The award-winning singer-songwriter braves rain, rush hour, and onlookers in a spontaneous Tokyo shoot directed by Niña Sandejas
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis has unveiled the music video for her latest single, “All U Wanna Do”—a raw and evocative visual set against the chaos and rhythm of Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya Crossing.
Filmed guerilla-style, the video captures Almalbis standing alone with only her earphones as accompaniment, belting her frustrations and resilience amidst the relentless surge of strangers passing by. Her voice, unwavering in the middle of the scramble, transforms an ordinary public space into an intimate stage—blurring the lines between vulnerability and strength, chaos and art.
The video was directed by celebrated photographer and filmmaker Niña Sandejas, who shared how the concept grew from a spontaneous creative adventure during Almalbis’ trip to Japan.
“Tourists record themselves there all the time, but this shoot was different,” Sandejas recalls. “Barbie sang full voice with just her earphones, while strangers bumped into her and the rain kept us on a tight deadline. What struck me most wasn’t the noise or the crowd—it was Barbie’s calm focus, giving the same devotion to a rainy pop-up shoot as she would to a full stage.”
Behind the camera was a small but dedicated team: Rachael Roldan on hair, makeup, and lighting assistance; Martin Honasan, Almalbis’ husband, managing the crowd; and Ysmael Salvador, the editor who transformed Sandejas’ handheld, chaotic shots into a gripping visual narrative. Salvador previously worked on Almalbis’ music videos for “Platonic” and “Needy.”
As a subtle homage, Sandejas incorporated echoes from “Runaway” by Hungry Young Poets, Almalbis’ former band—layering ambient street sounds in Japanese over the track, creating a full-circle moment that bridges memory and present artistry.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Almalbis expressed admiration for her director’s instinctive approach:
“Niña is a natural. I love seeing how she reacts instinctively to her surroundings, and I think she has spent years mastering that art.”
With “All U Wanna Do” and its Tokyo-shot visuals, Barbie Almalbis proves once again why she remains one of OPM’s most fearless and enduring storytellers—unafraid to bare her soul even in the busiest crossroads of the world.
