Isha Ponti emerges as OPM’s next big storyteller at 20

With debut album “LIKAS,” rising singer-songwriter turns heartbreak, faith, and family into a powerful, deeply personal musical journey.

In an era where music can often feel fleeting, 20-year-old singer-songwriter Elisha Pontanares—better known as Isha Ponti—is creating something that lasts: songs that resonate deeply, performances that light up stages, and a journey grounded in the unwavering support of her biggest believer—her mother, Emeelette.

“My mom has been my anchor. Her belief in me makes every note possible,” Isha shared. If her music serves as a beacon, her mother is the steady light behind it. From encouraging her earliest songwriting attempts to standing by her through every milestone, Emeelette has been her mentor, cheerleader, and emotional refuge, the quiet force shaping the artist behind the spotlight.

Isha began singing at just seven years old and, by nine, had already started writing songs. Unlike many young artists, she did not emerge from competitions but instead carved her own path. By 13, she was writing songs for herself, including her first release, “Proud To Say,” which she gifted to her father, Alvin, as a heartfelt birthday surprise.

Since then, Isha has written nearly 30 songs, not only for herself but also for fellow emerging artists, effortlessly exploring genres from ballads to pop and upbeat tracks.

Her debut album, “LIKAS”—an acronym for Longing, Illusion, Kindness, Acceptance, and Self-Love—captures her personal and artistic journey. The 10-track project, completed in just four months, was launched in a concert on June 20, her 20th birthday, at Viva Café in Quezon City, with musical direction by Adonis Tabanda.

Currently a freshman multimedia arts student at Enderun College, Isha has already been dubbed “Asia’s Pop Sweetheart,” a label that naturally invites comparisons to “Pop Star Royalty” Sarah Geronimo. Still, she remains grounded.

“Sarah Geronimo is Sarah Geronimo. She’s really my idol. But I value my own identity as an artist,” she said. “I understand there will be similarities and differences, but I know what’s true to me.”

She also looks up to Sharon Cuneta, influenced in part by her father’s love for the Megastar’s music. As she continues to shape her sound, Isha also dreams of collaborating with Janine Teñoso, whose artistry she feels closely aligns with her own.

At the heart of “LIKAS” are deeply personal stories—of longing, heartbreak, and healing. The carrier track, “Kabanata,” and her personal favorite, “Bakas,” reflect her experience of moving on.

“It’s easy to forgive, but not to forget,” she admitted. “I thought someone was the answer to my longing, but it wasn’t real. That’s where ‘Bakas’ came from—me trying to move forward while still carrying remnants of that pain.”

The album also features “Warmth,” an English track dedicated to her parents, who have guided her not only in music but in life.

“They always remind me to save something for myself,” she said. “Not everyone who comes into your life helps you grow, some can drain you. This song is my way of telling them, ‘I’m okay. Thank you for being there.’”

Sonically, Isha leans into the timeless feel of classic OPM, drawing inspiration from artists like Nina and Juris. “I hope to bring that sound back,” she said, noting how these influences shaped her musical taste growing up.

Beyond technical craft, her songwriting process is deeply spiritual. “My songs always begin with conversations with God,” she shared. “I ask for signs. If the song is meant for me, if it’s something I should share.”

Even as she navigates moments of self-doubt—admitting it can feel “overwhelming” and “intimidating” to stand among established names, Isha continues to anchor herself in authenticity.

“I just try to be myself,” she said. “It’s fun to be yourself, and people connect with that.”

Her artistry extends beyond singing. Isha is also a dancer, rapper, and producer, with a growing list of achievements. In 2019, she won Asia’s Best Singing Competition Season 2 and earned recognition at the Euro-Talent Festival in the Czech Republic, where she performed “Speechless” from “Aladdin” and “On My Own” from “Les Miserables.”

She has since shared the stage with OPM icons such as Rey Valera, Nonoy Zuñiga, Marco Sison, and Chad Borja, further solidifying her place in the industry.

As managing director of Ponti Entertainment Productions and Aliw Awards’ Best New Female Artist of 2024, Isha is clearly on a steady rise. With a growing catalog of original music, an expanding fanbase, and a voice rooted in sincerity, she continues to evolve while staying true to her core.

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