After conversations with her manager (Gary Trinidad) at the time, she expresses how the decision to shift to purely Bossa Nova was a no-brainer for her. She states: “I’d been singing for about 3 years at the time when me and Gary decided to focus purely on Bossa Nova. I don’t think I could call it anything other than Kismet. It just fit everything about me, my personality, my voice, my fascinations, everything.” She goes on to describe how performing classics from Jobim or João Gilberto left her with such an overwhelming feeling of peace and contentment—affording her the luxury of getting lost in the rich melodies and creative lyricism of each piece.

So, it’s no surprise that after a few years of venturing into other genres, she comes home to Bossa Nova with “Buti Nalang Hindi Ikaw.” The song penned by tunesmith Emil Pama, who also wrote: “Para sa Akin” and “Kundi Lang rin Ikaw,” centers around the feeling of finally moving on from a relationship. Sitti shares: “I think it shows some of the more mature aspects of love. It isn’t as hopelessly romantic like Para sa akin was. Sometimes the people we love don’t love us back and that’s okay. Life is a journey, and things rarely turn out the way you thought they would, but that doesn’t make the journey any less beautiful or fulfilling.”

She goes on to share an incredibly heartfelt sentiment, saying: “The song wasn’t about pouring your heart and soul into who you think is going to be the love of your life. It’s about pursuing your own happiness too. That even though you may part ways, trust that at the end of that path lays your inner peace and contentment. I know what it’s like to have your heartbroken and it takes years to get over it. This is for everyone that’s managed to move on.” Her fans also haven’t missed this shift in her music.

Acknowledging observations fans have made about the evolution of her music, she states: “Through social media, I’ve definitely heard that fans have connected the dots of Para sa akin, Kundi lang rin ikaw, and Buti nalang Hindi ikaw. I think it’s great, you know you go through life and gain perspective. Both I and Emil have evolved, and so has the music we’re making.” Things have certainly changed and not just for the musical pair but the entire world. “Buti nalang Hindi ikaw” wasn’t only recorded while Sitti is currently expecting her second child with her husband, Joey Ramirez but also amidst a global pandemic.

Sitti shares that recording during the pandemic was tricky, but it was easier knowing that she was working with old friends. She says: “I was pregnant and in the studio with just vocals, guitar and percussion. It was definitely a different experience. It was hard being pregnant because sometimes I’d have issues with my voice. There were times where I’d even feel the urge to rerecord but working with my band, Neil, Pama and Kuya Dante definitely helped reassure me.” Since becoming a mother to her first child Lilibubs in 2018, Sitti has juggled the role of wife, mother, and artist with such eloquence and grace that it’s hard not to be in awe. Though the recording experience for her new single was challenging, she’ll definitely treasure it as this was her first time recording while pregnant. The song shines like a memory framed in gold for her and her children to look back on.

The future has great things in store for this multi-platinum selling recording artist. Having grown wiser from her time in the music industry and becoming a mother, she shares her plans for the future. Saying: “I think being a mom will definitely shine through in my future musical endeavors. I can’t share too much but I’m definitely happy to be back doing Bossa Nova. I’m happy to be making music again.”

Lastly, as a message to her fans, she had this to share: “Specially with this pandemic, I’ve realized just how near and dear my fans are to me. Prior to the pandemic, I’d taken some time off to be a mom, so it’s been years since I’ve been performing. You know, when you’re young and going from gig to gig, you’re living in the music and the moment. It doesn’t sink in just yet how special what you’re doing is till you’ve got the chance to gain some perspective over time and experiences. I understand now just how special this all is. I appreciate every single person who has ever come to a show, bought a CD, liked, or commented on one of my social media posts, all of you. I owe to my fans how blessed I am to live this life with so many talented and wonderful people. I hope that one day, in a better world, I can personally express my gratitude to each and every one of you.”

We here at Widescope Entertainment are thrilled to be joining you on this journey home to Bossa Nova, not only as an artist but as a mother and entrepreneur as well. There truly is nothing you can’t do, Sitti!