As the rhythm of Original Pilipino Music continues to cross borders, a new band is stepping into the European music scene with passion, purpose, and unmistakable Filipino pride. Meet Project R, a dynamic Filipino cover band based in Sweden, ready to make their mark and officially launch this March 14, 2026 in Gothenburg.
Background and Formation
Project R is composed of four talented Filipino musicians united by friendship, faith, and a deep love for music:
- Paul Loon on drums (from Leyte)
- Ron Toledo on bass (from Bohol)
- Niko Villalon on guitars (from Las Piñas)
- Jenn, the band’s powerful vocalist (from Taguig City, “a hybrid,” she laughs, “half Bisaya, half Tagalog”)
Their story began when Father Ron brought them together. “He knew each of us and discovered we all had the same love for music,” the group recalls. “The rest is history.”
Formed in the spring of 2025, Project R may be new to the scene, but they are driven by a shared goal: to create music that does not just entertain but connects.
“We want our audience to feel the songs, groove with them, and live in the moment,” says the band.
And what about the name? The “R” in Project R carries many meanings. “R stands for rhythm, the heartbeat of music,” they explain. “But there are other meanings too… those are for the band to know,” they add with a laugh.
Filipino Sound Meets Swedish Vibes
The members of Project R are based in Linköping, Uppsala, Stockholm, and Norrköping, and they have found Sweden’s music scene both welcoming and inspiring.
“In Stockholm, the Filipino music scene is growing,” they share. “There are so many talented Filipino musicians here.”
Living in Sweden has influenced their artistry, but their Filipino identity remains strong and central to their sound.
“Being here made us miss OPM even more,” they say. “Filipino music is one of the best in the world, and we want to make it known across Europe.”
Their journey has also come with challenges. “We all have our day jobs,” they admit. “Finding gigs, building a following, and adjusting to the market takes effort. But we stay positive. Challenges make us grow.”
The Gothenburg Launch
Project R first caught attention after performing at the Philippine Independence Day celebration at Torslanda Torg, hosted by Merkado PH.
 “The experience was awesome! The crowd welcomed us with open arms, and performing outdoors was really fun.”
So why choose Gothenburg for their official launch?
“Gothenburg has such a vibrant and supportive atmosphere for new artists,” they explain. “The Filipino community here is strong and welcoming. It just felt like the perfect place to connect with our kababayans and reach a wider audience.”
After the launch, the band plans to perform in other Swedish cities and collaborate with Filipino communities across the country.
Music Style and Influences
Project R’s sound is a nostalgic yet modern blend of Classic and Contemporary OPM, along with pop and rock hits from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Their biggest influences include Rivermaya, Eraserheads, and Kitchie Nadal, names that shaped generations of Filipino music lovers.
Their song choices are always intentional.
“We pick songs that connect. Songs people can sing along to, that spark a memory or emotion,” they share. “We always consider the crowd’s energy. Every set should feel personal.”
Filipino musical influences are deeply woven into their performances.
“We grew up listening to OPM legends, and that sound is part of who we are.”
Message and Vision
At the heart of Project R is connection.
“We want people to feel the energy, the passion, and the raw honesty in our music,” says Jenn. “Whether it makes you dance, reflect, or just lose yourself for a while, that is the emotion we want to bring.”
Their short-term goals include performing regularly around Sweden, expanding their song list, and improving their live shows. In the long term, they hope to become one of the most recognized Filipino cover bands in Europe, performing at bigger festivals and cultural events while continuing to promote Filipino music and talent wherever they go.
The band sees a bright future for Filipino music in Europe.
“The Filipino community is growing, and so is the appreciation for OPM. We believe Filipino music will continue to make its mark here.”
Fun and Personal
Off stage, Project R is a family of fun-loving foodies.
“We love hitting up buffets,” they laugh. “It is our favorite way to feast and fuel up before rehearsals!”
If given the chance to collaborate, they would love to work with Rivermaya, Coldplay, and international artists with Filipino roots.
And what is their favorite Swedish thing so far?
“Definitely fika, umgås, and anywhere there is live music — especially when Filipinos are around!”
Project R Launch Event — Save the Date!
Date: March 14, 2026
Time: 7 PM with dinner and program start
Venue: Kompani 415
Marketenterivägen 3, 415 27 Göteborg
Ticket Price: 250 kr including 1 snack and 1 drink.Â
Food, fika or dessert available for purchase.
For ticket reservations, contact Airoll, Jenn, Paul, Francis.
🎗️Concert for a Cause
All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology General Santos, also known as BJMP General Santos, a prison ministry based in General Santos City in Mindanao.
BJMP General Santos is dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, and spiritual formation of persons deprived of liberty. Through its jail ministry programs, the organization provides moral guidance, faith based activities, counseling, and support aimed at personal transformation and reintegration into society. Their work focuses not only on maintaining safety and order, but also on restoring dignity, hope, and purpose to individuals inside the correctional system.
By attending this concert, you are not only supporting Filipino music and talent in Sweden, but also extending compassion and help to lives being rebuilt in the Philippines.
Learn more about their work here:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/GSCJMDOFFICIAL/
Follow Project R
Stay connected with Project R’s journey and upcoming shows:
👉 Facebook: Project R
A Final Note
As they prepare for their much-awaited launch in Gothenburg, Project R represent the sound of Filipino pride and community abroad. With rhythm, heart, and harmony, they remind us that wherever Filipinos go, the music follows.
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