Dilaw Wants You to Know They're More Than Just the Band Behind the Hit Song 'Uhaw'

Dilaw is a six-piece collective from Baguio that has been enjoying its time in the limelight thanks to hit song “Uhaw.” Released in December 2022, the track has become a massive hit on social media, particularly on TikTok. Its re-released version Uhaw (Tayong Lahat) from the band’s debut EP titled Sansinukob, broke the record on Spotify for the biggest single-day streams for an OPM song. It also peaked at number one on the Viral 50 Philippines playlist, and made it to number five on the Global Viral playlist in March this year.

Formed in 2019, Dilaw was originally an alternative hip-hop duo consisting of singer-songwriter Dilaw Obero (vocals) and guitarist-instrumentalist Vie Dela Rosa who would play bar gigs and busk around Baguio City. After the pandemic, the group expanded into a full indie rock collective with the addition of Wayne Dela Rosa (bass guitar), Leon Altomonte (guitar), En Altomonte (keyboards, synths), and Tobi Samson (drums).

The band is now signed under Warner Music Philippines with a new single titled Orasa, which translates to hourglass. 

“We want to be known as the band Dilaw, not [just] the group who sang Uhaw,” Altomonte has said in previous interviews. Inspired by blues and funk, Dilaw’s music is at once familiar yet fresh. The band has also made it on the NME 100 list as “one of the most essential emerging artists worldwide” in 2023. 

A month after its release, the official music video has already garnered 276k+ views on YouTube

Photo by Dilaw / Warner Music Philippines.

While Orasa’s official music video was only released recently, fans are already familiar with it as the band has been playing it during live gigs. Vivid and colorful, the video also provides a glimpse of the personality of each band member through their funky sense of fashion. 

“Uhaw” and “Orasa” share the same theme–love–which is easy to relate to, especially for OPM songs. The difference is that “Orasa” focuses more on its bittersweet aspect, with a steady rhythm and choir chants adding depth and fullness. With its raw sound and relatable lyrics, it’s the kind of song that even casual fans will love at first listen.

“Our fans are great, and they support any new music we perform or introduce,” Altomonte shares. “‘Orasa’ has a chanty and catchy chorus, and I love seeing the fans catch the melody and sing along even without the song being released,”    

“Tungkol siya sa mga na-witness kong nadededz na pag-ibig, yung malapit na mag-break,” vocalist and songwriter Obero explains. “Kapag andun ka kasi sa sitwasyon na yun, pakiramdam mo lahat paulit-ulit lang — parang binabali-baliktad lang na orasa bawat araw.”

Rhythm guitarist and composer Dela Rosa also notes that the song is reminiscent of a toxic relationship. “Yung kahit ganun, gusto mo pa rin na andun ka,” he says. 

Despite frustrations, the song carries a message of resilient hope and the desire for someone’s return.

Clearly the band is in no danger of being a one-hit wonder. 

Follow Dilaw and their music on Facebook at or Instagram.