If you've spent any time scrolling through Filipino TikTok or Spotify Philippines lately, chances are you've already stumbled onto a moody, guitar-driven song that sounds like heartbreak wrapped in horror-movie imagery. That's probably Fitterkarma.
And friend, once you fall down this rabbit hole, you're not climbing back out — so let's do this properly. Here's the complete, no-stone-unturned guide to who they are, where they came from, what they sound like, and why the whole country can't stop yearning along with them.
Who Is fitterkarma?
Fitterkarma (they spell it all lowercase, by the way) is a Filipino alternative rock band from Metro Manila that blends indie rock, alternative rock, and art rock into something that feels distinctly, unmistakably theirs. Formed in 2023, the band is made up of four members:
- Joao de Leon – lead vocals, guitar, and the band's primary songwriter
- Sophia Miranda – bass and backing vocals
- Sanders "Ders" Bayas – drums and backing vocals
- Mikee "Lory" Mendoza – guitar and backing vocals
Two former members, guitarist Calvin Borja and vocalist Addy Pantig (real name Andreanna Therese Pantig), were part of the band during its rise and exited toward the end of 2025 — more on that in a bit.
Their music circles around obsessive, messy, sometimes masochistic love, drawing heavily on Philippine folklore and personal experience. Think haunting imagery, Tagalog lyrics that hit differently than their English counterparts, and a willingness to sit in discomfort rather than smooth it over.
Critics have drawn comparisons to the way The Cranberries used horror-adjacent storytelling in "Zombie," and honestly, once you hear a Fitterkarma track, you'll get why.
The Origin Story: From a Solo Bedroom Project to a Full Band
Here's the part a lot of new fans don't know: Fitterkarma wasn't always a band. It started in 2019 as a completely solo project by Joao de Leon, who performed and wrote music independently under his own name before eventually linking up with other musicians.
Joao has shared that music started feeling like more than a hobby toward the tail end of high school. He'd initially leaned toward IT, but guitar and songwriting had already taken root, so he decided to pursue a Music Production degree instead.
Before that solo chapter, he'd actually played in a band pre-high school, but the rest of that group wasn't interested in pursuing music seriously — so he kept writing on his own.
Everything changed in 2023, when Joao enrolled at De La Salish–College of Saint Benilde's (DLS-CSB) Music Production program and met people who actually wanted to build something together. That's where he crossed paths with Ders, Sophia, and Lory.
- Ders actually knew Joao from way back — they met through a "Battle of the Bands" competition in 2019 via a churchmate connection, and Joao invited him to play gigs during the solo "Joao" era. Because Ders was still a minor at the time, he couldn't perform in bars, so their collaboration didn't fully take off until post-pandemic.
- Sophia joined in August 2023, while she was already at Benilde. The band needed a bassist, and after Joao apparently scouted her at a bar gig in Taft through mutual friends, their very first practice together just clicked.
- Lory was the last to join. He and Ders were batchmates at Benilde, and he was already gigging around before Ders brought him in as the band's guitarist. Like with Sophia, the chemistry was instant.
As for the rebrand — the project was originally just called "Joao," but marketing and pronouncing that name (it's the Portuguese/Brazilian version of "John") turned out to be more trouble than it was worth. So the band pivoted to Fitterkarma instead.
Where Does the Name "Fitterkarma" Come From?
This is one of the most-asked questions about the band, so let's clear it up: Fitterkarma is a mashup of two Radiohead song titles from their 1997 album OK Computer — "Fitter Happier" and "Karma Police."
Radiohead's influence goes far beyond the name, too. Joao has pointed to the band's refusal to stick to one sound across their discography as a major inspiration — the idea that you can start out as a scrappy '90s rock band and evolve into something completely different by your next record, and still make it work.
The band's members each gravitate toward different Radiohead eras: Joao leans toward the emotional weight of A Moon Shaped Pool, Lory and Ders both cite In Rainbows (for Ders, it's the drum-heavy production that hits home as a drummer), and Sophia's love affair with OK Computer — the very album that gave the band its name — runs deep, with "Let Down" holding a special place for her.
The Music: Sound, Themes, and That "Dark and Macabre" Reputation
Fitterkarma's sound draws from indie rock, alternative rock, and art rock, layering acoustic and electric guitars with warm, emotionally raw vocals — and occasional heavier, more aggressive moments reserved for their live shows.
Lyrically, this is a band that isn't afraid to go to uncomfortable places. Obsessive love, devotion that borders on unhealthy, emotional turmoil — it's all fair game, often filtered through Philippine folklore and mythology (aswang references, anyone?). But here's the thing: Joao has said this darkness wasn't a calculated brand decision from day one.
