8RO8 Counting On You

8RO8’s “Counting On You” Brings Hawaiian Soul to R&B & Reggae Fusion

8RO8, a rising music artist from Mākaha, Oʻahu, delivers another island anthem with his soulful single “Counting On You”. This smooth reggae-R&B blend features fellow Hawaiian artists Franskiiz and Lelz, and showcases the power of love, loyalty, and emotional connection through rich harmonies and heartfelt lyrics.

🎧 Listen to “Counting On You” by 8RO8

• Listen on Spotify
• Stream on Apple Music
• SoundCloud
• Watch on YouTube

🎤 About the Artist

8RO8 (pronounced “eight-row-eight”) is an emerging Hawaiian artist blending reggae, R&B, hip-hop, and pop with deep cultural roots. His name pays homage to the 808 area code of Hawai‘i. With each release, 8RO8 aims to bring island sounds to the global stage — and “Counting On You” is a beautiful example of that mission.

🌺 Why the Song Stands Out

• Genre Fusion: Combines smooth R&B and reggae rhythms with melodic storytelling.
• Hawaiian Collaboration: Featuring Franskiiz and Lelz, showcasing local island talent.
• Cultural Connection: Deep ties to Pacific Islander values of trust, love, and ohana (family).

📣 Connect with 8RO8

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Official Website

📰 Media & Reviews

As covered by Earmilk, this single is a defining moment in 8RO8’s journey, earning recognition from fans and media beyond the islands.

🏝 Final Thoughts

Whether you're on the beach, in the car, or just vibing out, “Counting On You” is the perfect soundtrack for love and good energy. With its smooth delivery and island heart, this track proves why 8RO8 is one of the most exciting new voices in Hawaiian music.

Keywords: 8RO8 Counting On You, Hawaiian reggae artist, Hawaiian R&B, new music from Hawai‘i, Pacific Islander musicians, Oʻahu hip-hop

Top 10 Samoan Gospel Songs of 2025

Gospel music in American Samoa is more than worship — it’s identity, tradition, and healing through song. Based on recent streaming trends, SoundCloud buzz, and Apple Music rankings, here are the top Samoan and Pacific gospel songs of 2025 that are blessing the islands and beyond.

1. Tatou Si’itia Keriso - Siaki Pitoausili & Ramsol Pitoausili

A powerful anthem topping Apple Music's Samoan Gospel charts. A declaration of faith with deep harmony and cultural spirit.

Listen on Apple Music

2. Alofa Moni - Siaki Pitoausili & Ramsol Pitoausili

Another strong release from the duo, exploring divine love in the Samoan language. A favorite among youth choirs.

Listen on SoundCloud

3. Ia Mālie Ia Te Oe -

A track gaining traction for its peaceful vibe and worshipful lyrics. A solid presence in Samoan gospel playlists.

4. Fa’ane’ene’e

This single combines soft vocals with traditional Samoan rhythms. A healing song popular among family services.

5. Sulu i Le Papa Gagala - Punialava'a

A classic re-emerging in playlists, symbolizing strength and resilience. Recently featured in Pacific Islands Gospel charts.

6. Noqu Kalou - Toloi Gospel

A Fijian-Samoan crossover song celebrating God's goodness. A staple in blended island worship services.

7. Getting Stronger - Adeaze

An upbeat gospel groove from New Zealand-based Pacific duo. Encouraging faith during hard times.

8. Vivi’i Mea Uma I Le Atua - Everlasting Praise

Translated: "Praise Everything to God." This track is both reverent and uplifting, played at many morning services.

9. Pona I Vao Ae Liaina I Ala - DJ651’s RISEN VOL1 Mixtape

A popular underground worship anthem, blending sermon clips with deep vocals. Viral on SoundCloud.

Listen here

10. Still (Samoan Cover) - Hillsong Chapel - Translated Version

A Samoan rendition of a global classic. Brings international praise into the Pacific heartland.

Watch it on The Coconet

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Are Filipinos Pacific Islanders or Asian

The conversation is starting to build momentum over the past month, but here are 10 strong reasons explaining why Filipinos are generally classified as Asian, not Pacific Islanders—though some nuance exists:

Why Filipinos Are Asian (Primarily)

1. Geographic Location. The Philippines lies in Southeast Asia—not within Melanesia, Micronesia, or Polynesia, which define “Pacific Islander” (reddit.com).
2. Historical & Cultural Ties. Politically and culturally, the Philippines has been deeply interwoven with Southeast Asia (think: ASEAN, trade, regional ceremonies) .
3. Linguistic Roots. Filipino languages are part of the Austronesian family shared across Southeast Asia—not uniquely aligned with Pacific Islander tongues (reddit.com).
4. Genetic Ancestry. DNA shows Filipinos are ~53% Southeast Asia/Oceania + 36% East Asian, reinforcing mainland Asian heritage (en.wikipedia.org).
5. Immigration & Official Definition. Under U.S. law (e.g. 1965 Immigration Act), Filipinos have been explicitly categorized as Asian, not Pacific Islander (shirleyfrivera.com, 8asians.com).
6. U.S. Census Bureau Classification. The Census currently groups Filipinos under the Asian racial category, not “Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander” (en.wikipedia.org).

Why They Aren’t Pacific Islanders

1. Geological Context. Philippine islands lie on Asia’s continental shelf—not the oceanic islands of the Pacific—making them “continental,” not “Pacific,” islands (en.wikipedia.org).
2. Distinct Pacific Islander Identity. “Pacific Islander” refers to indigenous groups from Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia—not Filipinos (onedown.media).
3. Cultural Evolution Differences. Pacific Islander cultures evolved in isolation (like Hawaii or Samoa), unlike the Philippines, which has long ties to mainland Asia (penbrothers.com).
4. Dedicated Filipino Identity. Many Filipinos (and Filipinos in the diaspora) advocate identifying simply as “Filipino”—neither Asian or Pacific Islander boxes fully encapsulate their identity (reddit.com).

But There's Some Overlap…

Shared Austronesian roots connect Filipinos to Pacific Islanders historically—but this springboard split into distinct cultural paths centuries ago (medium.com). Some Filipino-Americans opt to check “Pacific Islander” on forms—as a form of identity resistance or solidarity with underrepresented groups—but this isn’t the standard classification (onedown.media).

Top 3 Trending Posts on This Topic

1. Reddit Discussion: “Filipinos are Asian or Pacific Islander?” A popular thread where users emphasize geography, culture, and identity nuances, concluding most identify as Asian (reddit.com, shirleyfrivera.com).
2. Medium Article: “Why Filipinos Are Southeast Asians — Exclusively…” (2 months ago). Clear argument rooted in historical, cultural, and political ties, rejecting a dual identity (medium.com).
3. Penbrothers Blog: “Are Filipinos Asian? Explore Their Unique Identity” (last week). Highlights shared cultural traits with Southeast Asia alongside distinct Philippine layers (penbrothers.com, thediplomat.com).

Summary

In brief: Filipinos are Southeast Asian—geographically, historically, linguistically, genetically, and legally. The Pacific Islander label doesn’t apply unless in niche contexts (activism, form-checking) and risks erasing unique Southeast Asian identity.