In the unassuming town of Montalban, Rizal, a voice quietly rose during the stillness of the pandemic. A voice that doesn’t belt like the power divas of the ’90s, but one that speaks — sings — truths that are heartbreakingly familiar and unmistakably her own.
Melissa Corpus isn’t here to chase the spotlight. She’s here to write about why it hurt, how it healed, and the people who stayed or left. A singer-songwriter who writes not with grand theatrics, but with memory, loss, and hope — all bundled in a melody that tends to arrive, as she puts it, “by download.”
The Gift She Didn’t Ask For
“I’m more of a lyricist,” Melissa shares, “since I don’t play any instruments. Pero siguro lucky lang ako na binigyan ako ni Lord ng ganitong gift. Kapag may lyrics, parang kasabay na yung melody. Hindi ko rin ma-explain. Basta dumadating.”
A PWD artist with Bell’s Palsy since birth, Melissa’s introduction to music wasn’t through training or conservatories. It was home — her titas and cousins playing Whitney Houston and The Carpenters on early mornings, waking her up with melodies that would later define her foundations.
“The first song I remember loving? Whitney’s ‘The Greatest Love of All’ and ‘Paraiso’ by Smokey Mountain. Hindi ko alam, pero may hugot na agad ‘yung batang ako dun.”
A Pandemic Pivot
While most people were trying to bake banana bread or survive their fourth Zoom meeting, Melissa opened a YouTube channel called PPF Live Sessions and started featuring musicians.
“I remember one convo with a guest… napunta sa relationships. Then nalaman ko songwriter siya. Sabi ko, ‘Gawa ka nga ng song about sugal.’ Pero ako pala ‘yung nakasulat nung kanta — lyrics and melody. Tinulungan na lang ako sa arrangement.”
That song became Susugal, her first official single. From there, the pen never stopped.
Not Just a Phase
It wasn’t all sunshine and claps.
“May mga times talaga na gusto ko na bitawan. Kasi totoo naman — magastos, tapos minsan parang wala namang nakikinig. Yung tipong kami-kami lang din yung nanonood sa gigs ng isa’t isa. Nakaka-discourage talaga.”
But she didn’t stop. Instead, she wrote Serye, an entire album that chronicled her grief, growth, and grounding — from heartbreak, losing her parents, to finally finding love.
“If there’s one song that means a lot to me, it’s Huling Tagpo. Sinulat ko siya for my ex… pero eventually naging goodbye song ko na rin for my mom who passed away last 2023.”
Her voice breaks a little. “Pero I’m also proud of Kapit Lang. Ang dami kong natanggap na messages na ‘yun daw ang tumawid sa kanila sa hirap. Sobrang buo na puso ko nun as a songwriter.”
From Madhouse to Meaning
Melissa got her start at Madhouse Music, the independent label founded by Rannie Raymundo.
“Dun ako natutong sumulat nang mas maayos. Weekly may song prompts. Dapat laging handa. Seryoso kami pero masaya. Tapos may collabs din. Kapit Lang, Munting Hiling, Pag-amin — lahat ‘yan di ko magagawa kung wala sila.”
She fondly recalls the moment Sir Rannie heard Ikaw ang Pinili, a waltz-style wedding song.
“Nagustuhan niya. Doon niya ako pinasok sa label. Grabe ‘yung feeling.”
Eventually, she moved on to Cre8Music Records, where she enjoys creative freedom and support. But she’s never forgotten where it all began.
“Kahit hindi na ako palaging nakaka-attend ng ganaps, andyan pa rin sila. Kaya salamat sa inyo, Madhouse.”
The Writing Room
Melissa doesn’t have a studio. No fancy gear.
“Phone lang. Pag may dumating na melody, record agad. Saka ko na lang buuin later. Usually, nauuna ‘yung chorus. Kung satisfied ako dun, saka ko inaayos ‘yung verse.”
Sometimes, inspiration strikes from a friend’s demo (Tahanan was born after listening to Prinsesani’s song) or a K-drama (Hanggang Kailan Kita Hahanapin came from watching Stairway to Heaven).
“I guess more than heartbreak, mas general life experience ang source ko. Pero mostly heartbreak pa rin, kasi yun ang dami kong pinagdaanan. Char!”
Her tone is light, but you can hear the weight behind her laughter. She writes from wounds, but she doesn’t stay bleeding.
The Real Indie Grind
As an artist with no band, no manager, and limited resources, how do you promote your music?
“Connect. Guest sa prod shows. Magpitch ng sarili. Kahit free exposure lang, G na. Lahat ng open mic, events, sinasalihan ko.”
She also writes and creates graphics for Soundscape Music Review, proof that when you love something, you don’t wait for a perfect setup — you find your way in.
“God placed me here for a reason. Kahit may disability, kahit di ako ganun ka-pogi or ka-ganda sa stage. Di dapat yun maging hadlang.”
The biggest challenge? Getting your songs on mainstream radio without paying fees. And representation.
“Sana mas inclusive sa mga events. Mas importante pa rin kung anong message ang dala ng kanta mo.”
Words for the Dreamers
To aspiring artists still unsure of their sound?
“Wag mong kopyahin idol mo. Pede mong gawing inspiration, pero wag mong gayahin. Eventually, makikita mo rin ‘yung sarili mong tunog.”
Melissa also emphasizes the value of community and feedback.
“Minsan feeling mo okay na ‘yung gawa mo, pero pwede pa pala mas gumanda. Be open to feedback. Pero know your boundaries rin. You don’t have to change everything.”
She encourages others to join workshops, open mics, competitions, and Facebook groups.
“Expose your work. Paano ka makikilala kung nakatago lang yan sa baul?”
What’s Next?
Melissa dreams of collaborating with December Avenue, Ebe Dancel, and Moira Dela Torre for a cinematic sagutan song about exes getting a second chance.
“Yung tipong hindi pa kayo ready dati, pero ngayon, pwede na ba?”
She also wants to be remembered — not as someone with a disability, but as someone who wrote music that mattered.
“I want to be remembered as the ‘Ate Mel’ of the indie scene. Yung tumulong. Yung nagbigay ng advice. Yung hindi naging madamot.”
She’s already performed on WishBus for Ikaw ang Gabay, and hopes to return. Not for the clout, but for the message.
“It’s not about perfection. It’s about the heart. Embracing what God gave you. Nurturing it. Kasi maigsi ang buhay. Gamitin natin sa bagay na may kabuluhan.”
Where to Find Melissa
Spotify: Melissa Corpus
Facebook: Melissa Corpus Music
Instagram: @melissacorpusmusic
TikTok: @melissacorpusmusic
Final Note from Melissa:
“Thank you sa lahat. Sa Escapelabs, Miss Issa, Madhouse Music, and sa lahat ng taong naging parte ng journey ko. Hindi ako andito kung wala kayo.”
With or without the stage lights, Melissa Corpus continues to show up — quietly, consistently, and with her whole heart. That’s not just music. That’s legacy.
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