Kyla began her career in 2000 under OctoArts EMI Philippines and rose to prominence with the release of her second single "Hanggang Ngayon". The song won the MTV Viewers' Choice for Southeast Asia at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards making her the first East Asian female artist to win at the MTV Video Music Awards.
Known in the Philippines as "the Queen of R&B", her work has earned her several achievements, including a star on the Walk of Fame in the Philippines, an MTV Video Music Award, twelve Awit Awards, four MTV Philippines Music Award, and six MYX Music Awards. She was honored by the Philippines Society of Composers, Singers, and Publishers for her contributions to music as one of the first pioneers of R&B music in the country.
She has collaborated with many international artists such as American R&B singers Brian McKnight and Keith Martin, British boy band Blue, Irish musician Ronan Keating, Norwegian band Fra Lippo Lippi, Indonesian R&B singer Joeniar Arief, and Malaysian artists Too Phat, Noryn Aziz, Ferhad, and Hazami.
The RX 93.1 Awards also recognized her as the "OPM Female Artist of the Decade".