Their early single "Aurora Skies" is comparatively soft and "vanilla" by his own admission. The shift toward darker material started organically around the Pakinggan Mo... EP era in 2022, shaped by his love of metal music and horror films rather than any personal inclination toward darkness in daily life.
There's also a language story worth knowing here. Joao originally wrote in English, but after producing a handful of English tracks he ultimately scrapped, he pivoted to Tagalog — starting with "Pambihira" as something of a trial run.
He's said that writing in Tagalog simply felt more natural and emotionally raw for him, and that at a time when a lot of OPM acts were leaning into English lyrics, sticking to Tagalog helped the band stand apart rather than blend in.
There's also a linguistic bonus: Tagalog doesn't use gendered pronouns, which means their aching, yearning lyrics don't have to specify a "him" or "her" — making the songs feel universal to anyone listening.
The Breakout: "Kalapastangan" and "Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo II"
Fitterkarma's debut single, "Kalapastangan" (translated: "Blasphemy"), dropped in 2023 and would go on to enter the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 in November 2025 — a full two years after its release, and a testament to the band's slow-burn rise.
But the song that really launched them into the mainstream is "Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo II" ("Love Is Cannibalism II"), released on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2025. This track:
- Topped both the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 and Spotify Philippines' Viral 50 chart
- Reached number one on Spotify Philippines' Top 50 by December 2025
- Racked up tens of millions of streams (well past 180 million on Spotify alone by mid-2026)
- Features guest vocals from former members Addy Pantig and Calvin Borja, who had already left the band by the time it blew up commercially
Interestingly, the song's roots go back even further than its release date. It began in 2024 as part of Joao's senior thesis EP for his Music Production degree.
The song's viral moment reportedly caught the band off guard. Joao has described being in the U.S. for a residency when it started gaining traction online around April or May, turning into a meme before snowballing into a full-blown hit by the time he returned to the Philippines that November — timing he's called almost too perfect.
For the rest of the band, the reality of blowing up hit differently: Ders remembers realizing it when his calendar filled up wall-to-wall with gigs while still juggling student life; Sophia recalls the shift happening as niche Facebook groups started tagging them, followed by bigger stage invitations.
Why "Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo II" Hit So Hard
So why did a song built around cannibalism-as-metaphor-for-love connect with so many Filipino listeners? The band has a few theories. Joao points to Filipino audiences' appetite for something genuinely different — pointing back to how bands like the Eraserheads stood out in their own era through unconventional storytelling.
Sophia has noted that fans regularly message the band saying the song became something they leaned on during hard times, which in turn motivates the band to keep writing songs with real emotional weight.
There's also a broader theory about why their brand of dark, yearning love songs resonates so strongly with a young Filipino audience: it taps into something universal about obsession and desire, dressed up in metaphor rather than delivered plainly.
Add to that the "yearning" trend that's been thriving on platforms like TikTok, and the timing lines up almost perfectly.
More Recent Releases: "Sumpa" and "Aswang sa Maynila"
The hits didn't stop with "Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo II." In October 2025, the band released "Sumpa" ("Curse"), a folk-influenced rock single that leans quieter and more intimate — Joao has described it as one of the most personal songs he's written, even though he believes listeners don't need to have lived the exact same experience to feel something from it.
Then, in early 2026, Fitterkarma announced "Aswang sa Maynila" ("Aswang in Manila"), timed for release on Valentine's Day and paired with a live launch event at 123 Block in Mandaluyong.
The track was written by Joao with input from the rest of the band, produced by Xergio Ramos, and features guest vocals from Kai Sevillano of the band Novocrane.
By December 2025, "Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo II" had reached number one on both the Spotify Philippines Top 50 and the Billboard Philippines Hot 100, earning year-end recognition from Philippine music outlets as one of the standout tracks of the year.
Discography At a Glance
As a streaming-era band, fitterkarma has no full-length album yet, but their catalog is enjoyable nonetheless.
EP
- pakinggan mo... (2022)
Singles
- "Pambihira" (2019) — Joao's first Tagalog song, released during his solo era
- "Kalapastangan" (2023) — debut single as Fitterkarma; charted in 2025
- "Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo I" — the original version preceding the breakout sequel
- "Sumpa" (2025) — folk-influenced, personal to Joao
- "Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo II" (2025) — the band's biggest hit to date
- "Aswang sa Maynila" (2026) — the latest single, featuring Kai Sevillano of Novocrane
Live Shows and Milestones
Fitterkarma has quickly gone from campus gigs to real touring milestones. On February 1, 2026, they opened for Canadian indie band Men I Trust on the Equus Tour 2026 stop at The Filinvest Tent in Alabang — a huge co-sign for a band that only started as a full lineup a few years prior.
