{{Short description|Filipino singer and songwriter}} {{Multiple issues| {{BLP sources|date=October 2025}} {{COI|date=October 2025}} }} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2025}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = dwta | image = | birth_name = Jhasmine Espinas Villanueva | origin = Tiwi, Albay | genre = Folk pop | occupation = Singer, songwriter | years_active = 2021–present | label = Sony Music Philippines }} '''Jhasmine Espinas Villanueva''', professionally known as '''dwta''', is a Filipino singer and songwriter born and raised in Albay, Bicol Region. She is known for her tracks "Padaba Taka" and "Santigwar".<ref>{{cite web | title=Dwta and Her Enchanting Musical Offerings: 'Padaba Taka' and 'Santigwar' | url=https://www.wish1075.com/article/dwta-padaba-taka-santigwar }}</ref>
She is known for incorporating her mother tongue, Bikol, in her songs.
== Early life and education == Jhasmine Espinas Villanueva was born and raised in the Bicol Region,<ref name=bicoldateline>{{Cite web |last=Gabuco |first=Khim Anne |date=2023-10-03 |title=Of Melodies, Stars And Enchantment: Dwta – Bicol's Musical Muse |url=https://dateline-ibalon.com/2023/10/of-melodies-stars-and-enchantment-dwta-bicols-musical-muse-khim-anne-gabuco/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Dateline Ibalon |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=pep1>{{cite news |last1=Olaguera |first1=Chriselle |title=OPM singer dwta recalls moments she almost gave up on her music career |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/180065/dwta-on-challenges-she-has-faced-as-a-bicolano-artist-a5254-20240429-lfrm |access-date=22 October 2025 |work=PEP.ph |publisher=Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. |date=29 April 2024 |language=fil}}</ref> hailing specifically from Tiwi, Albay.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Valladolid |first1=Kenneth |title=Dwta and Her Enchanting Musical Offerings: 'Padaba Taka' and 'Santigwar' |url=https://www.wish1075.com/article/dwta-padaba-taka-santigwar |website=Wish 107.5 |access-date=22 October 2025 |language=en |date=29 September 2023}}</ref> Before delving in songwriting, Villanueva was involved in other forms of art like dancing and never expected to pursue music until senior high school year when she was invited to join a songwriting workshop after jamming with friends at an event.<ref name=bicoldateline/>
Villanueva initially wrote songs in Filipino before finding more comfort to making songs in her native language Bikol after joining a Bikol-language songwriting competition.<ref name=pep1/>
She attended the Meridian International Business, Arts and Technology College (MINT College) pursuing a degree in music business management.<ref name=bicoldateline/>
== Career == Dwta gained recognition for her traditional music with contemporary genres. Her lyrics, often written in her native language, celebrate Filipino heritage and promote linguistic pride.<ref name=spellbound>{{Cite web |title=Spellbound by the enchanting dwta |url=https://philstarlife.com/geeky/500712-spellbound-enchanting-dwta?page=4 |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Philstar Life}}</ref> She signed with Sony Music Philippines and adopted the stage name "dwta".<ref name=bicoldateline/> The name is derived from the combination of the Filipino words "diwa" (spirit) and "tala" (star) which she deliberately chose for its Filipino-ness.<ref name=spellbound/> She released her debut single, "Daluyong" (Waves) in 2021, marking the beginning of her professional music career.
