Pop Singer DIONE Unleashes New Single Kalmot as a Fierce Tribute to Cats and Local Pride

Rising Filipino pop artist DIONE is back in the spotlight with her latest single “Kalmot”, a playful yet powerful love letter to her cats and a heartfelt call to uplift Puspins (Pusang Pinoy) everywhere.

Blending bold pop energy with raw emotion, “Kalmot” reflects DIONE’s evolution not only as a musician but as a passionate advocate for local cat rescue and adoption. With feline soundbites woven into the track, real meows and purrs from her own seven cats, this is pop with claws, heart, and purpose.

DIONE, born Marianne Claire Ibarra, has spent over a decade navigating the highs and lows of the independent music scene. From her roots in Quezon City, Antipolo, and Bohol, she brings a trilingual identity (Filipino, English, and Bisaya) into every lyric she writes, crafting songs that are both emotionally rich and culturally rooted.

“I’ve stopped being afraid of rejection,” she shares. “Every song I’ve written is a snapshot of who I am. ‘Kalmot’ is where I am now, unfiltered, in love with my cats, and proud of my roots.”

DIONE’s earlier breakout, “Kodigo,” charmed fans with its dreamy visuals and cheeky take on daydreamed romance. But “Kalmot” marks a deeper shift, turning everyday affection for her rescue cats into a message that resonates with animal lovers and pop fans alike.

The track was inspired by her internet-famous cat Tomomi, known for nipping at DIONE mid-song.

“People thought ‘Kodigo’ was about my cats,” she laughs. “So this time, I went all in. ‘Kalmot’ is my dramatic ode to the little beings who bite me and ignore me and still own my whole heart.”

Beyond its catchy hooks and feline flair, “Kalmot” shines a spotlight on animal welfare. DIONE uses her platform to challenge the outdated term “pusakal” and replace it with Puspin, a more respectful name for Filipino mixed-breed cats.

“They’re not strays. They’re survivors. They’ve healed me in ways no one else could,” DIONE says. “This song is for them and for the people who choose to love them.”

To celebrate the launch, fans can join a listening and fundraiser event on October 24 at SideQuest: Café + Hobby Lounge, Estancia Mall. Proceeds will go to The Cat House, a local cat rescue shelter. The following day, October 25, both the music video and lyric video will officially premiere online.

The single was arranged and produced by Yñigo Ferraz of Ysanygo, recorded at Adorable Human Studios, and features a vibrant chorus and DIONE’s debut Filipino rap verse. Final touches came from sound engineer Oz Kabuhat, while the lyrics and melody remain true to DIONE’s signature, written entirely by her.

“At the end of the day, I just want to make people feel something: joy, love, a little chaos. That’s what ‘Kalmot’ is,” she says. “It’s my story, my sound, and my way of saying our cats matter too.”

With “Kalmot,” DIONE proves that pop music can purr, scratch, and speak out all at once and she’s just getting started.