16/09/2026
Karl Ramirez’s journey in contemporary Bikol music keeps expanding—and this Dateline Ibalon feature from 2023 now reads like the opening chapter of an artist who refuses to slow down.
🔗 Dateline Ibalon
Karl Ramirez’s journey in contemporary Bikol music keeps expanding—and this Dateline Ibalon feature from 2023 now reads like the opening chapter of an artist who refuses to slow down.
As we revisit this profile, we also celebrate how Karl has continued shaping the soundscape of modern Bikol culture in the years since:
In June 2024, Karl composed “Halina sa Naga,” one of the official tourism campaign songs of Naga City—an anthem inviting visitors to experience the city’s warmth, rhythm, and identity.
He encourages and inspires young musicians at Pagsibol, a songwriting workshop dedicated to socially relevant original Bikol music. The first session on February 7, 2026, at VDC Café in Dayangdang sparked a growing movement. Pagsibol IX (meaning Idea Exchange) will gather creators as Pagsibol Songmaking Class Batch 4 this October.
Karl and his band Kilyab performed on March 4, 2026, at Pista Nin Teatro 2026 at the Ibalong Centrum, introducing the Bicol pop movement to a nationwide audience.
The cast of Ibalong Z: A New Bikol Musical performed 17 original songs composed by Karl in collaboration with Sining Banwa—cementing his role as one of the most important musical voices in today’s Bikol theater. The musical ran on August 13–15, 2026.
On September 17 - 18, 2026, Karl and his Kilyab band will join the creative community again at Tagboan Creatives Stage and Site Café for back to back engagements.
Karl Ramirez continues to prove that Bikol music is not just alive—it is evolving, expanding, and inspiring new generations. Click the link in Comments to read the feature in full.