Her career continued to flourish in 2023 when she joined the Coke Studio Philippines Season 7 lineup. This notable collaboration series brings together diverse Filipino artists wherein dwta collaborated with the P-pop group Alamat for the song "Kapit" (Hold).<ref name=billboard>{{Cite web |last=Angan |first=Kara |date=2023-10-25 |title=BINI, Alamat, And PLAYERTWO Among All-Star Lineup Of Coke Studio Season 7|url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/bini-alamat-playertwo-among-all-star-lineup-of-coke-studio-philippines-season-7/ |access-date=2025-01-30|website=Billboard Philippines.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
The following year, in 2024, Dwta was part of the prestigious Wanderland Festival, an annual music event in the Philippines that features both local and international artists. At Wanderland, she shared the stage with global acts like Hwasa and Thundercat, marking another major milestone in her career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wanderland 2024: Music & Arts Guide |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/178996/complete-guide-wanderland-music-arts-festival-2024-a5254-20240219?s=fn483dd43rh8n0pa0btjir9cdc |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=PEP.ph |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wanderland Festival 2024-What to Pack, See, and Do |url=https://www.globe.com.ph/go/entertainment/article/wanderland-festival |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=www.globe.com.ph |language=en-PH}}</ref> That same year, she was featured as one of the Spotify Radar artists for Class 2024, an initiative aimed at supporting emerging talent. Dwta's inclusion in the program, alongside fellow rising stars like BINI, Maki, and Cup of Joe.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spotify RADAR Phl returns with 10 artists shaping future of OPM |url=https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-entertainment/2024/04/09/2346384/spotify-radar-phl-returns-10-artists-shaping-future-opm |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Spotify RADAR Philippines returns with 10 artists |url=https://mb.com.ph/2024/4/3/spotify-radar-philippines-returns-with-10-artists |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Manila Bulletin |language=en}}</ref>
Dwta's achievements have been marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success. In 2022, she received her first Awit Award nomination for her song "Panganoron" (Heavenly). The following year, she won her first Awit Award for "Padaba Taka" (I Love You), which became a breakout hit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Angan |first=Kara |date=2024-03-13 |title=Dwta Performs 'Padaba Taka' On Billboard Philippines Soundwave |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/media-channels/soundwave/dwta-performs-her-award-winning-track-padaba-taka-on-billboard-philippines-soundwave/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=billboardphilippines.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Juan |first=Ratziel San |date=2023-11-10 |title=Awit Awards 2023 Winners: SB19, Dilaw, Ena Mori, And More |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/list-dilaw-ena-mori-lead-awit-awards-2023-winners/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=billboardphilippines.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
Her earlier song "Santigwar" (Sorcerer)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bodegon-Hikino |first1=Kara |title=Filipino singer-songwriter dwta releases stunning Bicolano folklore-inspired visual 'Santigwar' – watch |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/dwta-releases-bicolano-folklore-inspired-music-video-new-single-santigwar-watch |website=Bandwagon Asia |access-date=22 October 2025 |language=en |date=11 April 2022}}</ref> also made waves, reaching #2 on the Spotify Viral 50 Philippines chart in 2022 and was nominated for Best Regional Recording at the Awit Awards, alongside Padaba Taka.{{citation needed|date=October 2025}} She was also honored with a nomination for Listener's Choice at the inaugural Billboard Philippines Women in Music which celebrates the achievements of female artists in the Philippines.<ref name="Angan">{{Cite web |last=Angan |first=Kara |date=2024-03-01 |title=Vote Now For Billboard PH Women In Music Listeners Choice Award |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/features/vote-for-your-billboard-philippines-women-in-music-listeners-choice-awardee-2024-belle-mariano-mrld-denise-julia-and-more/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=billboardphilippines.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2025, Dwta released "Kung Ikaw ay Masaya" (If You Are Happy) as the official soundtrack for the comedy film ''Flower Girl'', starring Sue Ramirez.