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As ONErpm commemorates 15 years of worldwide expansion, it enters the Philippine market

The music powerhouse doubles down on Southeast Asia and the PH with a new local team, technologically-driven services, and a commitment to empowering Filipino artists

From left to right: ONErpm Philippines team composed of Louie Tamon (Project Manager), Presh Ong (A&R Representative), Alyssa “Pebs” Pe Benito (Marketing Manager), and Clark Cunanan (Senior Business Development Manager)

The announcement of ONErpm’s entry into the Philippine market marks the company’s 15th anniversary as a major player in the world music scene. The accomplishment demonstrates the company’s dedication to innovation as it keeps providing artists with long-term possibilities to succeed in a music industry that is becoming more competitive and dynamic.

Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and a unique marketing strategy catered to the particular requirements of every artist and project, the music organization provides extensive services that go well beyond conventional distribution. It still offers creators of all sizes solutions today in the areas of collaborative ventures, distribution, full label services, and catalog arrangements.

“We have been able to scale sustainably by consistently innovating, putting in the work and creating healthy win-win scenarios and opportunities for our clients and partners,” said Isaac Miranda, ONErpm Associate Director for Asia. “Our strategy here is to meet artists where they are and build locally with global standards.”

ONErpm’s track record speaks for itself. Entirely self-funded and independent, it has become one of Youtube’s top 5 global music partners, amassing over 25 billion monthly views. With strong performance across Asia, Africa and other high-growth regions, ONErpm is doubling down on its investment in Southeast Asia, with Philippines as a strategic hub.

Strengthening local presence with a new team

As part of the expansion, ONErpm has announced its dedicated team in the Philippines, tasked with driving client development, business strategy, and A&R in the market. The appointment stays truthful to the company’s long-term commitment to nurturing local talent and building infrastructure that supports sustainable growth, all while maintaining an independent, creator-focused mindset.

  • Clark Cunanan, Senior Business Development Manager

A seasoned professional with experience at The Orchard Philippines and Universal Music Group, Cunanan brings a strong background in artist marketing, music production, and distribution.

He previously served as the Senior Label and Marketing Manager at The Orchard Philippines, Sony Music’s distribution arm, where he worked with both major and emerging labels to grow their artists’ digital reach. A Music Business Management graduate, Clark began his career in A&R at Universal Music Group Philippines before becoming a touring and session musician, performing with Juan Karlos, dwta, syd hartha, and Benj Pangilinan. He also shares his expertise as a college instructor in music production at MINT College.

With a solid foundation in the industry and reputable experience, Clark continues to bridge creativity and strategy to help Filipino artists build their presence and connect with audiences worldwide under ONErpm.

  • Alyssa “Pebs” Pe Benito, Marketing Manager

With over a decade of experience in the music industry, Pebs has led successful campaigns that delivered viral hits and charting records. She has built a dynamic career spanning marketing, live events, artist development & management, and new business ventures. Beginning in the indie scene, she launched passion projects and created initiatives that helped grow emerging talents and laid the foundation for her career. This grassroots journey led her to a major label, where she focused on artist marketing and strategy spearheading campaigns that translated into impactful artist growth.

Drawing from her background in marketing and advertising, coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision, she continues to bridge artistry with innovation by developing campaigns that resonate with audiences, empower artists, and drive success in today’s ever-evolving music landscape.

  • PreshOng, Business Development and A&R Representative

Widely recognized as “DJ Alice” from her decade-long tenure on Wish 107.5’s The Roadshow, Ong brings over 11 years of industry expertise in artist relations. This celebrated tenure as a broadcaster cultivated an extensive professional network, hands-on music industry knowledge, and deep industry credibility. This foundation propelled her to a leadership role at independent record label, Radical Music, where she was instrumental in driving two viral hits between October 2024 and May 2025.

Since joining ONErpm in June 2025 as a Business Development and A&R Representative, Presh has been passionately focused on discovering new talent and empowering artists. Her mission-driven approach to artist advocacy aims to foster a more supportive industry, directly aligning with ONErpm’s vision of becoming a “record label of the future.” Presh’s unique ability to blend her on-air charisma and strong relationships with artists with her strategic business acumen helps in significantly strengthening the company’s position in the Philippine music market.

  • Louie Tamon, Project Manager

Prior to joining ONErpm, Louie gained industry experience at Wish 107.5 and KDR Music House, building a strong background in music distribution and artist relations. Currently, Louie oversees artist onboarding and provides support to artists and labels on backend operations, ensuring a seamless experience on the platform. He also leads in pitching releases to digital streaming platforms (DSPs).

A Record Label of the Future

Miranda believes that with the newly revamped team, ONErpm is ready to meet artists where they are and build locally with global standards.

