Argel MDR (Argel Monte de Ramos) is a Filipino-Canadian singer-songwriter and musical theatre performer based in Surrey, British Columbia. Since immigrating to Canada at 15, he has emerged as a dynamic voice in the Canadian arts scene, blending electro-pop with theatrical storytelling to explore themes of identity, self-advocacy, and immigrant resilience.

 

His debut EP, Reign, introduced his soulful sound and earned him a Top 10 finalist spot in CBC’s Toyota Searchlight 2021. That same year, he received the Excellence Award by a BIPOC Artist at the Fraser Valley Music Awards and a nomination for Pop Artist of the Year. In 2022, he won the Music Category at the Surrey Board of Trade’s Surrey Art and Business Awards. 
 

Argel's single “Sail Away” was featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Philippines playlist, and his 2025 EP Love Me Not continues his exploration of emotional depth and cultural pride. In addition to his music career, Argel is active in musical theatre, having performed in Arts Club’s ELF: The Musical at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage in Vancouver, where he earned an Ovation Award for Outstanding Performance. 
 

In 2025, Argel received a Leo Award nomination for Best Musical Score for his work on the short film DTF?. Drawing inspiration from artists like Sam Smith, Adele, and Original Pinoy Music (OPM), Argel uses his platform to advocate for representation, anti-racism, and inclusion. His work resonates with audiences across cultures, making him a rising figure in both Canadian and Filipino communities.