We were lucky to catch up with Charito Soriano (person 1) Rowena Conlu (person 2) recently and have shared our conversation below.
Charito Soriano (person 1), thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
As musicians, generosity feels like this endless well we draw from—a mix of creativity, kindness, and the joy of sharing something real. At its heart, it’s about offering something authentic, whether that’s music, compassion, or just a little piece of ourselves, without expecting anything in return. If it doesn’t come from a real place, it risks feeling transactional, and that takes away its power to truly connect or inspire.
For us, generosity shows up in how we share through music -giving something honest that resonates. And that kind of giving comes from love. Love for others, sure, but also love for ourselves.
Of course, it’s not always easy. Sometimes ego can sneak in, wanting recognition or thanks. When we recognize this is happening, we’ll try to remind each other and remember to give because it feels right, because the act itself matters. Even if no one says ‘thank you,’ what you’ve given still holds value. Like music, true generosity just flows when it comes from an honest place.
When giving turns into something transactional—whether in music or life—it loses its magic. It stops being about connection and starts being about control. We’ve do a lot of work with understanding our relationshop with control. And from there we often see that our generosity and creativity come from staying connected to that infinite source within us, trusting that what we give will come back around, often in ways we don’t expect.
For us, being generous means serving the music and the people it touches. It means being a part of something bigger, letting creativity and compassion flow through us, and putting something meaningful into the world.”
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
We’re AstraLogik—a queer Pinay duo based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our story started in a garage in Milpitas, where an impromptu jam session sparked not just some vibey music, but also a friendship that eventually grew into a life partnership.
Since then, we’ve had the honor of sharing the stage with incredible artists like Ruby Ibarra & the Balikbayans and becoming part of Pinay Voltron—an all-Filipina powerhouse band that’s all about uplifting women in music. These experiences have been such a ride, pushing us to challenge norms and amplify voices that don’t always get heard.
When the pandemic hit, it forced us to get creative in new ways. We started DJing, got into virtual performances, and dove deep into soundbaths—centering personal and communal mental wellness and ancestral healing into our Filipinx experience. This whole journey has shaped us, both as artists and as people, and has helped us connect even more to our cultural roots.
Now, we’re gearing up for something big: the release of our debut EP with Pinay Voltron, Everyone’s Busy, coming out in early February 2025. It’s been such an amazing evolution from our days as a cover band to creating original music, and we can’t wait to share this next chapter with everyone!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Consistency and Adaptability: Staying committed to our craft has been huge for us, even when unexpected opportunities or paths pop up that just feel right. That mix of sticking with it and staying open to change has really helped us grow and evolve as artists.
Taking Risks and Learning from Mistakes: We’ve learned to embrace risks and see mistakes as part of the process. Every misstep has taught us something valuable, and those lessons have made us more resilient and confident in what we do.
Community Matters: Being surrounded by people who genuinely care, inspire us, and have our backs has been a game-changer. Connecting with other artists, sharing work, and collaborating have made this whole journey so much richer—and way more fun.
If you’re just starting out, here’s some advice:
Build Your People: Find a supportive crew that lifts you up and sparks inspiration. Having a solid community gives you encouragement, fresh ideas, and opportunities to grow—not just artistically but in finding ways to support yourself spiritually and financially.
Stay Consistent and Reflect: Keep showing up for your craft, even when it’s tough. Regular practice and using your art as a way to reflect will deepen your connection to what you create. And when things feel overwhelming or out of reach, take a moment to celebrate the small wins—they’re proof of how far you’ve come. Most importantly, soak in the good moments while they last—they fly by faster than you think!
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Our parents’ courageous decision to leave the Philippines and build a new life in America has profoundly shaped us. Their sacrifices taught us the value of hard work, resilience, and the importance of family and community. Growing up, we learned to support one another and cherish the collective well-being, reflecting the deep-rooted Filipino cultural emphasis on communal care. Their journey continues to inspire us to create and nurture our own communities with the same love and dedication they showed us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.astralogik.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/astralogik
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/astralogik
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/astralogikmusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/astralogik
Image Credits
@pinksaltphotos
@ninehundredandone
@g.munnee
@sunshinevelascoimages
@caitlinsoriano
@thisthuy___
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
