Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin star in the music video of Ace Banzuelo’s streaming hit “Muli”

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The Gen Z superstars portray a romantic couple struggling to put their love back together

ABS-CBN stars Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin reunite onscreen for the music video of Ace Banzuelo’s chart-topping electronic ballad “Muli.”

The visual narrative captures the disintegration of what used to be a promising relationship, with ‘FranSeth’ struggling to process their pain.

Going the abstract route, the MV depicts an imagery of a home on the verge of breaking apart: burning couches, dying lights, and a smashed piano. Ace Banzuelo himself, makes a significant appearance as the ‘inner emotions’ of Seth.

“Everything was heavy on symbolism, but still reflects the intensity of the song,” says Chapters’ very own Jake Soriano, who directed the music video of “Muli.”

Soriano has worked with both Francine and Seth in the past, but according to him, this project was the first time that he witnessed the loveteam deliver a nuanced performance and showcase their range as dramatic thespians. “They’re easy to work with, because aside from being good actors, they’re also very kind and professional, and both are super funny. We always get a good laugh during shoots.”

For his part, Ace was very much involved in the brainstorming and creative process of the music video, and was very open in collaborating with Francine and Seth.

“At first, I was okay to do the music video alone with what I had, and then we started to get tweets, comments, and messages from multiple fans that they wanted to see me collaborate with local actors,” shares the young singer-songwriter and producer. “Our team reached out to the loveteam, and we were so happy that they were game! Working with Seth and Francine was super fun, I’m proud that we were able to capture the vision of song, and present it through the long-awaited video.”

Few hours before the premiere of the music video, FRANSETHxACE MULI MV immediately topped Twitter Philippines trending list at No. 1, with fans expressing their excitement on the teamup.

“Muli” has been the most streamed OPM song on Spotify and Apple Music for more than a month now. It continues to make an impact on several music charts worldwide, reaching No. 1 on Apple Music Viral Hits – Philippines, No. 2 on Spotify Top 50 – Philippines and Spotify Viral 50 – Philippines, No. 3 on Apple Music Top 100: Philippines, and No. 6 on Spotify Viral 50 – Global. “Muli” has also landed on Spotify Viral 50 charts in four other territories: UAE, Singapore, Canada, and New Zealand, making it one of the biggest crossover hits that came out in the country this year.

Ace Banzuelo’s “Muli” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

Ace Banzuelo conquers the insurmountable with trap-infused pop single “Mayari”

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Manila-based singer-songwriter/producer Ace Banzuelo has captivated music listeners from all over the world with his introspective fusion of electronic, hip-hop, indie, and pop music. His earlier singles “Himala” and “Malayo,” both released in 2020, have amassed a combined 4 million streams on Spotify alone, making him one of the most exciting new solo acts in recent memory.

To add up to his roster of achievements, Ace Banzuelo was also handpicked as part of Spotify Radar’s global emerging artist program for the second year in a row—an impressive feat that allows his music to reach more people outside of the country. “I can't deny the amazing feeling I get when I heard about this,” the 20-year-old artist said. 

“I know this is just the beginning for me as a young musician, but I truly value everyone who supports the music and the Asian scene. With this recognition, I stay committed to my dreams and improving my craft.”

Now heading toward brighter horizons, Ace Banzuelo is ready to conquer the insurmountable with the release of his new single “Mayari” under Sony Music Philippines. According to Banzuelo, the trap-infused synth pop tune was inspired by the goddesses and characters from the Filipino mythology, using it as a metaphorical springboard to essay his personal take on romance, toxic masculinity, and privilege. “The song's approach to the myth discusses how wrong arrogance and privilege is when used as a leverage to attracting someone,” the young hyphenate shares in a statement. “The song questions toxic masculinity in a relationship as it is inspired from the war between the God of the sun, and the Goddess of the moon. In the song, the girl finds interest in one guy, and comfort to another. The main reason for their conflict is miscommunication.”

Written and produced by the artist himself, the song attests to his openness to discuss personal issues from a socially aware lens, cutting out the posturing for a message that is universally relatable and morally responsible. Banzuelo points out, “I'm proud that the combination of my way of storytelling and deep involvement with my art gives my audience a full different experience. I'm continuously growing as an artist, and I'm very, very specific with what I want to create and how it should be presented.”

On a production level, “Mayari” sparkles to life with its amalgam of chillwave textures, ‘80s-sounding synths, hip-hop/R&B verses, and modern trap beats, concocting a version of bedroom pop music that yields ecstatic returns. “Mayari has a very diverse arrangement since it starts with a slow verse, an engaging chorus followed by rap verses and a synth solo,” Banzuelo adds. “I produced the song by using digital vintage synthesizers with modern minimal trap beats on top. I think what makes it contemporary sounding is my way of using consistent modern sonic textures in my songs: a cross between the past and the present, just like how I made the concept of the song's story.”

“Mayari” is the last song off Ace Banzuelo’s thematic streak of melancholic pop tracks—a prologue of some sorts that aims to introduce his work to the general public. When asked about his upcoming plans, the talented young musician is determined to elevate his artistry to an entirely new level on his next era. “I'm very certain that my next project is entirely different, I'm focusing on working on my strengths as an artist and become the instrument instead.”

Ace Banzuelo’s “Mayari” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.