A tender collaboration that captures love’s bittersweet beauty
Two of today’s most captivating voices in OPM are back together for a heartfelt collaboration that’s sure to melt hearts. Filipino singer-songwriter Jolianne reunites with chart-topping R&B star Arthur Nery in their newest single “Palayo Sa Mundo,” released under Sony Music Entertainment.
The smooth yet soulful pop track paints a portrait of love so powerful it feels like time stands still—a kind of romance that makes the world wait.
A natural connection between two Bisaya artists
“Palayo Sa Mundo” marks the duo’s second collaboration, following their 2024 track “Lullaby” from Arthur’s album II: The Second. Once again, Jolianne and Arthur weave their voices together seamlessly in a duet that feels intimate, emotional, and effortlessly moving.
“Working with Arthur came so naturally,” Jolianne shares. “For one, we’re both Bisaya, so that was an effortless connection. Musically, we also speak the same language. We share a lot of the same influences, and we’re both deeply rooted in R&B.”
From ‘The World Can Wait’ to ‘Palayo Sa Mundo’
The track was born during a songwriting camp with producer Luke April (James Reid, Playertwo). Initially titled “The World Can Wait,” it evolved into a Tagalog song that beautifully captures the classic essence of OPM romance.
“Arthur is a real poet,” Jolianne recalls. “He wrote the song so quickly—it was like watching a masterclass.”
Interestingly, Arthur admits that “Palayo Sa Mundo” wasn’t meant to be a love song at first.
“Joli wanted a track about self-reflection or identity crisis,” he said. “But once I wrote the first two lines, the song took its own direction. While Luke played his guitar sample, I just wrote and arranged freely. It was a fun, organic process.”
A song about love without guarantees
At its heart, “Palayo Sa Mundo” reflects on love that endures even when fate has other plans.
“It’s about that bittersweet feeling of loving somebody you know loves you too,” Jolianne explains. “Sometimes, things don’t turn out how we hope, but love in its purest form is worth giving. Love isn’t about guarantees—it’s about loving simply because you do.”
Intimate, timeless, and purely OPM
The single’s stripped-down arrangement highlights both artists’ vocal chemistry, blending warmth with simplicity. Jolianne adds, “We paid homage to ‘Lullaby’ by going the acoustic pop route. We wanted something that felt intimate and timeless. When Arthur and I sing together, it’s never a sing-off—it’s a duet.”
With its soulful storytelling and soothing melody, “Palayo Sa Mundo” captures the very best of today’s OPM—authentic, emotional, and deeply Filipino.