Labit’s “Mangoes and Rice”: A Soulful Tribute to Family and Heritage

ANNOUNCES FORTHCOMING ALBUM ‘SOL’ OUT OCTOBER 10TH

Filipino-American singer-songwriter Labit makes an emotional return with his new single, “MANGOES AND RICE,” a tender tribute to identity, family, and cultural pride. Accompanied by a nostalgic and visually evocative music video, the track serves as a love letter to the people and places that shaped him. Along with the release, Labit officially announces his highly anticipated album, ‘SOL,’ arriving October 10th.

The song explores Labit’s personal journey of growing up Filipino-American, blending storytelling with layered vocals and sun-soaked acoustic guitar. The result is a sound both whimsical and deeply rooted in memory.

“I wrote this song about growing up Filipino-American. It’s a conversation with my sister about remembering our childhood and how we were raised—and using that knowledge in present situations,” says Labit.

The music video further captures this essence, portraying the quiet resilience of navigating dual identities. It begins with the main character weighed down by workplace fatigue and cultural expectations but evolves into a heartwarming backyard gathering—filled with laughter, family, and the comforting sense of home. “MANGOES AND RICE” is as nourishing as its title suggests, full of sweetness, strength, and sincerity.

Originally released in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the single resonates far beyond U.S. borders. Its themes of belonging, family ties, and cultural pride deeply connect with many across Southeast Asia, especially those raised between cultures—like Labit himself.

As part of the launch, Labit has also partnered with Wanderlust Creamery, a Filipino-American-owned brand known for its creative AAPI-inspired ice cream flavors, to further highlight Filipino heritage through shared storytelling and celebration.

With lyrics like:

“Melanie, you’re working through it / Filipino baby, you could do it / There’s power in your every move,”
Labit not only uplifts his sister but reflects a message of empowerment for anyone navigating their cultural identity.

“MANGOES AND RICE” follows the success of Labit’s recent breakout track “CLEANING OUT THE FRIDGE” (ft. Emily Rowed), which gained traction on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists across Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Since his debut in 2019, Labit’s music has connected with global audiences through emotionally honest storytelling and genre-blending sounds spanning pop, rock, and R&B.

With streaming charts showing strong support across Southeast Asia—#3 Philippines, #6 Indonesia, #7 Malaysia, #8 Taiwan, #9 Thailand, and #10 Vietnam—Labit’s international resonance continues to grow.

Labit’s upcoming album ‘SOL’ captures the journey of self-discovery and cultural reflection. Written as a personal journal through adulthood, the 18-track album leans into vulnerability, growth, and the joy of embracing one’s roots.

‘SOL’ Tracklist:

1. STAY AWHILE
2. BREAK
3. PRETTY
4. ALL MY PLANTS ARE DYING
5. BET
6. LEADS (ME TO YOU)
7. WYL
8. FEBRUARY
9. ANYBODY’S GUESS
10. CLEANING OUT THE FRIDGE (FT. EMILY ROWED)
11. MANGOES AND RICE
12. WHO WE WERE
13. CODEPENDENT
14. PARALLEL
15. BETTER
16. CLICK
17. CLOUD
18. SOL

With “MANGOES AND RICE” and the upcoming release of ‘SOL’, Labit proves that there’s power in honoring where you came from—reminding us that identity, when embraced, becomes a source of strength and inspiration.