In the heart of Rizal Village, Makati, a family of five siblings shared more than just a home; they shared a deep love for music that would shape their lives in ways they never expected. Together, they formed a bond that would transcend years, continents, and changes in their personal lives, keeping their musical dream alive. This dream is now being realized with the release of Mga Awit sa J.P. Rizal, a timeless collection of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) songs that blends the Mella family’s rich musical heritage with the artistry of some of the Philippines’ top musicians.
The Mella Family’s Legacy: From Tanglaw to Recorded History
Growing up surrounded by the sounds of folk music and rock, the Mella siblings formed the band Tangla in the 1970s. Their music, filled with youthful energy, was a reflection of their environment—growing up in Rizal Village, just steps away from the iconic J.P. Rizal Street. The songs they created during this time were filled with dreams of adventure and the wonder of the world around them.
Their father, Ynocencio de Castro Mella, a lawyer from Magallanes, Sorsogon, came from a family with a rich ancestral history rooted in the region’s tradition of public service and land stewardship, while their mother, Lolita Atedeo Rañoja—a Muslim from the royal Alonto clan of Lanao del Norte — instilled in their five children — Alejandro Khasim, Ynocencio Ramel, Gabriel Thaib, Lolita Shaira, and Ephraim Tahir—the values of excellence and resilience, encouraging them to pursue their passions in music and life.
Alejandro Khasim, the eldest sibling, was the visionary of the group, influencing his brothers and sister with his talent for playing multiple instruments. Tragically, Khasim passed away in 1984 at the age of 26. His death was a pivotal moment for the family, and his music continues to inspire the Mellas.
“Khasim as al ays the artistic one. He kne ho to dra and paint as early as hen he as a toddler. He played several musical instruments and as a prolific composer. He always filled our home with art and music. He inspired all of us in different ways,” recalls his sister, Shaira.
Ynocencio Ramel came next in the family. A high achiever, he balanced his love for music with academic excellence. A guitarist, he earned a degree in Economics from La Salle and an MBA from Ateneo, later working with Ayala companies before managing the Mella family’s properties in Sorsogon. Ramel recalls the strong pressure and encouragement from their parents to succeed, saying, “Excellence as ingrained in the family.” His professional journey was shaped by a competitive environment, and he credits his family’s values for helping him navigate challenges and achieve success.
Gabriel Thaib, the middle sibling, was deeply inspired by the folk sounds of the ’70s. Obsessed with learning to play the guitar, he became the most prolific composer among the Mella siblings. Despite studying Civil Engineering at Mapúa University, his passion for music remained strong. “I as obsessed with learning to pluck the guitar, inspired by John Denver and Simon and Garfunkel, and influenced by Seals and Croft and Jim Croce,” he once shared. “I derive much pleasure in completing a song after much effort.” Although he didn’t initially pursue music as a career, his dreams of composing were realized with the help of his younger brother Tahir, eventually leading to the commercial production of his music. Now based in the United States, Thaib continues to cherish his musical journey.
Lolita Shaira, the only girl among the siblings, had a creative path shaped by both music and screenwriting. Though she began piano lessons at age five, she wasn’t passionate about it but learned to read music while her brothers played by ear. Growing up close to her brothers, music and art were shared interests—especially influenced by her late brother Khasim, whose melodies brought her poetry to life. “I rote the English version of Kailangan Ka, hich marked the beginning of the song and the Mellas’ entry into Tangla ,” she shares. Writing, initially unplanned, became her career after Olive Lamasan and Malou Santos gave her a break in 1994. She credits mentors Olive and Ricky Lee for shaping her screenwriting journey.
Ephraim Tahir, the youngest, was deeply impacted by Khasim’s death, which spurred his desire to preserve their family’s music. A guitarist, pianist, and composer, Tahir studied Economics at the University of the Philippines and later pursued law at Ateneo and Rutgers University. After practicing law for 30 years, he now owns and operates Melladys Entertainment and Sound Productions in New Jersey.
“It as Khasim’s death that catalyzed my interest in the preservation of our music. I did not ant our music to die ith us. I believe that preserving one’s music is one ay of achieving immortality,” he reflects.
In keeping with their family’s enduring connection to music, the name “Melladys” serves as a wordplay on “Mella,” the surname of the five siblings, symbolizing their collective musical journey now coming full circle with the release of this album.
The Role of Johnny Alegre: Bringing the Dream to Life
Despite their individual achievements, the Mellas remained united by a shared dream: to record their original songs. That dream became a reality through the help of Johnny Alegre, a renowned musician, producer, and arranger. Ramel, who had previously worked with Alegre, approached him to help bring their music to life.
“I wanted to bring in the best creative minds,” Alegre says. “These songs deserved top-tier musicianship and artistry, so I sought out the best to help make it happen.” Alegre’s vision and expertise helped shape Mga A it sa J.P. Rizal, an album that reflects the Mellas’ emotional depth while showcasing the talents of the Philippine music scene.
The Album: A Celebration of Love, Legacy, and Filipino Music
Mga Awit sa J.P. Rizal is a 7-track album that presents a captivating collection of love songs that explore various aspects of romance, each with its unique musical style and expression. “Ikaw, Ako” is an upbeat, piano-driven love song highlighted by heartfelt expressions of a couple’s devotion to each other, performed by Marga Jayy and Mark Laygo with arrangement by Jazz Nicolas. “Bituin” is a midtempo, jazz guitar-inflected tune with bittersweet lyrics addressed to one’s romantic prospect, described as an unreachable star, featuring the vocals of Tahir Mella and arrangement by Johnny Alegre.
“Kailangan Ka” features a sunny melody and Latin jazz/bossa nova rhythms that animate this track about finding hope despite the pain and sadness of unrequited love, sung by Medz Marfil. “Ito’y Para Sa Iyo” is a soft acoustic rock song reminiscent of James Taylor in the ’70s, but the lyrics comparing a loved one to the beauty of nature give this song a distinct Pinoy identity, performed by Mikey Amistoso.
“Dambana” keeps the kundiman alive in this original composition that melds violin, viola, and cello with acoustic guitar and classical singers Carla Guevarra and David Ezra in a romantic duet about love, faith, and commitment. “Pangarap,” performed by Medz Marfil, channels vintage OPM a la Apo Hiking Society in a bossa nova vein, reflecting on the challenges of love and romance. Finally, “Gintong Panaginip,” sung by Tahir Mella and originally written for a school play when he was 13 years old, is a brooding ballad that relives the memory of a love that exists only in his dreams.
A Legacy Reborn: The Mellas’ Gift to the World
The release of Mga Awit sa J.P. Rizal marks the culmination of years of dreams, hard work, and love. As the Mellas reconnect through their music, they invite listeners to experience the timeless beauty of OPM. “This album is not just about our music,” says Tahir Mella. “It’s about sharing a piece of our lives, our family, and our heritage with the world.”
Through Mga A it sa J.P. Rizal, the Mellas are not just sharing their songs—they are offering a piece of their hearts, inviting everyone to join them in their musical journey.
Release Information
Mga Awit sa J.P. Rizal will be available starting June 18 as a vinyl release exclusively at Backspacer Records. A perfect listen for lovers of OPM, vinyl enthusiasts, and audiophiles who appreciate the warmth and richness of sound, this collection celebrates memory, heritage, and heartfelt songwriting — a timeless addition to Original Pilipino Music.