Despite the ongoing debate over AI-generated music, Harlem Jude Ferolino proves that technology can be a partner in creativity rather than a threat to it. His Encantadia-inspired AI compositions have captured online attention—some even going viral—and reignited interest in Filipino fantasy and mythology.
“I’ve always believed that music is a kind of spell, a language that carries both memory and magic,” Ferolino said. “When I discovered how AI could shape sound, I wanted to fuse that power with our own Filipino mythos. Encantadia felt like the perfect realm to explore—it’s fantasy rooted in heritage, courage, and culture.”
Ferolino, who serves as Executive Director of the Voice of the Youth (VOTY) Network and President of the Certified Voice Artists Philippines, Inc. (CVAP), channels his artistry into advocacy and youth empowerment. For him, Encantadia became a creative canvas that celebrates Filipino imagination.
“It’s fantasy that feels familiar—mythology wrapped in our own language and values,” he said. “I saw it as a way to reclaim our sense of wonder through sound.”
A major influence on his Encantadia pieces was Bayang Barrios, the OPM icon whose ethnic chant defined the show’s theme song.
“As a former dancer and choreographer, and a proud Mindanaoan, that rhythm spoke to my soul. It carried the pulse of our roots,” he said. “It reminded me of artists like Joey Ayala, who bridge folk, culture, and identity through sound.”
For Ferolino, Encantadia showed that fantasy can be cultural, mythology can be modern, and art can preserve memory. Through AI, he sought to give that legacy a new sound.
His creative process often begins with a concept—a Sang’gre’s essence or a line from the series that lingers. He researches each character, then uses AI tools like ChatGPT to refine lyrics and melodies. While AI assists in drafting and remixing, artistic instinct guides the final form. Sometimes it takes ten versions; sometimes eighty. What matters, he says, is preserving the song’s soul.
Ferolino blends elements of Filipino indigenous music with African and Latin tribal sounds. Yet, despite this global fusion, the heart of his work remains deeply rooted in the local.
He did not expect his Encantadia music to go viral, especially Awit ng Lupa (Himig ni Danaya), which resonated with both fans and the show’s original creators.
The video garnered 1.4 million views and over 5,000 shares on Facebook. 'Awit ng Lupa' has become a dance trend on TikTok, with various creators using it to express not only their fandom for the series but also their appreciation for Ferolino’s work. His Encantadia-inspired AI music is now available on streaming platforms.
“The success reminded me that Filipino imagination is alive and hungry,” he said. “We crave stories that sound like us, look like us, and sing in our own rhythm. That’s why it connected—it was the sound of belonging.”
For Ferolino, virality is fleeting, but cultural awakening endures. He believes the song resonated because it came from authenticity, not algorithms.
“AI is just an instrument,” he explained. “The artist remains the heartbeat, the dreamer, the soul that shapes every note into something timeless.”
Unlike many AI creators, Ferolino intentionally avoided Encantadia-specific language and names. He wanted the music to transcend the series and reach anyone who shares a love for fantasy and Filipino culture.
“I wanted Filipinos to sing and dance to it—fans or not. That’s probably why it reached a wider audience,” he said.
While aware of AI’s controversies, Ferolino maintains a balanced view: “AI isn’t here to replace artists—it’s here to amplify imagination. It’s like fire: dangerous in the wrong hands, but illuminating when used with purpose.”
He dreams of officially collaborating with the Encantadia universe, or creating original Filipino fantasy scores that merge myth, music, and machine. Under Papa Lem Music, he envisions albums, performances, and digital projects celebrating kultura at pantasya—a sonic bridge between heritage and innovation.
“AI will continue to be my tool, but the heart will always be human,” he said. “The goal isn’t to sound futuristic—it’s to make the future sound Filipino. If one day a young artist hears my work and thinks, ‘Pwede pala ito, kaya ko rin,’ then that’s the real prophecy fulfilled.”
To aspiring creators, Ferolino offers this advice: “Use AI to expand your imagination, not to escape effort. Let it be your brush, but let your soul choose the colors. Don’t chase the algorithm—chase the story. Learn the rules of technology, but master the language of emotion. AI can give you a thousand sounds, but only you can decide which one means something.”
Above all, he reminds artists to stay grounded.
“The future belongs to those who can merge innovation with identity,” he said. “When I compose with AI, I don’t see the end of human art—I see its evolution. The soul of music will always belong to the people. We’re just learning new ways to let it sing.”
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