Kapamilya singer Carmelle Collado, the latest grand champion of Tawag ng Tanghalan, is among the new voices breathing life into the reimagined version of “Ako ang Simula,” ABS-CBN News’ theme song for Halalan 2025.
Carmelle joins a powerhouse lineup of Star Magic artists including Maki, BGYO, Angela Ken, WRIVE, and ‘The Voice Season 26’ winner Sofronio Vasquez in the new arrangement of the iconic anthem, originally launched during the 2010 elections.
The new rendition, produced by ABS-CBN Music Head of Creatives Jonathan Manalo, is set to premiere tonight after TV Patrol and will also be available on ABS-CBN News’ YouTube and Facebook pages.
Speaking about the significance of the anthem, Manalo shared, “It’s a very powerful song, talagang mararamdaman mo ‘yung Filipino spirit. ‘Yun ang gusto kong i-preserve—‘yung soul ng song, ‘yung lalim ng mensahe.”
The campaign aims to rekindle civic consciousness among a new generation of voters, with each artist bringing their own flavor and truth to the project. For Vasquez, being part of the project was personal: “I’m overflowing with joy na finally may purpose yung pagiging singer ko… in this world, kailangan natin ng pagbabago every time, sa sarili natin, sa buong mundo.”
Carmelle’s own story makes her participation all the more meaningful. The 17-year-old from Sipocot, Camarines Sur, first made her mark in ‘The Voice Kids Season 4’ in 2019 under Team Bamboo and later gained international recognition after winning seven gold medals at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in the U.S.—a feat she says made her the first Filipino to do so.
Yet, despite early successes, Carmelle’s career faced hurdles during the pandemic. “Noong nag-pandemic, tumigil ang pasok ng trabaho kaya naman pinili ko munang mag-focus sa pag-aaral,” she said in an episode of It’s Showtime.
‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ gave her a second wind. After being eliminated early in the competition, she fought her way back through the ‘Resbakbakan’ edition, earning a standing ovation and the highest score of 97.5% from the judges. Her performance prompted Vice Ganda to exclaim, “That was iconic!”—a sentiment echoed by judge Ogie Alcasid.
Now, with her inclusion in ‘Ako ang Simula,’ Carmelle not only celebrates her hard-earned success but also champions a message of self-empowerment and national change.
The new version of ‘Ako ang Simula’ revives a familiar tune for a new time—one that aims to remind every Filipino that true change begins within.