<ref name="PULP MAGAZINE">{{Cite web |title=PULP MAGAZINE |url=https://pulpmagazine.com/article/1175 |access-date=2025-10-23 |website=pulpmagazine.com}}</ref> The same year marked a significant moment in her career as she received two major recognitions: New Artist of the Year at the New Hue Music Video Awards,<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Hue Music Video Awards Winners |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2025/7/27/bini-maki-honored-at-new-hue-video-music-awards-2334}}</ref> and Folk Song of the Year for "Sampung mga Daliri" (Ten Fingers) featuring Justin at the inaugural Filipino Music Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Basbas |first=Franchesca Judine |date=2025-10-21 |title=Full List Of Winners Of The Filipino Music Awards 2025 — Full List |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/filipino-music-awards-winners-list-sb19-cup-of-joe2025/ |access-date=2025-10-23 |language=en-US}}</ref> During this period, she also began composing songs for other artists, notably co-writing BINI's single "First Luv".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Junaini |first=Hidzir |date=2025-10-03 |title=Feel the spark of 'First Luv' in BINI's nostalgic Tagalog track — listen |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/feel-the-spark-of-first-luv-in-bini-s-nostalgic-tagalog-track-listen |access-date=2025-10-23 |website=Feel the spark of ‘First Luv’ in BINI’s nostalgic Tagalog track — listen {{!}} Bandwagon {{!}} Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. |language=en}}</ref>
== Accolades == {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ !Award !Year !Category !Notable Work !Result !Ref. |- |Awit Awards |2022 |Best Regional Recording |Panganoron |Nominated |{{citation needed|date=October 2025}} |- | rowspan="2" |Awit Awards | rowspan="2" |2023 |Best Regional Recording |Santigwar |Nominated |{{citation needed|date=October 2025}} |- |Best Regional Recording |Padaba Taka |Won |<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=November 10, 2023 |title=Dilaw, Ben&Ben lead 36th Awit Awards winners |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/11/10/23/dilaw-benben-lead-36th-awit-awards-winners |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114184534/https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/11/10/23/dilaw-benben-lead-36th-awit-awards-winners |archive-date=2025-01-14 |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=ABS-CBN |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Billboard Philippines Women in Music |2024 |Listener's Choice |Delikado |Nominated |<ref name="Angan"/> |- |Awit Awards |2024 |Best Regional Recording |Delikado |Nominated |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Go |first=Mayks |date=2024-08-19 |title=Here Are The Final Nominees For The Awit Awards 2024 |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/sb19-bini-lola-amour-and-more-lead-awit-awards-2024-nominations-full-list/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=billboardphilippines.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |Wish Music Awards | rowspan="2" |2025 |Wishclusive Contemporary Folk Performance of the Year |Padaba Taka |Nominated |<ref name="wish1075.com">{{Cite web |title=10th Wish Music Awards: Official Nominees |url=https://www.wish1075.com/article/10th-wish-music-awards-official-nominees |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=www.wish1075.com |language=en}}</ref> |- |Breakthrough Artist of the Year |dwta |Nominated |<ref name="wish1075.com"/> |- |New Hue Music Video |2025 |New Artist of the Year |dwta |Won |<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Hue Music Video Awards winners |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2025/7/27/bini-maki-honored-at-new-hue-video-music-awards-2334}}</ref> |- |Filipino Music Awards |2025 |Folk Song of the Year |Sampung Mga Daliri |Won |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Basbas |first=Franchesca Judine |date=2025-10-21 |title=Full List Of Winners Of The Filipino Music Awards 2025 — Full List |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/filipino-music-awards-winners-list-sb19-cup-of-joe2025/ |access-date=2025-10-23 |language=en-US}}</ref> |}
== Discography ==
=== Extended play (EP) === {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ !Title !EP details !Ref. |- !dwta: MINT Studio Sessions | * Released: November 29, 2023 * Label: dwta, exclusively distributed by Sony Music Entertainment PH |<ref>{{Citation |title=dwta: MINT Studio Sessions |date=2023-11-29 |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/3RzlMA3mIzfCgaSvSs4tnS |access-date=2025-01-30 |language=en}}</ref> |- !Kamay Mo'y Nasan Na | * Released: February 12, 2025 * Label: Sony Music Entertainment PH |{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} |}
=== Singles ===
