Solo pop artist DIONE makes her anticipated return with “Kalmot,” a heartfelt and playful new single. After years of developing her music, the Filipino artist is ready to take the stage with a track that doubles as an anthem and an advocacy for her beloved Puspins (rescued Pusang Pinoy).

DIONE (Dione Marianne Claire Ibarra) is a 29-year-old singer-songwriter who has navigated the unpredictable world of independent music for the past decade. Hailing from Quezon City, Antipolo, and Bohol, she taps into her multilingual skills—Filipino, English, and Bisaya—to connect with audiences through honest, heartfelt songs of strength.

“As an artist, I’ve learned to stop fearing rejection and judgment,” DIONE shares. “For 10 years, I’ve been chasing this dream — to be on a big stage and share songs I’ve poured my heart into. Every phase of my music reflects who I am at that moment.”

While DIONE first gained attention with “Kodigo,” a dance-pop “delulu love song” about romantic imagination, her newest track “Kalmot” is a more deeply personal statement. Inspired directly by her seven feline companions, including the internet-famous cat Tomomi (who has a habit of playfully biting her while she sings), the single is a bold step that shows pop can be simultaneously lighthearted, meaningful, and heartfelt.

“People thought my last song ‘Kodigo’ was going to be about my cats because of my videos with Tomomi,” she laughs. “So I thought, why not actually make one? ‘Kalmot’ is about my desperate love for them — I give them everything even if they scratch, bite, or ignore me.”

With authentic meows and purrs from her real-life cats included in the catchy hook, “Kalmot” blends music and mission. The song passionately advocates for Puspin awareness, encouraging adoption and educating listeners on the need for proper pet care, a mission deeply important to DIONE.

“I want them to be called Puspins instead of Pusakal. I want people to stop referring to our local cats in a demeaning way,” she adds. “They deserve love and respect like any other breed. My cats have healed me through life’s toughest moments — they’re my babies, and they deserve this song.”

The new single launch will be marked by a special listening and fundraising event on October 24 at SideQuest Café, Estancia Mall. DIONE will host a watch party for the music and lyric videos, giving attendees an exclusive preview before their official online release the next day, October 25. The gathering, which supports The Cat House local cat shelter, is open to everyone—inviting music fans and animal advocates alike to join the community celebration.

“When people hear the name DIONE, I want them to feel excitement and warmth,” she says. “My music is my way to connect — but beyond that, I want to leave a mark that’s genuine and personal.”

Showcasing her deep creative involvement, DIONE personally wrote the melody and lyrics for the single. The track, recorded at Adorable Human Studios, captures her fearless artistic evolution with new elements like energetic gang vocals and her first-ever Filipino rap verse. Yñigo Ferraz of Ysanygo helmed the project as the arranger, producer, and recording engineer, while Oz Kabuhat provided the sound and mastering engineering for a refined finish.

Stay Updated on DIONE and the ‘Kalmot’ Release:
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok