In an era when authenticity has become the rarest currency in music, Kiel stands apart not simply because of his voice, but because of the stories he chooses to tell.
Known offstage as Ezekiel Macaranas, the young Viva Records recording artist has quietly emerged as one of the most promising singer-songwriters of his generation.
Armed with a gift for translating emotion into melody, Kiel is building a body of work that resonates deeply with listeners navigating love, distance, hope, and heartbreak. His music does not merely entertain—it connects.
Every artist has a defining characteristic. For Kiel, it is sincerity.
Unlike many emerging performers who rely solely on interpretation, Kiel is also a songwriter, crafting songs drawn from personal reflection and emotional truth.
This ability to create and perform his own material has become one of the strongest foundations of his growing career, establishing him as an artist with both a distinctive voice and a compelling creative vision.
Among the songs that have helped define his musical identity is ‘Afar’, a beautifully introspective composition that explores the complexities of longing and emotional distance. The song showcases Kiel’s ability to capture feelings that are often difficult to express, transforming them into melodies that linger long after the music ends.
Through Afar, listeners discovered a songwriter capable of turning vulnerability into art.
That gift became even more evident in ‘Bibitaw Na Ba?’, a poignant ballad that asks one of the most difficult questions in any relationship. When love begins to fade, do you continue fighting for it, or do you finally let go?
Written by Kiel himself and released under Viva Records, the song highlights his maturity as a songwriter and performer. Its emotional honesty and relatable theme have struck a chord with audiences who have experienced the uncertainty of holding on to a love that may already be slipping away.
The impact of ‘Bibitaw Na Ba?’ has not gone unnoticed.
In one of the most significant milestones of his young career, Kiel has been nominated for New Male Recording Artist of the Year at the 17th PMPC Star Awards for Music, placing him alongside some of the country’s most promising new talents.
The prestigious awards ceremony is scheduled for June the 25th, 2026, at the Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, recognizing outstanding achievements in Original Pilipino Music. The event will be directed by the brilliant mind of Calvin Murphy Neria.
For many artists, a nomination represents recognition. For Kiel, it represents something more profound, a validation of years of dedication, discipline, and belief in his craft. It signals that the music industry is beginning to take notice of a young artist whose songwriting and performances continue to grow in depth and impact.
Yet even as his career reaches new heights, Kiel remains focused on what matters most, creating meaningful music.
The next chapter of that journey is already taking shape with the upcoming release of ‘Dahilan’, a highly anticipated new single expected to further showcase his evolution as both a vocalist and songwriter. Fans eagerly await the release, confident that Kiel will once again deliver the emotional authenticity that has become his signature.
Behind this exciting chapter stands a team committed to artistic excellence.
Helping shape the visual and creative direction of Kiel’s continuing rise is Tom Adrales, whose creative vision has contributed to presenting young Filipino artists in fresh and compelling ways.
More importantly, Kiel represents something larger than himself. He belongs to a new generation of Filipino artists who are proving that genuine songwriting, heartfelt storytelling, and artistic integrity still matter. At a time when music travels instantly across platforms and borders, he reminds listeners that the most powerful songs remain those that speak directly to the human heart.
His story is still unfolding.
There are more songs to write, more stages to conquer, and more dreams waiting to be realized. But if his journey so far is any indication, Kiel is not simply chasing success, he is creating a lasting connection with listeners through music that feels honest, timeless, and deeply human.
From ‘Afar’ to ‘Bibitaw Na Ba?’, and soon ‘Dahilan’, Kiel continues to prove that the future of OPM is in capable hands. And as his star continues to rise, one thing becomes increasingly clear…
Kiel is not merely an artist to watch.
He is an artist to remember.
