Rising young singer Honey Love Johnson is embracing two different sides of her artistry with the release of her latest singles, “Wait Lang” and “Goodbye For Now.”
Released under Star Music, the two originals showcase the 11-year-old’s versatility, with the upbeat, rap-infused “Wait Lang” contrasting the sentimental ballad “Goodbye For Now,” which its creators hope will become a new favorite for graduation ceremonies.
Songwriter Perry Escaño said “Goodbye For Now” was born from a deeply personal experience during the Covid-19 pandemic after losing a close friend.
“I actually came up with the concept during the pandemic when a very close friend of mine passed away. We shared so many memories together, and that’s when I started writing ‘Goodbye For Now.’ I kept developing the lyrics and asked my friend, arranger Peter Soria, to help bring the song to life,” Escaño said during a press conference.
He added that while the song was inspired by grief, it eventually evolved into a tribute to friendships that continue beyond the classroom.
“I think it’s time to have a fresh graduation song for the new generation because we really haven’t had a new one in years. We hope ‘Goodbye For Now’ becomes one of the songs schools can use during graduation ceremonies,” he said.
Escaño described the song as “a tribute to friendships built in school, the unforgettable memories shared, and the bittersweet moment of saying goodbye as students move forward to pursue their dreams.”
The music video also touches on the issue of bullying, reflecting situations commonly experienced by students.
According to Escaño, scenes depicting bullying were intentionally included because they mirror real-life experiences in school and highlight how genuine friendships can help young people overcome difficult moments.
“Everything shown in the music video came from experiences many of us had during our high school years. Bullying affects friendships, but it also shows that there are people willing to stand by you and help you through it,” he explained.
Meanwhile, “Wait Lang” offers a completely different sound. Escaño revealed that the song was inspired by a conversation with Johnson’s mother, who noticed how children today are often distracted by gadgets and social media.
“Her mom called me and said, ‘Why don’t we create a song about mothers and daughters?’ She shared that whenever children are asked to do something, the usual response is, ‘Wait lang, wait lang,’ because they’re busy with social media or playing games. That’s where the idea started,” he recalled.
To appeal to today’s young listeners, Escaño deliberately experimented with a faster musical style.
“This generation enjoys fast-paced music with rap and hip-hop influences. I wanted to challenge myself and create something different while still delivering a meaningful message,” he said.
For Johnson, recording both songs allowed her to showcase different aspects of her musical ability.
“I felt really excited to record the songs, shoot the music videos and finally see everything come together. It took a lot of work and progress, but I really love how everything turned out. I’m just very happy about it,” she said.
Although “Wait Lang” required her to rap, the young singer admitted she still enjoys singing ballads the most.
“I love rapping, but sometimes it’s hard to keep up with all the words. At the same time, I also love singing because I’m an alto. I honestly enjoy doing both, but I naturally lean toward slower, calmer R&B songs because that’s where I feel most comfortable,” Johnson said.
The singer also shared whom she had in mind while performing the songs.
“I dedicate ‘Goodbye For Now’ to all students, especially those graduating and moving on to a new chapter in life. As for ‘Wait Lang,’ I’d like to dedicate it to my mom,” she said with a laugh before expressing gratitude for her family’s unwavering encouragement.
“My parents always cheer me on and tell me, ‘You’ve got this.’ Their support means everything to me,” she added.
Johnson also hopes the message of “Goodbye For Now” reaches young people facing challenges in school, especially bullying.
“Bullying is not good. People can be so cruel sometimes just to make themselves feel better. To anyone being bullied, please stay strong. Don’t keep those hurtful words in your heart or believe them. Talk to people you trust because you’re not alone,” she said.
The collaboration between Johnson and Escaño began after she joined one of his acting workshops in 2023, where he recognized her potential not only in acting but also in singing. Since then, they have continued developing her musical identity through training and original recordings.
Both “Wait Lang” and “Goodbye For Now” were written by Perry Escaño, composed by Peter Soria and Escaño, and arranged by Soria.
The songs are now streaming on Star Music’s YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Deezer and other major digital music platforms.