Singer-songwriter KZ Tandingan recently shared the heartfelt story behind her new song for the queer community, "Nagmamahal Lang Ako."

During an advanced listening party, KZ revealed that the song was inspired by the experiences of a close friend of hers and her husband's.

“I wrote this song about one of my best friends… This song is really special because this person is one of the most important people in my life. Sobrang saya yung naidudulot niya sa amin, ni TJ and I wish this person experiences the type of happiness and love na binibigay niya sa mga tao sa paligid niya,” she said.

While KZ did not disclose her friend’s identity, she explained that the song was her way of offering a message of support.

“Hindi pa po siya handang ipagsigawan ang tunay na siya at ang klase ng pag-ibig na meron siya sa puso niya. So, ito lang muna yung kaya kong gawin ngayon, to tell their story, para marinig ng buong mundo and when this person is ready, I will be here. Like always and forever, I will be here, cheering you on,” she added.

KZ revealed that she wrote the song during Pride Month in 2023, with her friend’s permission, to help amplify stories similar to theirs.

“In 2023, I wrote this song. Binigay ko ito sa kanya. And I asked if it was okay to share this song. At napag-usapan namin na it was important that this song be heard by lahat ng mga taong pinagdadaanan din yung pinagdadaanan niya,” the singer shared.

She emphasized the importance of representation and solidarity.

“As people, when we're going through something hard and difficult, hindi naman gumagaan, pero mas nararamdaman lang natin na kakayanin natin yung mga pinagdadaanan natin pag alam natin may kasama tayo sa journey. But paano yung mga tao na hindi nila kayang sabihin ang pinagdadaanan nila? So, that is why I wrote 'Nagmamahal Lang Ako,;” she added.

KZ officially released "Nagmamahal Lang Ako" on Valentine’s Day across all streaming platforms. The song was accompanied by a short film titled Ikaw, Kelan? directed by J.E. Tiglao.

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In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, KZ explained why she chose to release the song during the love month.

“I felt like February was the perfect time to release it because it's the Love Month, and I hope that this song inspires people to just love and appreciate that love comes in all forms,” she said.

She also shared a heartfelt message for listeners who may relate to the song.

“I hope this song brings comfort to all of you, comfort in knowing that you are not alone in this journey and that when you guys are ready and you're here, nandito kami. Nandito kami with arms wide open to welcome all of you because you matter,” she expressed.

“Regardless kung ano man, we love you. I just felt really proud, and I felt excited that this film, this short film—hopefully this film—is going to be a source of comfort para doon sa mga tao na pinagdadaanan yung kapareho ng pinagdadaanan ng may higit na mga tao,” she continued.

"Nagmamahal Lang Ako" marks KZ’s second self-written single after "Toyo." As she continues to explore different narratives of love through music, is KZ set to drop a new album with a similar theme?

READ: KZ Tandingan's new song ‘Toyo’ is 'experimental': 'This is really something na hindi mo ine-expect'

“Hindi ko pa masabi eh. Pero one thing is for sure, I don't want to box myself. If there's one thing that I don't know, I will let that dictate kung saan direction ako dadalhin ng pakiramdam at ng kwento,” KZ told PUSH ABS-CBN.