Because of how serious the world has become, it almost feels wrong to think about anything other than the pandemic. Yet here comes huhsmile kicking down the doors with a track about overcoming a toxic relationship, and it might be the best reminder for us to move on from this past year.

It’s not that the music of Kung Pwede Lang is forceful. The electro opening notes get you hooked by the first line and the rest of the pop-rock track will have you bopping your head guaranteed, but it’s really the lyrics that will grab everyone’s attention. “‘Di ko alam kung papaano nahulog sa katulad mo, feelingero pero di naman gwapo,” is just one of those funny but brutally honest lines that catch you off guard––it’s just not what you’d expect but you’re happy to hear in a debut song.

Although huhsmile’s straightforwardness might seem bold for a newcomer, Eunice Gatdula has always been pretty lowkey. SaGuijo regulars will recognize her as the shyest member in Fighting River Blindness, but the local comic fans know her best under her online persona: Huhsmile. When she’s not performing at gigs, she’s either learning Japanese as a third language, fighting monsters in a role-playing boardgame with her friends, or facing a screen as the artist behind some sarcastic viral comics.

Her numerous hobbies might seem to take up most of her time, but she’s never put the brakes on making music. “My art was sort of like a secret project, it was something that I kept to myself,” she shares. With huhsmile’s debut as an MCA Music Philippines artist, that’s no longer the case.

Kung Pwede Lang is just the kind of “slice of life” song Eunice wishes she’d listened to way back in 2015. “The reason I write for myself is it’s easier to go through these [complicated] feelings,” she opens up about her process. Now that her honesty and straightforwardness can be fully revealed through her music, listeners can feel just as empowered. “I make stuff about a lot of pambahay experiences that people can relate to. If these feelings resonate, then I’m happy with that. Parang there’s an experience we shared even though we’ve never really met. Wow, deep!”

The release of Kung Pwede Lang is almost like the start of our return to normal, and the quiet but opinionated artist who’s been in the background developing her shine is ready to face it head on. Right now, the world needs someone who’s not afraid to tell it how it is––and a little bit of quirk and humor will get everyone to listen.

huhsmile says it best when it comes to dealing with our relationship with 2020: “Sawang-sawa na ako sa pagmumukha mo.”

huhsmile’s debut single “Kung Pwede Lang” is out now on all digital streaming platforms.