Alternative rock band fitterkarma, known for their hit songs “Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo II” and “Kalapastangan,” have released their latest single “, Maryclaire.”
The song references the Filipino fictional heroine Maria Clara, a character from the Philippine National Hero Dr Jose Rizal’s works Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
Through its lyrics, the song expresses enduring affection for a “Maria Clara” figure, once again weaving dark lyricism with their passionate singing.
A shrine of unconditional, undying love
The new single was released on June 19, the same day as Dr Jose Rizal’s birthday.
The song cover shows a Filipino woman in traditional Filipiniana attire, sitting pensively beside a small shrine on the table, the candles lit alongside flowers and a picture frame.
Just like their other songs, “maryclaire” contains the band’s signature macabre allegory and emotionally haunting performance.
It features lyrics such as “Maria Clara, ako’y pinagpala (Maria Clara, I am blessed) / Bigay ni Bathala, tayo’y tinadhana (given by God, we are destined) / Ikaw ang kasama sa hirap at ginhawa (you are my companion in hardship and comfort) / Kapag mawala ka sa aking alaala (if you ever fade from my memory) / Ako’y magdudusa, masakit na parusa (I will suffer, a painful punishment).”
It was first teased on May 19, when the band posted a video on Instagram of candles being lit, along with a caption that said, “HINDI KO SINASADYA.” (Translation: “I DIDN’T MEAN TO”).
Before the release, fitterkarma gave an early live performance of the song at singer Janine Berdin’s “Bar Tour Ng Mga Tanga” (“Bar Tour of Idiots”) earlier this month.
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Breaking through the mainstream
Created in 2023 as a passion project, fitterkarma is made up of Mikee “LORY” Mendoza on electric guitar, Sanders Bayas on drums, Sophia “Soph” Miranda on bass and backing vocals and Joao De Leon on vocals and acoustic guitar.
“Maryclaire,” meanwhile, includes string performances by violinists Leigh Cellano and Dylan Abejero, violist Kriszen Ampalayo and cellist Patrick Espanto.
It was written by De Leon, who is also the band’s founder.
They were once an underground act, but fitterkarma gained a following for weaving horror imagery and cannibalistic metaphors into their love songs, giving their music a distinctive and unconventional edge.
Their tracks, “Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo II” (“Love is Cannibalism”) and “Kalapastangan” (“Blasphemy”), both ranked first in the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 and Top Philippine Songs.
The band will be in the line-up for the upcoming Love Laban Pride Festival 2026 on June 27, according to Billboard Philippines.
They will also be performing at the LaLaLa Fest Manila 2026 on August 21.
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Carmela Calling 
James Mario Ajero