Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose is already looking ahead to a major milestone in her music career as she prepares for her much-anticipated 20th anniversary concert next year.
Rather than simply counting down the years, Julie Anne is marking the milestone by going back to one of the most personal parts of her artistry: songwriting. In the months leading up to her concert, the singer-songwriter has been releasing music that she wrote and produced herself, giving fans a more intimate glimpse into the artist she has become through the years.
Her latest single, “Saglit Lang,” takes Julie Anne in a slightly different musical direction. Infused with a modern bossa nova and jazz sound, the song has a laid-back, dreamy quality that contrasts with some of the more familiar styles associated with her previous releases.
“It’s outside my comfort zone so it is kind of a change of pace for me,” Julie Anne shared in an interview with 24 Oras.
“Sobrang chill lang talaga yung kanta. And I kind of wanted a different direction or genre,” she added. “So, ito, medyo jazzy, bossa nova ‘yung vibe. But modern pa rin.”
Adding another layer of meaning to the song is the person who inspired it. Julie Anne revealed that “Saglit Lang” was dedicated to her boyfriend, Rayver Cruz, after she found herself missing him while writing the song.
“…Nami-miss ko siya. Naalala ko kasi nung sinulat ko itong kantang ‘to, may sakit ako. Tapos sakto din talaga na nagsusulat ako ng mga thoughts ko,” she said.
That personal story gives “Saglit Lang” an especially intimate quality. Rather than being simply another romantic track, the song came from a quiet moment when Julie Anne was putting her thoughts and emotions into music.
The new single follows “Simula” and “Kung Ikaw ay Bibitaw,” two independently produced songs that further established Julie Anne’s creative independence. Through these releases, she has been taking greater control of her music, from writing to production, while exploring sounds that reflect where she is now as an artist.
Interestingly, her recent releases have also brought renewed attention to some of her earlier hits. Songs such as “I’ll Be There,” “Right Where You Belong,” “Baby U Are,” “Bakit Ngayon,” and “Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang” have found new traction, allowing longtime fans to revisit the music that helped shape Julie Anne’s career while a new generation discovers them.
And she isn’t stopping with singles.
Julie Anne is also preparing a collaboration and a full-length album, both expected to arrive in time for her anniversary celebration. For the singer, the upcoming album is more than just another addition to her discography. It represents two decades of growth, experiences, and musical evolution.
“I really want it to be special because it’s a special milestone para din po sa akin at sa aking music career,” she said.
After 20 years in the industry, Julie Anne has certainly come a long way. From her early years as a young performer to becoming one of the Philippines’ most versatile singers, performers, and songwriters, she has continued to reinvent herself while staying connected to her musical roots.
Her upcoming anniversary concert will therefore be more than a celebration of longevity. It is shaping up to be a celebration of the woman and artist she has become, with her own compositions and productions serving as a personal soundtrack to the journey.
For now, fans can enjoy “Saglit Lang,” which is already available on digital streaming platforms. Julie Anne also gave audiences a taste of the song with a live performance on All-Out Sundays, offering a preview of the fresh sound she is bringing into this exciting new chapter:
With more music, a collaboration, a new album, and a major concert on the horizon, Julie Anne San Jose is proving that after two decades in showbiz, there are still plenty of new beginnings waiting for her.
