It serves as the lead single off ‘jgh’ deluxe EP, which also features live versions of “Your Boy,” “Hurt Me Too,” and “Pahinga”—to name a few
The new track “Pahinga,” which features pop hitmaker TJ Monterde, was formally released by multi-awarded singer, actor, and all-around creative dynamo James Reid.
The soul-stirring duet is the lead single from the jgh (Deluxe) EP, which was released today by Careless Music and Sony Music Entertainment.
“Pahinga,” which was co-written by both artists with Jason Marvin and TJ Monterde and produced by James Reid and Brian Lotho, provides a novel perspective on the subdued tenacity of love. The song also functions as a fiery ballad that illustrates how mature couples can be in trying times—not by fighting more, but by carefully pausing.
According to James, “Pahinga” doesn’t demand resolution through drama; it seeks solace in stillness. The song essays the quiet understanding between partners who, in the wake of emotional storms, choose to pause, breathe, and stay for love.
“It began with a real-life experience,” James recounts a previous encounter, which became the inspiration in writing the track. “I realized you need to quiet the mind so you can hear your heart. Pahinga is about patience and perseverance in relationships. The blend of country and R&B was something I’ve been wanting to try recently, and I think the genre really helped bring out the sincerity of what we were trying to say.”
From its tender, soothing melodies to its vulnerable lyrics (Pahingi nang isang minuto, mataas lang emosyon ko ngayon. But after all this, mahal pa rin kita), the track carries the weight of truth only lived-in love can bear. With Monterde’s signature warmth and Reid’s introspective sincerity, “Pahinga is a lullaby for grown-up hearts still learning how to rest in love.
But “Pahinga” is just one chapter of a larger story. It anchors the jgh (Deluxe) EP, a carefully expanded edition of James’ 2024 release of the same title. The deluxe version of the EP also contains live versions of all the songs in the previously released record, with the addition of “Your Boy,” “Pahinga” and “Hurt Me Too,” which further underscore the record’s intimate appeal.
“I’ve really enjoyed recording live versions of my songs, so I wanted to package them together with my new song, Pahinga, to wrap up the whole JGH journey back into OPM,” reveals the ‘Mirasol’ singer in a press statement.
Eschewing polish for authenticity, these renditions echo the warmth of a jam session shared among close friends. James and his team wanted the listeners to feel “like they were there in the room with him and the band,” while embracing the imperfection and intimacy that come with an unplugged recording. “I wanted the audience to feel like they’re there hanging out with me,” he adds.
First released in 2024, ‘jgh’ marked James’ pivotal return to making pop-leaning tracks with distinct OPM sensibilities. ‘jgh’ deluxe EP (short for “just got home”) gives an intimate glimpse into the celebrated multi-hyphenate’s past and present life, chronicling how he has matured all these years, both as an artist and as a person.
The EP, which combines pop, R&B, and OPM sensibilities, shows Reid at his most vulnerable. He rediscovers the sincere, grounded aspects of himself that he may have lost touch with and learns to embrace and forgive the imperfections that come with it. That homecoming feels even more complete now that the deluxe edition is available.
The ‘jgh’ deluxe EP, James Reid’s latest album, is currently available on all digital music platforms globally through Sony Music Entertainment and Careless Music. Keep an eye out for James Reid’s official YouTube channel to release the live performance video for “Pahinga.”
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