The song Denise Barbacena can call her own

Denise Barbacena is back to making music with the release of her single titled Last Thing I’d Do under GMA Playlist. The song, composed by Rina Mercado and produced by Rocky Gacho, is now available for streaming and download on various digital music platforms worldwide.

The 27-year-old singer-actress even posted on her Instagram amusing teasers as countdown to the formal launching of her single with the song’s music video as the finale.

Part of the caption read, “This is it! I poured my heart out on this, and with all of me, I now share with you the music video of my FIRST EVER SINGLE Last Thing I’d Do, under @gmaplaylist. What a journey! Enjoy my humble offering. To God be the Glory.”

According to Denise, it took a decade before she could finally record a song that she can call her own.

“I believe this is a great achievement — to finally be able to create and release a song — for anyone who dreams of entering this industry,” began Denise. “And for the longest time, ang tagal rin (ng paghihintay) since after Protégé and that was I think 2011 or 2012, it is only now that I get to have my first-ever single na kinanta ko na hindi collab or not for a show. So, parang ang tagal niluto ng universe itong pagkakataon na ito. That’s why, I know this is perfect timing.”

To recall, Denise was among the singer wannabes in the GMA 7’s reality singing search The Protégé: The Battle For The Big Break eliminated early on in the show but, luckily, became part of the wild card round and made it to the finals.

She was mentored by Gloc-9 and they did collaborations in such hit songs as Hari ng Tondo and Dapat Tama. The former became the theme song of the movie Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story, while the latter was GMA News and Public Affairs’ advocacy campaign jingle for public awareness in the 2013 mid-term elections.

Apart from singing, Denise is also into acting. She auditioned for Bubble Gang in 2013 and became one of its mainstays. But beginning May 27, televiewers will no longer see her on the Kapuso longest-running sketch comedy show. Based on reports several days ago, Bubble Gang has been revamped with new segments and new actors.

Thus, the release of her new single is a perfect vehicle to “reintroduce herself as a singer,” as Denise put it.

“Singing is my first love and from the very first day that I entered the (music) industry, this is what I’ve been waiting for (to happen), na ito na may kanta na ko. It’s my song and no words can best describe how I feel. Parang halo-halo rin ‘yung emosyon. It’s an affirmation of me being a singer. Kumbaga, parang baby ko s’ya na ‘pag kinanta ko, iba ‘yung feeling. I am grateful to have been given a song under my name.”

Denise shared that it was during the height of the pandemic when the song was pitched to her. “It was in the middle of the pandemic where everyone was so uncertain about what’s going to happen. (That time) It felt like everything was about hopelessness and there’s so much negativity on the Internet.”

She continued, “So, when it was pitched to me, I was touched because for a long while, I haven’t felt like that. I haven’t felt warm inside from a song. So, when I heard the song, I told myself, ‘Okay, this is it. This is what I wanna share out there.’”

Through Last Thing I’d Do, Denise wishes to bring that warm feeling and pleasant vibe to listeners.

“The song is something we can all relate to at some point in our lives,” said Denise as she began to describe her single. “It’s about love but not necessarily love towards your partner. It could be love for yourself, for your family or friends.”

Asked if there is pressure to make the song a hit, Denise responded, “Actually, I am more excited than pressured kasi ang tagal po — almost 10 years — to finally have a song (her own). Personally, I want to reach new audiences through the song. Bonus na lang kung mamayagpag ‘yung song.”

At present, Denise is in the cast of the GMA 7 legal drama series Artikulo 247. She portrays the role of Chi-Chi, the loyal assistant of Kris Bernal’s Carmen Villarama.