“Asawa” by Carwajee Radiates a Familiar Cup of Joe-Like Charm

Carwajee RK

The story behind Carwajee’s members, Richter Kent “RK” Velasco and Kenlei Serwelas, is just as captivating as their music. Making their debut under Imperium Entertainment with the single “Asawa,” the Lipa, Batangas-based duo brings an authentic, street-performance spirit to the OPM landscape after being discovered by acclaimed filmmaker Daniel Palacio.

Their sound has naturally drawn comparisons to Cup of Joe, thanks to its melodic warmth and emotional sincerity. In a blind listening session organized by Imperium Entertainment, 8 of 11 music critics pointed out similarities between the two acts. Like the popular Baguio group, Carwajee embraces soulful acoustic elements and heartfelt narratives. Yet while Cup of Joe is known for its easygoing retro-pop charm, Carwajee carves out its own identity with a more cinematic folk-pop style, shaped by Palacio’s vision as the duo’s songwriter.

“We aren’t even on the same planet as Cup of Joe yet, so getting compared to them right out of the gate feels surreal,” Velasco said. “It just shows how powerful music is. Our focus now is just the work—honing our sound until our records and our live sets are nothing short of elite.”

For Serwelas, the comparison is a massive ego boost. He shared, “Getting a nod alongside Cup of Joe is huge. Their catalog is so solid, so it’s an honor to even be in that conversation. The goal now is to let our music do the talking.”

“Asawa” serves as Carwajee’s introduction to the national stage, blending high-stakes relatability with the gritty, evocative atmosphere of Palacio’s songwriting. The story of the duo is equally cinematic: two buskers who performed in the same city but never crossed paths until Palacio’s keen eye for talent brought them together.

Now, under the banner of Imperium Entertainment, Velasco and Serwelas transition from the sidewalks of Lipa to a professional studio production. Beyond the music, they are set to showcase their range as performers in the upcoming “Asawa” music video to be directed by Palacio.

Carwajee Kenlei

Transitioning effortlessly from filmmaking to music, Palacio is shaping Carwajee as a promising force in a new generation of OPM—one that blends vivid storytelling with emotional depth. As both producer and creative visionary, he crafts each release to reflect the duo’s genuine artistry and distinctive character.

Executive produced by Oliver Sy, “Asawa” was released through Imperium Entertainment on May 7, 2026, and is now streaming on all major digital music platforms.