In the midst of a pandemic, this self-proclaimed alt-pop duo from Manila dared to start making music together—even before meeting each other in person. Steps and Mita (both singers/songwriters in their own right, allegedly) are on their way to making their own mark in the scene with their lush and introspective lyricism coupled with warm-yet-fluid sound. In deciding to be a virtual band, pastimes aims to divert the attention away from the identities behind the music, and into the message it wants to send and the atmosphere it intends to create. As of writing, Steps and Mita have yet to meet in person. Let’s all hope they soon do, in one way or another.