Filipino pride takes center stage in “PTI,” a new posse track led by Filipino-American rapper Carl Angelo that unites voices from across the globe. Short for “Putang Ina,” the title reclaims one of the most vulgar swear words in the Filipino language, turning into a rallying cry for Pinoys worldwide. The track cover art shows tennis star Alex Eala, who went viral after uttering the same phrase during her winning moment at the US Open against Denmark’s Clara Tauson last August.
“PTI” brings together a lineup of Filipino and Filipino-American rappers including Ruby Ibarra, Morobeats’ Miss A, Yamz, Talilo, and David Ira. Each artist released their verse online ahead of the full track’s release, creating a viral buildup that blended national pride with pure rap energy. In the videos posted on Instagram, Angelo stands on a rooftop demanding to know where he’s from and what he represents; Talilo mixes money, weapons, and condiments in the kitchen; Miss A spits bars about reclaiming language from American appropriation, while Ruby Ibarra closes the track as one of the “coolest titas” in hip-hop.
Released on October 22, “PTI” is a statement of unity, calling on Filipinos both at home and abroad to recognize their shared struggle and strength. Its mix of humor, defiance, and pride celebrates the community’s global rise while confronting the same colonial and political forces that have long shaped Filipino identity. Earlier this year, Ruby Ibarra won NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest back in May, marking another milestone for Filipino representation in rap.