“The Philippines already has the talent pool, a passionate music scene, and strong export potential, which allows us to add considerable value through flexible deal structures, transparency, incredible local personnel, and our tech stack,” Isaac Miranda added. “Our goal is to provide global reach with local execution. We have A&R, marketing, and partnerships teams staffed locally, but backed by a platform and network that already moves hits across continents.”

ONErpm wants to provide creators at every level of their careers with scalable opportunities, comprehensive support, and growth-driven strategies by reinventing what it means to be a record label. In addition to commemorating its 15-year history, the company’s entry into the Philippines marks a daring move toward influencing Southeast Asia’s musical landscape.

 

 

 

Entertainment

The Filipino R&B King Jay R collaborates with Shanice, a pop musician residing in Los Angeles, on the song “Never Ever”

The new track was helmed and co-written by multi-platinum producer Mark Feist, who’s worked with globally renowned artists like Beyonce, Celine Dion, Outkast, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, and more 

OPM legend Jay R collaborates with pop upstart Shanice from Los Angeles on the song “Never Ever,” which was released on Friday, August 22, 2025 through Hitmakers Entertainment and Symphonic Asia.

The sophisticated R&B hit, which was produced and co-written by Grammy-nominated Mark Feist, Shanice, and Jay R, addresses a type of love that endures even when things don’t fit. “Never Ever” evokes the comforting warmth of returning home to a loved one, promising commitment even during life’s coldest seasons, with sultry and soulful vocals that cut through a backdrop of luscious strings, slow-burning beats, and mesmerizing instrumentation.

Never Ever is about love and wanting it forever,” says Mark Feist, the chart-topping producer behind worldwide hits like Destiny’s Child’s Emotions. “It’s a tale as old as time, and something all people can relate to, whether it manifests in the form of love, loss, or longing.”

[UNIVERSAL LINK]

The track’s creative journey began with Shanice’s scratch melody, which Feist reimagined from a straightforward 4/4 into a sweeping 6/8 to give the song a more cinematic, flowing quality. From there, he restructured the arrangement, placing the hook at the forefront and refining the chord progression to build emotional momentum.

The recording took place between Los Angeles and Manila, with Shanice and Jay R laying their vocals in separate studios. Feist incorporated live instrumentation, tapping Erick Walls (Usher, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson) on electric guitar and Courtney Leonard (Chris Brown, Beyoncé) on bass. Every sonic detail was shaped to enhance the emotional arc of the lyrics, from the delicate intro to the soaring, anthemic chorus.

“Once the lyrics were complete and Jay R added his Tagalog parts, the song kind of produced itself,” recalls Feist. “I heard all of these amazing string parts in my head, wrote them down and built the track around that lush foundation. This is one of the productions that I’m most proud of—not only for the music, but the way it brought together incredible talent from two continents into one seamless piece of art.”

For Jay R and Shanice, the collaboration brought the best of both worlds, literally and figuratively. “Shanice wrote the song and presented it already perfect,” reveals the King of R&B. “I just added a few Tagalog lyrics to better fit our market. She’s incredibly talented, and we share a natural chemistry on stage.”

Shanice shares the same sentiment, praising Jay R for his commitment to the collaborative process. “Working with Jay R is so cool! The creative process was natural and easy. He’s so talented and experienced, and I learned so much from him. Never Ever has been one of the highlights of my journey so far.”

Guji Lorenzana, who oversees the project’s promotional efforts through Symphonic Asia, believes that while Never Ever resonates in today’s music climate, it has a timeless edge that people from different generations would appreciate. He affirms that both artists have a promising future not just in the Philippines, but around the world.

“I think Never Ever feels especially relevant right now because we’re seeing a reemergence of that OG R&B sound, both in the Philippines and the USA,” the record label executive explains.  “It’s a style that instantly takes you back but still feels fresh today. For me, this track hits home the production is top-notch, the vibe is smooth, and the chemistry between Jay R and Shanice is undeniable. I hope listeners feel that same connection, whether it’s love at first listen or something that grows on them with every replay.”

Jay R and Shanice’s “Never Ever” is out on all digital music platforms worldwide this Friday, August 22, 2025 via Hitmakers Entertainment and Symphonic Asia.

About Jay R

Jay R, widely recognized as the “King of R&B” in the Philippines, is celebrated for his extraordinary talent and original artistry. Born in Los Angeles, California, his passion for music began early. He performed with The Howlers alongside his sister Jhing, under the guidance of their uncle Bob, and later refined his craft with the boy band First Impression before launching his solo career.

After relocating to Manila, Jay R released his debut album, Gameface, which achieved double- platinum status, firmly establishing him as an R&B icon. He followed up with acclaimed albums such as Soul In Love, OPM Love Classics, and Elevated, earning multiple platinum and gold certifications. His music remains popular and easily accessible on Spotify.

