The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Isabella Cuartero
Filipino American (Fil-Am) singer-songwriter CelesstMar, born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i, is making waves with her soulful sound.
During her Listening Party in Quezon City, December 10, Celesst described her music as mostly R&B, blended with touches of alternative and pop.
Her upcoming album, “Fawn,” features ten tracks and explores the concept of fawning: “trying to appease somebody you’re in a relationship with, and in that sense you kind of lose your sense of self.” She explains, “The album is about finding myself again, gaining clarity, and getting closure from the trauma I experienced in past relationships—but there are happy songs, too.” Reflecting on growth, she adds, “Part of growing is stepping outside of your comfort zone. The key to life is always learning—there’s always room to improve.”
Her stage name comes from two words: Celest, short for “celestial,” and interpreted as “heaven” and Mar, meaning “sea” or “body of water.” Together, Celesst Mar translates to “heavenly sea” in Latin—a fitting name for the artist who says, “I love the ocean. I’m always in the ocean.” Her real name is Ariana, and her family roots trace back to Tarlac, her mother’s hometown.
Music has been a significant part of her life for as long as she can remember. When she was young, her sister would record her singing along to Kelly Clarkson and use it as her voicemail greeting.
Over the years, Celesst honed her musical skills through vocals, piano, and clarinet, joined church choirs, took vocal courses in school, and performed in beauty pageants—where she won Best Talent.
She grew up listening to artists like Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, Jhené Aiko, and Whitney Houston, influences that can be heard in her vocal style, particularly her Mariah Carey–like control and resonance.
“Mariah Carey is my biggest influence. I admire everything about her.”
A self-described late bloomer, Celesst began writing songs in 2024. “I never thought I would pursue music,” she admits.
When it comes to her songwriting process, she shares, “I try to write every day. I feel like writing—especially for songs—is something you can lose really quickly unless you’re doing it all the time. So, my process is literally just opening the Notes app on my phone and typing out whatever thoughts come to mind. Later on, I’ll shape those ideas into songs as I find a harmony or figure out a beat that feels right.”
Now 26, the rising singer-songwriter also dreams of one day collaborating with Filipina pop/R&B artist Denise Julia.
“I want to live here (in the Philippines) long-term, immerse myself in the culture, and learn Tagalog—I plan to start next year.”