TalaNova’s debut R&B single ‘Might’ve Been’ arriving Oct 30th

TalaNova, the new duo formed by Irma Santos (Irma Laxamana) and Sway Penala (Jose Penala), will release their debut single, “Might’ve Been,” on October 30, 2026.

Irma and Jose are original members of the Filipino American vocal groups Pinay and Drop ‘N Harmony, respectively.

“Might’ve Been” is a ‘90s R&B-inspired duet about the words we’re afraid to say and the love that slips away because of it. Told from both sides of one shared moment, the song captures two good friends on the verge of confessing their feelings, just as life pulls them in different directions. With lush harmonies, a timeless slow-jam groove, and a hook that turns quiet regret into something you can’t stop singing, it is a bittersweet love song that will resonate with fans of Brandy, Boyz II Men, and Muni Long.

Singer-songwriter Irma Santos is an original member of Pinay, the pioneering Filipino American all-female vocal group that broke into the mainstream and onto the Billboard charts in the ’90s. Her voice was shaped by years of classical training, a history of singing at church, and a lifelong love of R&B, soul, and pop music that she honed into her signature sound. Outside of Pinay, she’s kept her solo performances mostly to private events. Now she’s ready to share new music with a wider audience.

Jose Penala, known professionally as Sway Penala, is a founding member of Drop ‘N Harmony, the beloved Filipino-American R&B group whose close harmonies and culturally resonant songwriting built a deeply loyal following across the United States and the Filipino diaspora. A veteran of American Idol Season 5, Sway also released his debut solo album “My Story” in 2010, establishing himself as a singer-songwriter with a deeply personal voice.

“Might’ve Been” is a collaboration both artists see as a new chapter: a more seasoned, more vulnerable body of work that reflects who they’ve grown into, and what they still have left to say.

The release is deliberately timed for October 30, as Filipino American History Month reaches its final weekend—a fitting send-off from two of the community’s most enduring voices.  

The single will be available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Amazon Music.

Follow TalaNova on Instagram: @TalaNova_Music