship from OPM legends like Ryan Cayabyab and Jim Paredes, he began to embrace his true potential.

 Now, with newfound confidence and experience, Angeles is setting his sights on expanding his craft—whether through writing for more established artists, collaborating with fellow musicians, or even pursuing a full-fledged career in the music industry.

The FEU legacy

Through it all, he carries the FEU legacy with him. The alumnus credits FEU for shaping his professionalism and discipline, emphasizing how his time at the University instilled values that continue to guide him in both his personal and professional life.

“FEU taught me na hindi lang sapat na mahusay ka sa stage; dapat pati sa likod ng mga eksena, prepared ka (FEU taught me that it’s not enough to just be good on stage; you also need to be prepared behind the scenes),” the alumnus shared.

Late-night rehearsals and early call times on the organizations he joined instilled in him the value of teamwork and time management—skills that now translate to his craft as a songwriter.

He fondly remembers performing at the FEU Grandstand, where he learned that every performance is for the audience and his colleagues.

“FEU taught me to create moments that inspire and bring joy,” he reflected.

For Angeles, ‘MHWG’ is more than just a song—it’s a message of hope for Tamaraws and Filipinos alike. 

“Gusto kong ipaalala sa mga Tamaraw na minsan, tulad nila, I also struggled and almost gave up—pero kinaya ko (I want to remind the Tamaraws that, like them, I also struggled and almost gave up—but I made it through),” Angeles said. 

He sees ‘MHWG’ as the brother of BINI’s ‘Karera,’ resonating with a young demographic that is navigating life’s uncertainties. The song’s upbeat rhythm and universal message make it a shining beacon of resilience. 

Upon interpretation by VXON, ‘MHWG’ becomes even more powerful—a true celebration of hope.

In photo: Rob Angeles (far left) with VXON, the boy band who performed and sang his song “MHWG,” during the PhilPop Himig Handog event. (Photo courtesy of VXON Official).

This perfectly mirrors Angeles’ own story. His journey is proof that passion knows no timeline.

“Kung mahilig ka sa paggawa ng music, go for it! Hindi mo kailangan huminto just because you’re busy (If you love making music, go for it! You don’t have to stop just because you’re busy),” he advised.

He urges budding songwriters to start simple; a pen, paper, and a recording device are all one needs.

“Making music is like planting a seed that will flourish,” Angeles said.

For him, songwriting is an eternal gift—a legacy that outlives its creator. 

His advice is clear: “Use life’s challenges as fuel to create something meaningful. Laban lang (Use life’s challenges as fuel to create something meaningful. Fight on!),” he encouraged. 

Rob Angeles’ journey, from FEU Grandstand to the PhilPop Himig Handog stage, is a tale of grit and hope. 

Through his song, Rob shows that passion, hard work, and resilience can turn life’s toughest moments into something beautiful. His journey reflects not just the power of music but the strength of the human spirit—pushing through doubt and challenges to create something meaningful. - Franzine Aaliyah B. Hicana
(Photos courtesy by Rob Angeles, Philpop Himig Handog, and VXON Official)