Get the tissues ready, Moira Dela Torre is back

Moira Dela Torre just released her third studio album, “I’m Okay.” Four years after “Patawad,” her latest features stories of much-needed growth and reflection over the past two-and-a-half years.

“This entire album is actually quote-unquote ‘I’m Okay,’ and long story short, it’s actually a lie. It’s basically everything you want to say every time you say ‘I’m okay,’” said Dela Torre during her first-ever listening party on Dec. 1 at the Power Plant Mall.

“I mean, who really is okay every time they’re asked how they are? I’m pretty sure all of us have a whole paragraph we wanna explain, a whole story we wanna say. But, we often feel like ‘This person doesn’t really have the time to listen to me’ or ‘I don’t want to be a burden to this person.’ Every single track of this album is everything I’ve never felt brave enough to say.”

READ: Moira Dela Torre, Denise Julia lead new November releases

Before anything else, let me preface this by saying that Dela Torre’s latest album does not equate ballads and stripped-down instrumentals for emotion. Instead, it is dynamic, powerful, and raw—letting Dela Torre’s passionate vocals and inspired lyricism hit even on a highly-produced track. 

But in that same breath, “I’m Okay” is by no means an album that solely talks about love and heartbreak. It instead encompasses a variety of topics outside the typical hugot and will affect the listener depending on where they are in their lives. Here’s what your favorite song from Dela Torre’s latest album says about you.

“Where It All Started” and “Wonder” – You’ve found someone new but you are deeply scarred by a previous experience

Failed relationships and traumatic experiences may negatively affect your ability for emotional vulnerability with a potential partner out of fear of getting hurt again. 

And I never wanted too much,
I only asked that you don’t do again,
what all of them did,
they f*cked with my mind with their lies deep inside,
I thought it was different this time,
but I was just blind,
and you were a lie.

However, though a human response, the challenge is to take the leap of faith and hope for the best. Love after all is not without risk.

Oh, I just wanna wake up entangled with you,
messy hair and aware that my prayer is you,
‘til the past is behind us,
and all we’ll see is two of us.

“Under The Bathroom Sink” – You’re blaming yourself for someone else’s decision

Though it’s natural to think you’re the reason they left you, it’s incredibly unfair to place the blame solely on yourself. Frankly, whatever you could’ve done, they’d probably still leave you—and that’s perfectly fine.

Would your world be less of its burdens,
if I wasn’t here to tire you out?
Would it hurt to ask you to listen,
or would you rather I keep my voice down?
I’ve just been thinking lately,
did you feel better,
when I wasn’t around?

“Bandaid” and “Umpisa” – You’re either experiencing trouble in paradise or are recounting how your relationship fell apart

Emotions can be quite tricky and uncomfortable, and more often than not, we often find it easier to brush these feelings aside. Though, that’s not really helping anyone out, is it?

‘Di ko alam ang gagawin,
kahit ano pa ang sabihin,
di mo naman naririnig,
parang ang layo mo narin.

Nandito ka nga sa’king tabi,
pero nakaguhit ang ngiti,
ang sugat ba’y gumagaling,
o natututo lang ba tayo magkunwari?

READ: Moira Dela Torre blooms solo as she dedicates Hitmaker plum to ‘brave’ mom

Are you just holding on because of the promise of better times? For the best friends who’ve had to deal with their besties in toxic relationships: sound familiar?

Pero kung sa dulo ay magigising,
at lalo lang mas hihigpit ang mga yakap mo,
sulit na ang luha ko.

At kahit parang imposibleng isipin,
balang araw ako ay iyong mas mamahalin.
Pero pano kung hindi?

“Red Flags” and “Gaslighter” – Your tears have dried and you’re in that f*ck them phase

Like Dela Torre in this one, sometimes you just gotta channel your inner Taylor Swift and drag your ex’s name through the mud.

What is it about me that you,
feel like you have permission to,
hurt me the way that you do?
This one’s on you.

There’s no shame in admitting you wasted your time and energy with them. But hey, at least you’re out, right?

I’m never gonna let myself be with you,
can’t play me for a fool we’re through.
Can’t believe I let myself be with you,
I’m through.

“Ghosts,” “San Ka Na,” and “Delusional” – You’re hurt but still holding on

Whether it be an ex, an estranged friend, or a departed loved one, sometimes holding on does a lot more pain than simply letting go.

Don’t forget that I loved you,
and I swear I won’t.
‘Cause I, I can’t seem to let you go,
but I, think I have to let you go.

It’s difficult to see the worst in people. But when it comes at the cost of your own emotional and mental well-being, perhaps it’s truly better to simply let them go.

San ka na,
hihintayin ba kita?
Parang ‘di naman lumaban.
Pano bang maniniwala na walang iba,
kung bigla bigla lang nawala?

There’s no need for words. This Olivia Rodrigo-coded chorus captures an experience we all know too well.

Out of sight out of mind,
but no matter how hard I try,
we’re still perfect when I close my eyes.
Is there some kind of compromise?

‘Cause it’s easier said than done,
Would I be better off with you gone?
The goodbye’s on the tip of my tongue,
but I stay ‘cause you might be the one.

“I’m Okay” and “Dinggin” – You’re ready or trying to put yourself first

The world today is an unforgiving place and there’s no denying that. But keep in mind: If you won’t allow yourself rest and kindness, who else will? It might as well start with you.

The world’s in a hurry,
but you just want to feel safe.
You keep your feet steady,
knowing you’re about to break.

You’ve been running empty,
but you give more than you can anyway.
And when things get heavy,
you tell them you’re okay.

Known for her heartbreak and the sensitive events that go with it, it’s frankly fitting for her latest album to end on such a positive note. Her tears have dried and so have yours (hopefully).

Dami nang napagdaanan,
o ikaw lang nahanap na tahanan,
napakalma ang isipan,
guminhawa nang ‘yong mahagkan.