Rising artist Angeli Chaves is a name you want to remember. Given the title of “Tacoma’s Rising Star” in her hometown of Tacoma, Washington, the 20-year-old Filipina is quickly gaining momentum as a multi-talented performer with a growing national presence. But it is her music that is taking center stage this year. Currently working on her debut EP with Grammy-nominated producer Luigie Gonzalez, Chaves is leading a new generation of soulful pop singers with passion and purpose.
Her upcoming EP promises an emotionally-driven sound that Chaves describes as “cosmic and pop-forward.” Featuring introspective lyrics and professional production, the project reflects a creative synergy between Chaves and Gonzalez, who is known for his work with a wide array of artists across genres. “He brought out the best in me, vocally and emotionally,” Chaves says of their work together. For instance, one of the standout tracks on the EP, “Dream Boy,” was recorded during a session full of laughter, capturing the collaborative energy that fuels the project.
Lyrically, the EP reflects on the different forms of love: self-love, romantic love, and soul-deep connections. Chaves’ songs are influenced by a wide range of vocal icons, including Adele, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, and Whitney Houston, artists known for technical precision and their emotional resonance. And Chaves’ commitment to this authenticity is a personal one. As a proud Filipina, Chaves says her identity is a part of her music. Though she was born in the US, both of her parents and her kuya were born and raised in the Philippines. “Growing up, it felt a little different navigating both cultures compared to the rest of them. But I’ve come to really embrace that in-between space,” she says. “It’s made me who I am, and I carry both parts of my identity with love and pride.”
While not fluent in Tagalog or Bisaya, Chaves has committed herself to learning and performing hundreds of Filipino songs as a way to stay connected to her roots. These songs often make their way into her performances across the country, especially in Filipino-American community events where her presence is both artistic and symbolic. This commitment to artistry and advocacy shines beyond the studio. In 2024, Chaves was crowned Miss World America Stardust, taking home the People’s Choice Award at the event. In a meaningful gesture, she donated her winnings to Gawad Kalinga to support typhoon relief in the Philippines.
Her presence is just as powerful in fashion. This year, Chaves was announced as a headliner for Fil-Am Fashion Week 2025, a recognition of her involvement in the event for the past two years as both a performer and a runway model. And as someone who has balanced multiple roles across entertainment, she knows the demands of a busy schedule. But it is the “why” behind it all that keeps her going. Outside the spotlight, Chaves finds grounding in faith, family, and rest. “Rest, boundaries, and a lot of iced lavender lattes and matchas also help,” she says. This balance of hustle and self-care makes her a talented performer, and also a relatable one.
In an industry that often pressures young women to be everything at once, Chaves chooses to show up as herself. Whether on stage performing an emotional ballad or walking the runway, her message is consistent: there is room for everyone to shine, especially young Filipinas. Her ability to lead with confidence and compassion has earned her respect within the Filipino-American creative community. But she is not interested in being a one-time success story, she is building something more lasting. “I just want to keep doing what I love,” she says. “Making music that means something, representing where I come from, and helping others along the way.”
As the countdown to her debut EP continues, Angeli Chaves is at the threshold of an exciting new chapter that blends artistry with advocacy and individual triumph with cultural pride. She is creating space for emotion, identity, and for the next generation of young artists to believe that yes, they belong too.
