Filipino Artist ORIGIN Builds a Nostalgic Soundscape From Hiroshima to the World

Yzlvikxen Angkahan, the 27‑year‑old Filipino singer‑songwriter who calls Hiroshima home, has quietly turned the city’s quiet streets into a global listening room. Under the moniker ORIGIN, he spins heartbreak, everyday detail, and a touch of digital grit into tracks that have found a home on streaming platforms and playlists worldwide.

Born in the Philippines, Angkahan first made his mark as a visual artist. A sketchbook in hand, he drew in school corridors, then moved to photography in his late teens. That early love for image and composition carried over into music, where he discovered a new medium for storytelling.

The pandemic forced a pivot. Isolated in his apartment, Angkahan joined Discord servers that hosted informal singing sessions. He began experimenting with vocal effects and taught himself basic audio mixing from his bedroom. A Rappler interview revealed that the moment he heard his own voice processed through effects gave him a confidence boost that led him to record a full song.

The name “ORIGIN” emerged from a Discord handle inspired by a pair of shoes he’d bought in a colorway called “Origin Story.” The first track released under the name was “NINETEEN.” Written the day after a heartbreak on May 19, 2022, it debuted on streaming services in early 2023. Though intended as a one‑off, the song’s warm reception encouraged him to keep producing.

Since that debut, ORIGIN has issued several singles, including “2021,” “Mirror You,” and a collaboration with El Manu titled “Kalamidad.” His most recent single, “maliliit na bagay,” dropped on June 26, 2026. All releases credit his producer, Carlo Oraya, who performs as Corrgtd. Angkahan has said that Corrgtd helped shape the sonic identity of his catalog.

Lyrically, ORIGIN leans into nostalgia and the small details of everyday life. He writes in a straightforward style, avoiding flowery language. In “Distraction,” he recounts a moment of feeling like a distraction to someone he was interested in, blending personal experience with imaginative storytelling.

A personal detail Angkahan has shared openly is his vitiligo. Diagnosed a few years ago, he says embracing the visible spots on his face has increased his confidence. He first posted a full‑face photo on social media, and the response was largely positive.

Beyond the creative process, ORIGIN has expressed a clear ambition to become one of the Philippines’ top songwriters. He credits his collaborative approach and hands‑on involvement in production as key to his work, aiming to produce music that feels both radio‑friendly and emotionally resonant.

Today, ORIGIN continues to write, record, and release music from Hiroshima. He remains active on streaming platforms and engages with his audience through social media. With a growing catalog and a partnership with Corrgtd, he is positioned to expand his reach both within the Filipino music scene and internationally.

His journey—from a childhood sketchbook to a pandemic‑born recording studio—illustrates how digital platforms and self‑education can launch a music career. As he continues to release new material, his focus on storytelling and authenticity keeps him distinct in a crowded market.