Calein Revisits ‘Oras’ with a Remaster Six Years After Its Debut

The Filipino alternative rock band preserves the song’s original recording while bringing greater clarity to a release whose early promotion was interrupted by the pandemic.

Filipino alternative rock band Calein is giving “Oras” another moment with a remastered version, six years after its original release in March 2020.

Known for songs such as “Umaasa” and “Someone,” the band returns to the track with its original emotion and arrangement intact. The remaster introduces a clearer, fuller sound while reconnecting the group with a formative period in its career.

For Calein, the release is also a chance to reach listeners who may have missed the song when its initial promotion was cut short.

A Launch Followed by an Unexpected Pause

Calein originally celebrated “Oras” with an intimate launch at Social House in Makati. Unique Salonga, Arthur Nery, and One Click Straight performed, while Blaster and other musicians joined the supporters that evening.

“I was surprised that so many people came to support us,” recalled vocalist and songwriter John Dale “JD” Mustacho.

Days later, the pandemic halted live events, forcing the band to adjust its plans and shift much of its promotional activity online.

“The fire was there, but when the pandemic happened, everything was cut short,” said drummer Benjo Criste.

That unfinished momentum helped motivate the band to revisit the song.

“Because the promotion was stopped before, this feels like the perfect time to reintroduce the song,” bassist Oliver Salaysay said.

A Clearer Sound With the Same Identity

Jan Aries Agadier Fuertez remastered the track, retaining its original recording and arrangement while enhancing its clarity, width, and sonic depth.

“We didn’t change anything about the song because we wanted to keep its identity and emotions,” JD explained.

Oliver described the result as having crisper vocals and a wider sound. The approach allows the band to present the recording anew while preserving the performance listeners already know.

From Unspoken Love to Self-Reflection

JD wrote “Oras” after inviting someone he had a crush on to a Calein gig. He intended to confess his feelings, but she arrived with her boyfriend—an experience that inspired the song’s opening line.

Years later, JD hears a different meaning in its chorus.

“Before, it was about someone else,” he said. “Now, it feels more like a hidden love for myself.”

For Benjo, the music recalls his younger self. He hopes returning listeners will remember their first encounter with the song and reflect on how their lives have changed since then.

A New Chapter for Calein

The remaster arrives with Calein’s current lineup of JD Mustacho on vocals and guitar, Oliver Salaysay on bass, and Benjo Criste on drums.

JD described the group as more mature and clearer about its direction, while retaining its sound and identity.

Ultimately, the band hopes “Oras” continues to create an emotional connection, whether through happiness, longing, or memories.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s happiness or longing,” JD said. “As long as they feel something, that’s already the reward for us.”

Listen to “Oras” (Remastered) on Spotify or watch the official lyric video on YouTube.

Artist photos and artwork credit: Calein