- September 11, 2025
- 9:27 am
Bingkai Karya — Filipino-American singer-songwriter Labit returns with his latest single, “MANGOES AND RICE”. The track is a heartfelt tribute to his family and the places that shaped him. Accompanied by a warm, nostalgic music video, the song celebrates identity, family, and cultural pride in a simple yet profound way. Alongside the single release, Labit also announced his highly anticipated debut album, ‘SOL’, set to release on October 10.
Through the song, Labit reflects on growing up as a Filipino-American. With gentle vocals and cheerful acoustic guitar, it evokes the warmth and nostalgia of summer.
“I wrote this song about growing up Filipino-American. It’s a conversation with my older sibling, remembering our childhood and how we were raised, then trying to apply those lessons in our lives now,” — Labit
The music video portrays the quiet strength often found in the Filipino-American diaspora. It begins with fatigue and workplace pressures, then transitions to warm moments in the backyard, where family, memories, and joy remind the protagonist of their true self. “MANGOES AND RICE” feels sweet and meaningful, much like the dish that inspired its title.
The song was initially released during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the U.S., but its themes of cultural identity, family love, and self-discovery resonate across Southeast Asia, especially for those living between two cultures. The release is also supported by a collaboration with Wanderlust Creamery, a Filipino-American ice cream brand known for flavors inspired by Asian-American culture.
With “MANGOES AND RICE”, Labit shows how he carries the values of his childhood while continuing to explore his authentic identity and grow stronger. His soft vocals and heartfelt lyrics remind listeners of the power and comfort in staying true to one’s roots amid a constantly changing world.
The song follows the success of Labit’s previous hit, “CLEANING OUT THE FRIDGE (ft. Emily Rowed),” which featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists across several Asian countries, including the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Since his debut in 2019, Labit has been known for sincere, warm songs with catchy melodies and memorable lyrics. His music has gained traction in Southeast Asia, with the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam ranking among his top streaming countries. Labit bridges storytelling and culture across genres including pop, rock, and R&B. He has also written songs for other artists such as EMEI and BYRNE.
Consistently developing his own style, Labit’s work embodies the journey reflected in “MANGOES AND RICE,” bringing to life the lyrics: “Filipino baby / You could do it / There’s power in your every move.” His debut album, SOL, captures the long process of self-discovery, written like a personal journal navigating the trials of growing up while finding strength in vulnerability and beauty in life.
About Labit
Stephen Ordoñez, professionally known as Labit, is a Filipino-American musician based in Los Angeles. He is a singer, songwriter, producer, and musician who tells stories through music. Drawing inspiration from personal relationships and the people who shaped his world, Labit’s work feels deeply personal yet universally relatable.
In addition to his solo projects, Labit is known as a versatile songwriter, blending unique melodies with strong vocals and guitar work. Stephen has written songs across pop, rock, and R&B genres, collaborating with artists such as EMEI, BYRNE, and others.
