Kapamilya star Maymay Entrata opened up about her journey as a singer and songwriter following the success of her hit single “Amakabogera.”

During the Star Magic Spotlight press conference, Maymay shared with PUSH ABS-CBN how she first discovered her love for songwriting.

“Nagsimula po ako magsulat ng kanta nung 14 years old ako, pero sa dahilan lang na parang diary. Kasi uso kasi diary dati po ‘di ba? Tapos magawa sila ‘yung journal,” Maymay recalled. 

Maymay explained that songwriting became her way of expressing emotions she couldn’t easily write down.

“Yung mga gano'n hindi ko kaya. Hindi ko kaya, kaya sa pamamagitan ng paggawa ng pagsulat ng kanta, parang ‘yun na ‘yung naging diary ko. Like for example, ‘pag may crush ako or kapag may naramdaman ako lungkot, doon ko sinusulat lahat,” she added.

She never imagined that songwriting could become one of her talents.

READ: EXCLUSIVE: Maymay Entrata talks about new song, music camp experience, advice for fellow celebrities in PBB

Before officially starting her music career, Maymay had already showcased her songwriting ability during her stint in Pinoy Big Brother.

“Tapos kung nakita niyo po ‘yung PBB, ‘yung pinakauna ko pong nasulat na kanta doon,  ‘yung ’Baliw’. Meron pang isa eh, ‘yung kasama sila Kuya Mccoy (De Leon),” she stated. 

Her songwriting skills further developed when she joined the ABS-CBN Music Camp.

“Mas lalo na-discover lang yung writing skills ko noong pinasama na po nila ako dun sa music camp at sobrang happy ako kasi doon ko talaga nalaman na talagang may potential pala talaga. Tapos ayun, nakagawa kami ng kanta,” Maymay said. 

She is now looking forward to sharing some of the songs she wrote in her upcoming EP. 

“Yung nasulat ko lang ng kanta, nabuo namin dun sa music camp at magiging isa siya sa mga… magiging partner siya sa album ko, upcoming album ko po,” she shared. 

Reflecting on the growth she experienced, Maymay said, “Sa lahat ng naging involved po doon sa Music Camp since 2 years ago, ang dami kong natutunan. Ang dami kong natutunan and I'm willing to learn po talaga, keep learning sa kung ano po yung matutunan ko dito sa music. Sobrang napamahal po talaga ako, and I cannot wait po to share with you po talaga yung upcoming album ko na kung saan ‘yung title niya is Reborn.”

READ: Maymay Entrata on the current health condition of mother and grandmother: ‘I just need your prayers lang’

Meanwhile, Maymay also reminisced about her magical experience of being tapped to be the voice behind the local soundtrack of Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White.

“Para sa akin po, very magical po ‘yung journey ko doon. Kasi bigla na lang po binigay sa akin, ay bigla na lang natanggap ko ‘yung news, tapos kinabukasan ibibigay ‘yung kanta, tapos i-re-record kinabukasan,” she recalled.

Despite the nerves, Maymay was thrilled to portray a Disney princess, even if just through the song. 

“Lahat ng mga Disney princess ay very timeless ‘yung story nila, and for me to be part of it, talagang dream come true talaga para sa akin, Snow White pa,” she shared. 

She explained that singing in a theatrical style was new territory for her.

“Kilig ako talaga, pero hindi ko naman masasabi na naging smooth ‘yung flow ng pag-aaral ko doon sa song,” she admitted. “Never ako natutong kumanta in a genre ng song na parang mala-theatrical ‘yung way niya. So, parang binigyan ako isang araw para mag-prepare. So, thank you, Miss Annie (Quintos), ‘yung isa sa mga vocal coach ko, dahil tinulungan niya po talaga ako na mairaos ‘yung kanta, and I'm very thankful din sa mga nakarinig na, dahil they ended up liking it,” she stated.

Maymay also expressed her gratitude for the positive feedback.

“Kaya maraming salamat. Sobra, talagang very blessed talaga,” she said of the rare opportunity and trust given her. “Kahit papano, naranasan kong maging prinsesa. Prinsipe na lang talaga ang kulang.”