Kahel na Langit
| "Kahel na Langit" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Maki | ||||
| from the album Kolorcoaster | ||||
| Language | Filipino | |||
| English title | Orange Sky | |||
| Released | June 13, 2025 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:36 | |||
| Label | Tarsier Records | |||
| Songwriter |
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| Producers |
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| Maki singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Kahel na Langit" on YouTube | ||||
"Kahel na Langit" (stylized in small caps; transl. Orange Sky), is a song by Filipino singer Maki. It was released as a digital pre-single for his debut album Kolorcoaster on June 13, 2025, through Tarsier Records. It was written by Ralph William Datoon, and produced by Maki, Tati de Mesa, Jacob Clemente, and Shadiel Chan. The indie alternative track expresses feelings of longing and missing someone who once offered comfort during difficult times. The music video was directed by Ingrid Ignacio and Maki himself. It features Maki and the Zushibois, which Maki praised them for their warmth during tours.
Following its release, the track entered the two Billboard Philippines charts. It peaked at number 12 and number 4 on the Philippines Hot 100 and Top Philippine Songs, respectively.
Background and release
After releasing his single "Bughaw" in 2024, Maki announced his debut album Kolorcoaster during the song’s music video premiere in March 2025.[1]
In May, he revealed his next single, "Kahel na Langit", which was released on June 13, 2025.[2] An accompanying music video was released on June 14, 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Sky Amphitheater.[3]
Composition and lyrics
"Kahel na Langit" is three minutes and thirty-six seconds long, set in the key of F, with a tempo of 94 beats per minute.[4][5] The song was composed by Ralph William Datoon, and produced by Maki, Tati de Mesa, Jacob Clemente, and Shadiel Chan. The song was arranged by Ralph William Datoon, Tati de Mesa, Jon Lopez, Sammy Icaracon, and Ian Moscare, while Tati de Mesa provided the electric guitar, Jacob Clemente for synthesizer, Jon Lopez for drums, Sammy Icaracon for electric guitar, and Ian Moscare for bass guitar.[6]
According to Maki, the song expresses feelings of longing and missing someone who once offered comfort during difficult times.[7] During the music video premiere, he described it as dedicated to those who struggle with being alone. He also explained that sunsets inspired the track’s imagery, representing endings that can still feel warm and beautiful like kahel (lit. 'orange').
Unlike his previous releases associated with other colors, "Kahel na Langit" explores a different emotional landscape.[8] The track's poetic lyrics, such as "Hanggang may kahel na langit, maiisip kita", (transl. As long as there is an orange sky, I will think of you.) effectively convey the timeless love that endures.[9]
Music video
The music video was directed by Ingrid Ignacio and Maki. It was noted for its strong visual storytelling, but intentionally leaves much of it open for interpretation, allowing listeners to find their own meaning without explanation.[8] Maki revealed the personal touches in the visuals, including a handcrafted shirt worn by him and the production team in the music video. He described it as worn and torn, yet comforting, resembling the hearts the song aims to soothe. Maki praised his creative circle, Zushibois, for their warmth during tours and their inclusion in the music video.[8][10]
Reception
Reviews
Writing for Rolling Stone Philippines, Elijah Pareño highlighted that Maki's newest single showcased a different side of him. He also highlighted the visual shift, accompanied by heavenly production and Maki's "soaring vocal performance". Elijah suggests that "kahel na langit" shifts from yellow's brightness to orange's warmer tone, resulting in a more personal and expansive feeling.[11]
Commercial performance
Following its release on June 13, 2025, "Kahel na Langit" debuted two weeks later at number 13 on Top Philippine Songs chart and number 20 on Philippines Hot 100 on Billboard Philippines.[12][13] The song also became the biggest streaming debut in 2025 for an OPM song on Spotify Philippines with 206.5 thousand streams.[7]
On July 19, the track peaked at number 12 on Philippines Hot 100 and number 4 on Top Philippine Songs on Billboard Philippines.[14][15] On the 33rd week, it peaked at number eleven at the Official Philippines Chart.[16]
In December, "Kahel na Langit" was recognized by Apple Music Philippines among its Top OPM Songs of 2025, placing eighth.[17]
Credits and personnel
Credits are adapted from Apple Music.[6]
- Maki — vocals, producer
