"Bulalakaw" is a song by Filipino boy band BGYO, released on November 24, 2023, through Star Music. Billboard Philippines described the track as an electronic ballad and a special comeback single, marking BGYO's first full-group release since its second studio album, BE:US, in 2022.
Written by Kiko "Kikx" Salazar and produced by Salazar and Jonathan Manalo, "Bulalakaw" is a gratitude song dedicated to people who continue to offer support during difficult periods. Contemporary coverage described the song as an expression of BGYO's appreciation for supporters who remained with the group through its highs and lows. The single reached number one on iTunes song charts in the Philippines, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and number four in Hong Kong.
Background and release BGYO announced "Bulalakaw" on November 20, 2023. In the days before its release, Star Music previewed part of the song's chorus and published a series of interview teasers featuring the members. The single was released digitally on November 24, 2023.
The release followed BGYO's 2022 album BE:US and came after the September 2023 sub-unit single "Be Mine" by members Akira Morishita and JL Toreliza. Billboard Philippines referred to "Bulalakaw" as the group's first full-group release since BE:US.
Composition and lyrics
"Bulalakaw" is an electronic ballad lasting four minutes and 12 seconds. Kiko "Kikx" Salazar wrote the song, arranged it, and handled its mixing and mastering. Jonathan Manalo recorded and produced the vocals and served as the project's overall music producer.
The title is the Filipino word for a meteor, commonly rendered in English as a "shooting star". In the song, the image of a bulalakaw is used within a message of gratitude and reassurance. The Freeman reported that the song was intended to thank those who offered the group love and support during challenging periods. MYX Global similarly described "Bulalakaw" as an expression of appreciation for people who showed the group love and support through difficult periods.
Inquirer.net described the song as conveying longing and the desire for loved ones to remain close.
In an interview with Parcinq, member JL Toreliza described "Bulalakaw" as representing something he does not want to lose, associating the song with his family, fellow BGYO members and the group's supporters.
In 2025, Akira Morishita named "Bulalakaw" as his favourite among BGYO's recordings, describing its theme as a form of manifestation centred on hopes and aspirations.
Performance video A performance video for "Bulalakaw" was released on BGYO's official YouTube channel on November 24, 2023. The video was produced by Inside Job Studios and directed by Kashka Gaddi, with Jefferson Hao serving as director of photography. Dana Blaze edited the video and Justin Naguit handled visual effects.
The video's production credits also list Andrew Castillo as the cover-art designer and Aaron Mangsat as visual director.
Live performances BGYO performed "Bulalakaw" on It's Showtime on November 25, 2023, a day after the single's release.
The group also performed the song on ASAP Natin 'To.
Commercial performance Within its first 24 hours of release, "Bulalakaw" reached number one on iTunes charts in the Philippines, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, and number four in Hong Kong. It also charted at number 107 on Thailand's Pop Songs chart, number 70 on Canada's Pop Singles chart and number 143 on the Worldwide 200 Singles chart. The song was also included in Spotify's New Music Friday Philippines playlist.
Critical reception LA Music Review described "Bulalakaw" as a hopeful and romantic ballad, highlighting the group's vocal performance and the song's heartfelt delivery.
Accolades Year Organization Category Result 2024 5th VP Choice Awards P-Pop Song of the Year
Credits and personnel Credits are adapted from the official performance video. BGYO – vocals Kiko "Kikx" Salazar – words and music, arrangement, mixing, mastering Jonathan Manalo – vocal recording, vocal production, overall music production Jerwin Nicomedez – vocal coach
Performance video personnel Kashka Gaddi – director Mary Baligod – line producer Jefferson Hao – director of photography Art Maban – camera operator Chester Velasco – camera operator Dana Blaze – editor Justin Naguit – visual effects Aaron Mangsat – visual director Andrew Castillo – cover art
Release history + Release dates and formats for "Bulalakaw" Country Date Format Label Various November 24, 2023 Star Music
See also BGYO discography List of BGYO live performances
References
External links