==== As a lead artist ==== {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ !Title !Year !Album !Composer !Producer !Ref. |- |Daluyong | rowspan="5" |2021 | rowspan="15" |Non-album singles | rowspan="10" |Jhasmine Villanueva (dwta) | rowspan="2" |JP Lanuza |{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} |- |An Satuyang Istorya |{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} |- |Kalangitan | rowspan="3" |Sam d e Leon |{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} |- |Payapa |{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} |- |Panganoron |{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} |- |Mapagbirong Tagpuan | rowspan="3" |2022 | rowspan="2" |Wahly Zenit |{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} |- |Santigwar |<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |title=Dwta and Her Enchanting Musical Offerings: 'Padaba Taka' and 'Santigwar' |url=https://www.wish1075.com/article/dwta-padaba-taka-santigwar |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=www.wish1075.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-11 |title=Filipino singer-songwriter dwta releases stunning Bicolano folklore-inspired visual 'Santigwar' – watch |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/dwta-releases-bicolano-folklore-inspired-music-video-new-single-santigwar-watch |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Filipino singer-songwriter dwta releases stunning Bicolano folklore-inspired visual 'Santigwar' – watch {{!}} Bandwagon {{!}} Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. |language=en}}</ref> |- |Padaba Taka | rowspan="8" |Brian Lotho |<ref name="ReferenceA"/> |- |Delikado | rowspan="2" |2023 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Delikado, New Single by this New Folk-Pop Artist, dwta |url=https://www.tag911.ae/music/delikado-new-single-by-this-new-folk-pop-artist-dwta/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=TAG 91.1 |language=en}}</ref> |- |SMP (Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko) |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Philippines |first=Billboard |date=2023-12-13 |title=12 Holiday Songs For Christmas 2024: Laufey, TWICE, And More |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/features/12-holiday-songs-to-count-down-the-days-to-christmas-juan-karlos-twice-9m88-and-more/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=billboardphilippines.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Kapit (with ALAMAT) | rowspan="4" |2024 |MC Einstein and Janine Teñoso |<ref>{{Cite web |title=NewJeans, Filipino artists bring the house down at Coke Studio Ultimate Fandom Concert |url=https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/8/new-jeans-filipino-artists-bring-the-house-down-at-coke-studio-ultimate-fandom-concert |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Manila Bulletin |language=en}}</ref> |- |Tahan Na (ft. Arthur Miguel) | rowspan="4" |Jhasmine Villanueva (dwta) |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hue |first=The New |date=2024-03-18 |title=dwta and Arthur Miguel reflect on unrequited feelings in collab single "Tahan na" |url=https://www.thenewhueph.com/post/dwta-and-arthur-miguel-reflect-on-unrequited-feelings-in-collab-single-tahan-na |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=The New Hue |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Saulog |first=Gabriel |date=2024-02-23 |title=Dwta and Arthur Miguel Release Collaboration 'Tahan Na' |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/dwta-and-arthur-miguel-release-collaboration-single-tahan-na-sony-music-philippines-2024/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=billboardphilippines.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Pauwi Na 'Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang) |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Angan |first=Kara |date=2024-05-31 |title=Dwta Releases New Song, 'Pauwi Na Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)' |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/dwta-pens-a-love-letter-in-pauwi-na-ko-dito-ka-na-lang-listen-release-2024/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=billboardphilippines.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Di Naman |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saenz |first=Rome |date=2024-10-04 |title=Dwta Releases New Single ''Di Naman'' – Listen |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/dwta-is-over-unrequited-love-in-new-single-di-naman-release-2024/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=billboardphilippines.