Jake Vargas debuts as Dear Dina frontman with ‘Nabighani’

Actor and singer Jake Vargas is set to begin a new chapter as the frontman of Dear Dina. The six-piece band will make their official debut with the single “Nabighani.” This track introduces Dear Dina’s unique blend of sincerity, emotion, and laid-back charm, bringing a fresh, heartfelt, and youthful sound to OPM. “Nabighani” tells a story of love, shyness, and connection.

Inspired by Jake’s real-life love story with his girlfriend, actress Inah de Belen, “Nabighani” captures that moment when you meet someone who instantly draws you in –  but nerves and hesitation keep you from confessing how you truly feel.

“The word ‘Nabighani’ has this beautiful Filipino charm,” the band shares. “It describes that unexplainable feeling of being drawn to someone. It’s tender, emotional, and authentic — just like the story behind the song.”

Sonically, “Nabighani” mirrors the soft, dreamy energy of being torpe – shy, in love, and hopeful. Its lyrics are simple yet sincere, like a conversation with your crush filled with quiet excitement and butterflies.

The song’s creation began with casual brainstorming sessions over coffee, where the band decided to write something that would be both relatable and true to their experiences. “Tinananong namin si Jake kung ano’ng naramdaman niya nung una niyang nakilala si Inah” the band shared. “Doon nagsimula ang song –  ‘yung kilig, kaba, at ‘yung feeling na gusto mong magsalita pero pinipigilan mo.”

The writing process was deeply collaborative, with each member contributing their strengths. When the band first jammed “Nabighani,” new member Louise Bayas suggested the now-iconic “sasabihin ko sa’yo” melody for the chorus, which immediately stuck. She also added a groovy bass line that locked in with the drums, filling the track with warmth and rhythm.

They describe the process as DIY – from recording drums at Victor Guison’s space (Unknown13 Pub) to using Louise’s personal recording gear.

To refine their sound, the band sought the expertise of producer Xergio Ramos, who helped shape the song’s final arrangement and direction. “Since it’s our first single, we wanted it to be perfect but not complicated,” the band shares. “Xergio really guided us in finding the right balance and bringing ‘Nabighani’ to life.”

For Dear Dina, “Nabighani” represents more than just their debut — it’s a statement of identity. “This song shows kung saan nanggagaling ang banda – mga kwento ng love, longing, at youth. Sincere and emotional siya, pero lighthearted and fun din,” they say.

Each member brings different musical influences –  from pop to rock to indie, but together they form a sound that’s uniquely Dear Dina: honest, cohesive, and deeply Filipino.

As Dear Dina prepares for their debut release, the band feels both excitement and gratitude for how far they’ve come. “It’s so fulfilling to see a song we built from scratch finally come to life,” they share. “This reminds us why we started making music – to tell stories, make people feel something, and enjoy the process together.”

With “Nabighani,” Jake Vargas and Dear Dina invite listeners to relive the sweet, nervous thrill of falling in love for the first time—a feeling that’s beautifully captured through music that’s real, relatable, and distinctly OPM.

Dear Dina’s “Nabighani” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.