Kyle Raphael

Kyle Raphael
Born
Kyle Raphael Borbon

OriginDavao City, Philippines
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
InstrumentGuitars
Years active2018–present
LabelViva

Kyle Raphael Borbon is a Filipino singer and songwriter from Davao City. He was first recognized after winning the grand prize at Himig Handog in 2018 for the song "Sa Mga Bituin Na Lang Ibubulong" performed by JM de Guzman, which he wrote.[1] His song "Libu-Libong Buwan (Uuwian)" marked his debut on Spotify Philippines' Top Artists Chart, reaching number 28 on the platform's daily Viral Chart. He signed under Viva Records.[2]

Early life and education

Kyle Raphael Borbon was raised in Davao City.[3] He began writing songs at the age of 15, influenced by his father, who is also a songwriter.[4] He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Psychology. His father is a lawyer, and his family initially hoped he would pursue a career in law.[5]

Career

Raphael first entered the scene in 2018 as a grand finalist in Himig Handog. His composition "Sa Mga Bituin Na Lang Ibubulong", interpreted by JM de Guzman and Jason Dy, won the grand prize.[6] Following the competition, he signed with Viva Records, initially writing songs for other artists such as Ashley Diaz, Sam Cruz, and Atasha Muhlach.[5]

Raphael released singles including "Dahil Kailangan Kita" (2019), "Buwan ng Mayo" (2019), "Pa'no Kung" (2020), "Bihira" (2021), "Paraluman" (2021), "Byahe (Hunyo)" (2022), and "Hanggang Tingin" (2023).[7] "Paraluman" charted on Spotify's Viral 50 Philippines. "Hanggang Tingin" begins as a soft ballad before shifting into a mid-tempo song, showing Raphael's struggle to admit his true feelings. While it shares some similarities with "Paraluman," it has its own style and mood.[8] He wrote "Hanggang Tingin" in 2020, inspired by a close female friend, and kept his feelings private so their friendship would not be affected.[9][10]

He won an Awit Award for Best Performance by a New Male Recording Artist for "Buwan ng Mayo".[11]

In 2025, he released "Libu-Libong Buwan (Uuwian)", inspired by the love of his grandparents. The song entered Billboard Philippines Hot 100 chart at No. 23 and has gained nearly 50,000 TikTok uses.[12]

In 2026, he held his first solo concert at Viva Café.[1] He performed as an opening act for artists including Rob Deniel, Adie, Amiel Sol, and Arthur Nery.[5]

Artistry

Raphael writes songs that explore love, longing, and quiet admiration.[4] Over the years, his sound shifted from ballads and jazz to a softer, mellow acoustic style, especially after releasing "Libu-Libong Buwan (Uuwian)". He has mentioned international artists Paul Anka, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley, as well as local bands Hale and Orange and Lemons, as his musical influences.[5]

Discography

Singles

List of singles, showing year released, and peak chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions
PHL
[13] 		PHL
Top.
[14] 		PHL
IFPI
[15]
"Dahil Kailangan Kita" 2019 — — —
"Buwan ng Mayo" — — —
"Pa'no Kung" 2020 — — —
"Bihira" 2021 — — —
"Paraluman" — — —
"Byahe (Hunyo)" 2022 — — —
"Hanggang Tingin" 2023 — — —
"BB" 2024 — — —
"himlay/lubay" — — —
"Libu-Libong Buwan (Uuwian)" 2025 5 5 5
"Kung Para Sa'Yo" 2026 — — —

Other works

Year Artist Song Written with
2018 JM de Guzman "Sa Mga Bituin Na Lang Ibubulong"[6] Himself

Awards

References

  1. ^ a b Mauricio-Arriola, Tessa (February 5, 2026). "Kyle Raphael steps into the spotlight with sincerity and soul". The Manila Times. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  2. ^ Alcantara, Carissa (February 3, 2026). "Kyle Raphael basks in his main character moment". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  3. ^ "Kyle Raphael Borbon, bagong hitmaker ng Viva Records". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  4. ^ a b Glorioso, Bot. "Kyle Raphael has some tips for wannabe songwriters". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  5. ^ a b c d Pagulong, Charmie Joy. "Outcast singer Kyle Raphael hopes to be a source of pride for Davao". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  6. ^ a b c ""Sa Mga Bituin Na Lang Ibubulong" is this year's Himig Handog best song". ABS-CBN. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
  7. ^ "Kyle Raphael: Finding a connection through song". Manila Bulletin. June 12, 2023. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  8. ^ "Kyle Raphael finds connection through songs". Manila Standard. June 21, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  9. ^ Asis, Eugene E. (June 8, 2023). "Kyle Raphael returns with a catchy song". Journal News Online. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  10. ^ Bonifacio, Mark (June 22, 2023). "Kyle Raphael builds connection with music". The Manila Times. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  11. ^ a b Perez, Ace June Rell S. (September 1, 2020). "Kyle Raphael wins Awit award". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  12. ^ Saulog, Gabriel (December 3, 2025). "Kyle Raphael's "Libu-Libong Buwan (Uuwian)" Enters The Top Philippine Songs Chart". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  13. ^ Peak chart positions for singles on the Philippines Hot 100:
  14. ^ Peak chart positions for singles on the Top Philippine Songs:
  15. ^ Peak chart positions for singles on the Official Philippines Chart:

Content Disclaimer

Informasi ini disarikan dari Wikipedia dan disajikan kembali untuk tujuan edukasi. Konten tersedia di bawah lisensi CC BY-SA 3.0. Kami tidak bertanggung jawab atas ketidakakuratan data yang bersumber dari kontribusi publik tersebut.

  1. The information displayed on this website is sourced in part or in whole from Wikipedia and has been adapted for the purpose of restating it. We strive to provide accurate and relevant information, however:
  2. There is no guarantee of absolute accuracy. Wikipedia is an open, collaborative project that can be edited by anyone, so information is subject to change.
  3. It is not intended to constitute professional advice. The content displayed is for informational and educational purposes only. For important decisions (e.g., medical, legal, or financial), please consult a professional.
  4. Content copyright. Wikipedia is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License (CC BY-SA). This means that content may be reused with appropriate attribution and shared under a similar license.
  5. Responsible use. Any risk arising from the use of information from this website is entirely the responsibility of the user.