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-04 |title=dwta's 'Di Naman is a confessional ode to unrequited love |url=https://orangemagazine.ph/2024/dwta-di-naman-is-a-confessional-ode-to-unrequited-love/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Orange Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Sampung Mga Daliri (ft. Justin) |2025 |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-24 |title=Dwta collaborates with SB19's Justin for a heartbreaking new single |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/529871/dwta-justin-sampung-mga-daliri/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Lifestyle.INQ |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-24 |title=dwta & SB19's justin on how they transformed 'Sampung Mga Daliri' into a tale of doomed romance |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/dwta-links-with-sb19-s-justin-to-reimagine-sampung-mga-daliri-into-a-tale-of-doomed-romance |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=dwta & SB19’s justin on how they transformed 'Sampung Mga Daliri' into a tale of doomed romance {{!}} Bandwagon {{!}} Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Go |first=Mayks |date=2025-01-20 |title=dwta And SB19's justin Release New Single "Sampung Mga Daliri" |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/dwta-and-sb19-justin-navigate-lost-love-in-sampung-mga-daliri-new-single-release-january-2025/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=billboardphilippines.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Nasusunog (Pants On Fire) |2025 | |Jhasmine Villanueva (dwta), Ashley Mehta, Martin Estrada, Tiana Kocher |Martin Estrada, Brian Lotho |<ref>{{Cite web |last=jreyes0314 |date=2025-07-27 |title=With 'Nasusunog,' dwta sparks a fire that refuses to be put out |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/dwta-new-song-nasusunog/ |access-date=2025-10-23 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Saulog |first=Gabriel |date=2025-05-23 |title=dwta Gets Fiery On New Single "Nasusunog (Pants On Fire)" – Listen |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/dwta-fuels-the-flames-on-her-latest-single-nasusunog-pants-on-fire-listen/ |access-date=2025-10-23 |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Kung Ikaw Ay Masaya (- From "Flower Girl") |2025 | |Jhasmine Villanueva (dwta) |Brian Lotho |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saenz |first=Rome |date=2025-06-18 |title=dwta Debuts New Single "Kung Ikaw Ay Masaya" |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/dwta-new-single-kung-ikaw-ay-masaya-soundtrack-flower-girl-2025/ |access-date=2025-10-23 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="PULP MAGAZINE"/> |- |Kumilos (ft. Higit sa Pag-Ibig, The Musical) |2025 | |Jhasmine Villanueva (dwta), Rain Sta. Ana |Jhasmine Villanueva (dwta), Rain Sta. Ana |{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} |}
==== As a Featured Artist ==== {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ !Title !Year !Album !Ref |- |Lihim (Nuarin Sasabihon) with Arthur Miguel |2023 |Non-album single |{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} |- |Huling Liham with Paham |2024 |Paham |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Showbiz |first=Manila Standard |date=2024-12-26 |title=Paham, dwta drop heartfelt single 'Huling Liham' |url=https://manilastandard.net/showbitz/314540438/paham-dwta-drop-heartfelt-single-huling-liham.html |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Manila Standard |language=en-US}}</ref> |}
== Filmography ==
=== Music Videos === {| class="wikitable" |+ !Title !Year !Director !Ref |- |Santigwar | rowspan="2" |2022 | rowspan="2" |Elyandre Dagli |<ref>{{Cite web |last=INDIEGAGA |date=2022-04-12 |title=dwta draws inspiration from Bicolano folklore and indigenous healing on 'Santigwar' music video |url=https://www.indiegaga.com/post/dwta-draws-inspiration-from-bicolano-folklore-and-indigenous-healing-on-santigwar-music-video |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Indiegaga |language=en}}</ref> |- |Padaba Taka |{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} |- |Panganoron | rowspan="2" |2023 |Ang Tikatik |{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} |- |SMP (Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko) |Elyandre Dagli |{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} |- |Tahan Na (ft. Arthur Miguel) | rowspan="2" |2024 |Jiggy Gregorio |{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} |- |Pauwi Na 'Ko |Elyandre Dagli |{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} |- |dwta series: Magka-Ibigan |2024-2025 | rowspan="2" |Raliug (Lunchbox) |{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} |- |Sampung Mga Daliri (ft. Justin) |2025 |<ref>{{Cite web |last=@genzmagph |date=2025-01-27 |title=SB19's Justin and dwta Reimagine "Sampung Mga Daliri" as a Haunting Folk-Pop Ballad |url=https://ph.genz-mag.com/arts-culture/sb19-justin-dwta-sampung-mga-daliri/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Gen-Z Magazine Philippines |language=en}}</ref> |}
== References == {{reflist}}
{{Filipino Music Awards}} {{Authority control}}
Category:2001 births Category:Living people Category:Filipino singer-songwriters Category:21st-century Filipino women singers Category:Filipino women songwriters Category:Sony Music Philippines artists Category:People from Albay Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Awit Awards winners