They've also talked openly about the surreal, whiplash nature of their rise. A standout gig in Iloilo left multiple members emotional — Sophia has described the venue being packed to the second floor with fans crowding even the parking lot, and a fan crying while singing along to the quieter, more intimate "Sumpa."
There was also a memorably chaotic gig in Tarlac involving an unannounced pyrotechnic effect that nearly caught Lory off guard (and, by his account, nearly caught him on fire — no one had briefed the band beforehand).
As for dream venues, each member has their own bucket-list answer: Joao wants to bring the band to Houston, Texas (his hometown) for a hometown show and a stop at his favorite barbecue spot; Lory dreams of Coachella; Ders wants to headline arenas across the Philippines before dreaming bigger; and Sophia has her sights set on a small, intimate gig in Siquijor along with a shot at the Philippine Arena.
The Departure of Calvin Borja and Addy Pantig
In late 2025, guitarist Calvin Borja and vocalist Addy Pantig left Fitterkarma. Notably, both had already exited the band before "Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo II" became a commercial breakout — meaning two of the voices on the band's biggest song weren't part of the lineup by the time it topped the charts.
The current four-piece lineup of Joao, Sophia, Ders, and Lory has continued forward with new releases like "Sumpa" and "Aswang sa Maynila."
What Fitterkarma's Creative Process Actually Looks Like
Curious how the magic happens? According to the band, there's no single formula. Joao has described starting songs from literally anything — a word, a guitar riff, a movie he just watched — rather than forcing lyrics and melody to arrive simultaneously (something he's called an almost unsustainable way to write).
Ders has shared that a lot of inspiration strikes during casual car rides with Joao and Mikee, where random conversation sparks ideas that later turn into demos out of nowhere. From there, the band regroups — often at Lory's house or in a production studio — to build the track out until it's ready for a final recording session.
Sophia, who isn't part of those car-ride sessions, typically hears the demo first and then adds her own bass parts, noting that a lot tends to shift and evolve once the full band gets into the recording room together.
The People Behind the Scenes
The band has also credited their support system for keeping them grounded through their fast rise — friends both old and new, family (including relatives in music for Ders, who's grown up around musicians), and industry mentors like their manager and their recording engineer, who also happens to be one of their professors at DLSU.
Advice From the Band (For Aspiring Musicians and Fans Alike)
If you're looking for a little wisdom from the band themselves, here's what's stuck with them most:
- Attitude over skill — talent alone won't get you far if people find you difficult to work with.
- Just be kind — the band has noticed that the people who get the most opportunities in the industry tend to be the easiest to work with, not necessarily the most skilled.
- Choose your circle carefully — the people you surround yourself with will shape who you become.
- Respect other people's time — showing up on time and being professional builds trust, especially with clients.
A Message From Fitterkarma to Their Fans
The band has been consistently vocal about their gratitude toward "mga Kanibals" (their fanbase's nickname, drawn from "Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo"), crediting fans for pushing them to where they are today and for spreading their music through word of mouth.
They've also expressed a wish to eventually meet fans in person and shake their hands. Given that a large chunk of their audience skews younger, the band has also nudged fans to keep prioritizing school and finishing their studies alongside chasing their passions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fitterkarma
Is Fitterkarma a boy band or a mixed-gender group? Fitterkarma is a four-piece alternative rock band with one female member, bassist and backing vocalist Sophia Miranda, alongside vocalist/guitarist Joao de Leon, drummer Sanders Bayas, and guitarist Mikee Mendoza.
What genre is Fitterkarma? They're generally classified as alternative rock, with strong indie rock and art rock influences.
What does "Fitterkarma" mean? It's a combination of two Radiohead song titles — "Fitter Happier" and "Karma Police" — both from the 1997 album OK Computer.
What is Fitterkarma's biggest song? "Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo II," released in 2025, is their most successful single to date, having topped both the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 and Spotify Philippines charts.
Where is Fitterkarma from? Metro Manila, Philippines. The band formed through De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde's Music Production program.
Is Fitterkarma still together after members left? Yes. Following the late-2025 departures of Calvin Borja and Addy Pantig, the band has continued as a four-piece with Joao de Leon, Sophia Miranda, Sanders Bayas, and Mikee Mendoza, releasing new music including "Aswang sa Maynila" in 2026.
Thoughts to Ponder: If You Haven’t Yet, Follow Fitterkarma Now!
If this deep dive has turned you into a fan (it happens fast), you can keep up with the band's gigs, releases, and behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram and stream their catalog on Spotify and Apple Music.
Whatever pulled you here — a viral sound clip, a friend's recommendation, or just pure curiosity about the band behind "Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo II" — you're now caught up on everything from their scrappy 2019 solo beginnings to their current status as one of OPM's most talked-about rising acts.
Their story is still being written, one dark, aching love song at a time.
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