Singers and songwriters Esang and James Philippe are both happy and grateful as they officially signed with Star Magic on Tuesday, March 11.

In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, the siblings shared their surprise at taking the same career path.

“We have no idea. Parang ‘yun nga po, I think it’s God’s plan. Kasi initially, kino-kontak po ako for Star Magic and I was really happy and then mas nadagdagan po ‘yung happiness when I read they were also interested to my kuya,” Esang shared.

The young singer expressed her gratitude for sharing this journey with her older brother, saying, “Never po naming dalawang in-expect na this will happen. We're really grateful that it happened. It's really God's plan.”

Esang first gained recognition as a contestant on It’s Showtime’s Mini Me and The Voice Kids Philippines Season 2, where she was mentored by Tony Award winner Lea Salonga. She later made a name for herself in theater, starring in international stage productions. In 2022, she released her single “Praising Hours,” which she wrote herself.

James Philippe, on the other hand, is a musical conductor, director, and composer in his own right. Initially working behind the scenes, he eventually decided to step into the spotlight and perform his own songs.

“I’m really grateful that this happened. Hindi ko alam, hindi ko in-expect na kaya ko palang gawin ‘yung ginagawa niya,” James Philippe told PUSH ABS-CBN .

Although they are pursuing separate paths, Esang and James Philippe find inspiration in each other.

“Syempre kuya ko po siya, big brother ko po siya. Knowing that he's a part of the management and the family that I'm in, I'm really really happy. I‘m happy because we have the same management who will take care of us,” Esang expressed.

Esang is grateful for having both the comfort of being together in the same industry, and also being able to grow into the individual artists that they are. 

“I get inspired because meron po kaming, kumbaga, stand alone. We each have our own voice and I'm really, really happy for that,” she added.

As James Philippe embarks on his music career, he admitted feeling pressured to follow in his younger sister’s footsteps.

“Sometimes I feel pressured. I know Esang is a very good singer.  Sa The Voice pa lang, kita naman natin si Esang pagdating sa diction, sa intonation, sa pagkanta, pag-interpret ng music, sobrang ganda,” James Philippe shared.

READ: Esang, Diego Gutierrez, James Philippe, Jarlo Base share goals as new Star Magic artists

He went on: “Nape-pressure ako, but sometimes I take that pressure as an inspiration to be more, to be a better musician. Kaya ako nag-aral sa Conservatory.”

The siblings also shared the advice that motivates them to keep pursuing their goals.

“I think music is… mas maganda kasi kapag may passion ka sa music tulad ng ibang artist. Kapag kasi may passion ka sa music, hindi mawawala ‘yung eagerness mo to do songs, to produce songs. Syempre kapag meron kang inspiration, meron kang passion, the lyrics and melody will follow,” James Philippe explained.

Esang also recalled how their father, Porong De Torres, reminded them to sing as if they were telling a story.

“For me po, coming from a musically inclined family, palagi ko pong naririnig that besides singing, dapat po ‘yung kinakanta ninyo is like you're telling a story. It's like you're a narrator trying to tell a story,” she shared.