Why Kitchie Nadal is a vocal supporter for Palestinians

CEBU, Philippines — No photo of Kitchie Nadal performing on stage is complete without her iconic Parker Fly Deluxe guitar – which is why many, including her fans, family, and relatives, had strong opinions when she announced earlier this year that she would be selling her 20-year-old instrument.

“This guitar is a true gem…incredibly versatile, lightweight (it’s traveled with me all over the world) and built to last,” the singer-songwriter wrote in an Instagram post in January. “This guitar has served me well, but it’s time for it to find a new home where it can keep inspiring music.”

She has since deleted the post, implying that she might have changed her mind. At the Rockin’ Valentine’s concert last month at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City, she was spotted on stage with a similar black Parker Fly guitar.

Side-by-side comparisons of photos of her younger self with the guitar and images from the Cebu concert suggest that she has decided to keep it after all – at least for now.

“It’s with my bassist, but I decided to keep it,” Nadal confirmed at a press conference prior to the concert.

Elaborating on why she considered selling it in the first place, she said, “The main reason why I wanted to let it go is because I don’t like hoarding. At home, I want to keep things that I actually use. I want my life to be simple like that.”

“I was surprised and overwhelmed by the response,” she added, explaining that she was also going through a couple of “overwhelming” events at the time she put her guitar up for sale. “That’s when I decided I need to think about it first before I make a big decision like that.”

While it has been 11 years since she last released a full album, Nadal has no plans to work on one right now, describing her current music direction as her “collaborative era.”

This year, she released her latest single, “A Thousand Voices”, featuring MONDO and Diego Mapa. She also plans to release a reggae-pop single later this year featuring Hemp Republic vocalist Bunny Liwanag, a song they have performed on several occasions, including at the Rockin’ Valentine’s concert.

One of the artists on her collaboration wishlist is IV of Spades’ Zild Benitez, who has been releasing solo music under his first name with songs like “Kyusi” and “Medisina.”

“I listened to his album recently, and he’s really good,” said Nadal. “I hope maybe we can collaborate one day.”

She was impressed by the viral cover of her signature hit “Huwag Na Huwag Mong Sasabihin,” performed by Zild, his fellow bandmate Blaster Silonga, and BINI member Maloi. The P-pop idol would later perform the song with Nadal herself at a Manila gig.

She found it surprising and moving that Gen Z listeners identify with her music. “I was super humbled that these kids are still following and keeping up with my songs,” the 44-year-old artist said.

Her popularity among a younger generation of music fans is a testament to her legacy, as she will hold a 20th-anniversary concert at the New Frontier Theater this June. In this streaming era where artists strive to stand out in a saturated music market, Nadal stressed authenticity.

“Just be yourself, because being yourself is already being unique,” she advised. “You can always copy artists, but in the end, we can’t hear what makes you original. Be faithful and enjoy what you like. I think it will come out as unique.”

Can’t turn a blind eye

Nadal, who is based in Madrid, Spain, has been vocal on social media of her support for Palestinians affected by the war between Israel and Hamas, sharing photos and videos from the ground in Gaza.

She wrote in her Facebook post last December: “As we remember Jesus this Christmas season, may we reflect on his identity as a Palestinian, living under occupation and enduring oppression in his time. His life resonates deeply with the ongoing struggles in Gaza today – families displaced, lives shattered, a longing for peace and justice. Let us not forget the humanity and dignity of those suffering now, and may we be moved to stand for compassion and an end to violence.”

While she believes it’s important to speak up about what’s happening, including calls for a ceasefire, she understands why some of her fellow artists may not be as vocal given the issue’s divisive nature.

“I don’t want to judge other artists for not speaking up on [what’s happening in Gaza]. I am sure they have their own reasons. But for me, that’s my conviction because I know what I know. My conscience will haunt me if I don’t say anything,” she told The FREEMAN.

She further stressed, “I don’t want to get into the politics of it, but rather focus on the humanitarian aspects. As an artist, I feel you can use your platform to raise awareness and spread peace.”

She credits her Spanish husband Carlos Lopez, a journalist and humanitarian worker, for opening her eyes to global issues including the situation in Palestine.

“Once you are married, your problems become one. His burdens became my burdens, and so on,” said Nadal, who has been married to Lopez for ten years.

“If I hadn’t married this guy, I wouldn’t be aware of what’s happening. This is something important to me. It’s hard for me to turn a blind eye. That’s why I am sharing what I can in my own way to help spread awareness.”

Nadal clarified that she and her husband are not necessarily against Israel but are primarily concerned about the well-being of Palestinians affected by the war in Gaza.

Nonetheless, her views have ruffled some feathers – a “small price” she considers worth paying for taking a stand. “At the end of the day, real friends will still love you even if we have different perspectives and beliefs,” she said.

Liwanag, who has been based in France, praised her Nadal and her husband for speaking out. She told The FREEMAN, “I am proud of Kitchie because she is truly compatible with her husband. They are both passionate about their causes, and they defend their convictions. It’s a good thing that they are doing this in their own way without imposing on others.”

“Kitchie is one of the voices of her generation,” she added, “and people are going to listen to her because she has her own beliefs as a woman, as a wife, and as a mother.”