- Ralph William Datoon — songwriter, lead vocals, backing vocals
- Tati de Mesa — producer, electric guitar, arranger
- Jacob Clemente — producer, synthesizer, post production engineer
- Shadiel Chan — producer, mixing engineer, recording engineer
- Jan Fuertez — mastering engineer
- Sammy Icaranom — electric guitar, arranger
- Jon Lopez — drums, arranger
- Ian Moscare — bass guitar, arranger
Charts
Weekly charts
| Chart (2025) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Philippines (IFPI)[16] | 10 |
| Philippines (Philippines Hot 100)[18] | 10 |
| Philippines (Top Philippine Songs)[19] | 4 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (2025) | Position |
|---|---|
| Philippines (Philippines Hot 100)[20] | 56 |
| Philippines (Top Philippine Songs)[21] | 20 |
Accolades
| Award | Year | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wish Music Awards | 2026 | Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year | Pending | [22] |
Listicles
| Publisher | Year | Listicle | Placement | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Philippines | 2025 | 10 OPM Songs for Reflection and New Beginnings | Placed | [23] |
| Favorite Songs Of 2025 | Placed | [24] |
References
- ^ Krishnan, Ganiel (March 13, 2025). "Maki announces full-length album 'KOLORCOASTER', unveils 'Bughaw' music video". ABS-CBN. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "Maki Looks Back In New Single "Kahel Na Langit" – Listen". Billboard Philippines. May 22, 2025. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ Jefferson Fernando (June 23, 2025). "Maki paints goodbye in 'Kahel na Langit'". Daily Tribune. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
- ^ "Tempo for kahel na langit - Maki". SongBPM. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "kahel na langit | Track Analytics | Songstats". Songstats. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
- ^ a b "kahel na langit – Song by Maki – Apple Music". Apple Music (PH). Archived from the original on June 26, 2025. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ a b "Maki sings of yearning for love that doesn't grow old". Philstar.com. June 26, 2025. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Maki gives new meaning to warmth with 'Kahel na Langit'". MYX Global. June 16, 2025. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ Pascual, Pauline Joyce (August 23, 2025). "Nandito Ako, Alipin, Kahel na Langit, Panalangin: Which one is your 'Yearner' anthem?". Daily Tribune. Retrieved September 12, 2025.
- ^ Fernando, Jeff (June 25, 2025). "MAKI'S 'KAHEL NA LANGIT': AN ODE TO BEAUTIFUL ENDINGS AND QUIET LONELINESS". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on June 25, 2025. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
- ^ Pareño, Elijah (June 16, 2025). "Maki Colors Their Path In Pop With New Single 'Kahel na Langit'". Rolling Stone Philippines. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
- ^ Saenz, Rome (June 25, 2025). "Maki's "Kahel Na Langit" Enters The Top Philippine Songs Chart". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on June 26, 2025. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "Philippines Hot 100 – Week of June 28, 2025". Retrieved July 18, 2025.
- ^ "Philippines Hot 100 - Week of July 19, 2025". Retrieved July 18, 2025.
- ^ "Top Philippine Songs - Week of July 19, 2025". Retrieved July 18, 2025.
- ^ a b "The Official Southeast Asia Charts – This Week's Official Philippines Chart Top 20 from 08/22/2025 to 08/28/2025". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved September 2, 2025. [Select 2025 Week 35]
- ^ "Cup of Joe's 'Multo' lands No. 1 spot on Top OPM Songs of 2025 on Apple Music PH". ABS-CBN. December 4, 2025. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
- ^ "Philippines Hot 100 for the week of August 30, 2025". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
- ^ "Top Philippine Songs – Week of July 19, 2025". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
- ^ "Philippines Hot 100 – Year of 2025". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
- ^ "Top Philippine Songs – Year of 2025". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
- ^ Saenz, Rome (November 25, 2025). "SB19, Flow G, More Nominated at the 11th Wish Music Awards". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on November 26, 2025. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
- ^ Regis, Ralph (October 6, 2025). "10 Filipino Songs For Reflection and New Beginnings". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on October 6, 2025. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
- ^ "Fans Pick their Favorite Songs and Albums of 2025". Billboard Philippines. December 18, 2025. Archived from the original on December 18, 2025. Retrieved December 18, 2025.