John Rex delivers hope in the revival of ‘Umaasa Pa Rin’

Kapuso pop singer and The Clash Season 5 Grand Champion John Rex is back in the spotlight with a soul-stirring revival of the hit ballad “Umaasa Pa Rin,” now available on major streaming platforms under GMA Music.

Originally a rock-infused track by The Mike Bon Gang and famously known as the theme song for the Philippine TV airing of the  Koreanovela Reply 1997 on GMA, “Umaasa Pa Rin,” undergoes a transformative twist in this 2026 rendition. Showcasing his signature vocals, John Rex trades the original’s grit for a slower, more emotional ballad arrangement.

For John Rex, selecting the single was an instant decision. “This is the first time that a song really pierced through me during a listening session,” he shared. “When GMA Music pitched it, I immediately said yes. I didn’t even need to hear other options. The moment I heard that chorus, I felt hope in the lyrics. If a song touches me, that’s when I know I can make the listeners feel it, too. There’s no need to fake the feelings; they are already there.”

While the song captures the silent yearning of romantic love, the singer emphasizes that the track carries a broader message of resilience.

“It’s not just about love. It’s about hope – hope we all have for our family, our friends, and our future. We are all ‘umaasa’ (hoping) for the world to be okay, for relationships to mend, and for the love we deserve to have,” shared John Rex.

John Rex is the Grand Champion of The Clash Season 5. Known for his powerful vocals and soulful interpretations, he is a mainstay on GMA Network’s All-Out Sundays and continues to release hits under GMA Music.

“Umaasa Pa Rin” is now available for download and streaming on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, and other digital platforms worldwide.