Beyond his music career, Jay R has been a sought-after brand ambassador for major companies like Colgate, Tropicana, and Bench. Currently, he is meticulously working on his next album, dedicating countless hours in the studio to ensure every detail reflects his artistic vision. With an impressive 6 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Jay R continues to make waves in the music industry. His recent single, Sining, dominated the charts in the Philippines for over 45 days and secured his place in history as the first Filipino artist to enter the global Top 60 chart. It was also the fastest song to 200M streams in the Philippines, with well over 300M streams to date.

Alongside renowned producer and label boss Mark J. Feist (Destiny’s Child, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, etc.), Jay R is currently releasing songs through Hitmakers Entertainment (HME). His most recent track, “Tunay,” from HME is inspired by the soulful R&B era of the early 2000s. His duet with Shanice, a fellow member of the HME roster, “Never Ever,” which will be released on August 22, is an emotional rollercoaster that is likely to enthrall viewers and leave them wanting more.

About Shanice

Shanice is a 23-year-old pop artist living in Los Angeles, CA. Growing up in Bremen, Germany, she has a diverse background, with parents of Turkish, German, and Portuguese descent. Shanice’s music is a reflection of her diverse upbringing, drawing inspiration from a variety of genres, including Pop, R&B, 80s music, rock and jazz, and influence from the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Cullum, Gang of Youths, Hozier, and so much more.

After graduating from Hurtwood House, Shanice went on to study music at Leeds Conservatoire, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Pop Music. While there, she connected with Mark Feist, famed producer (Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, etc.) and Hitmakers Entertainment Label Head, who signed her immediately upon graduation.

Shanice released her debut single, “I Got You” on August 25, 2023. The song is a self- empowerment anthem about knowing your worth and being confident in yourself. “I Got You” has been praised for its catchy melody, powerful lyrics, and Shanice’s stunning vocals. The official music video showcases her unbelievable performance and dance skills that rival the best in the business.

Speaking on her music and writing, Shanice said, “I would describe my music as a relief for emotions. Every feeling, or memory you can’t put into words because it is too overwhelming, that is what I aim for my music to express. I want my songs to give a voice to all those sentiments that are so heartachingly powerful that you cannot describe them. I put my heart into all of my songs, so I hope with some of the things I address lyrically, I can help people and inspire them.”

Since then, Shanice has written and released over 25 masters and 8 official music videos. She continues to release a new song every month, experimenting with lyrics, performance, and bending genres to compete with the best that Pop has ever seen. With her unique sound and undeniable talent, Shanice is sure to be a star on the rise, as the world continues to experience the breadth of who she is.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

Miguel Benjamin of Ben&Ben co-wrote the song “Kuryente,” which features Jolianne and Ziv

The track navigates the heart-melting feeling of infatuation and young love

Acclaimed Korean producer Ziv collaborates with up-and-coming Filipino musician Jolianne on the sticky-sweet pop soul song “Kuryente,” which perfectly encapsulates the early phases of infatuation.

Miguel Benjamin of the award-winning band Ben&Ben co-wrote “Kuryente” as a love letter to his wife, with Jolianne and Ziv contributing equally. The song was inspired by the couple’s personal stories about how they get little shocks of static electricity everytime their hands come into contact. This delicate detail helped to define the song, which Ziv’s elaborate yet lighthearted production and Jolianne’s shimmering rendition later brought to life.

“That inspired me to make and produce this playful song about how infatuation and early romance feels,” shares Ziv. “I really wanted to hit the right balances of expressing who I was through my musical background. Being Korean yet being born here in the Philippines, I wanted to find the right balance of putting both of those influences into the production, which I feel makes it unique.”

For Jolianne, embracing that feeling meant channeling innocence, excitement, and the thrill of being lit up by someone’s presence. To prepare for the vocal take, Jolianne envisioned herself as the lead in a teleserye, where every glance and touch is charged with meaning. She wanted to interpret the material with the right mix of sweetness, playfulness, and kilig—a uniquely Filipino word that captures the fluttering joy of being overwhelmed by romance.

“Vocally, this was one of the more challenging songs I’ve put out because it pushed me to access my voice in a different way,” the “Plain Girl” songstress adds. “From a technical standpoint, I experimented a lot with dynamics and registers. And of course, singing in Tagalog also shaped the way I sounded here, adding another layer of character to the performance.”

Blending funky pop groove with heart-stopping charisma, “Kuryente” pulls off its tricks by pairing Jolianne’s silky, infectious vocals with Ziv’s soulful and Korean R&B-style production.

“I always want to include a blend of ease and tension in my productions,” Ziv says. I therefore aimed for a groove that was infused with a romantic vibe in this composition. Additionally, a lot of the musicians and music I’ve been enjoying lately served as inspiration.

Kuryente by Jolianne and Ziv is currently available on all digital music platforms globally through Sony Music Entertainment.

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

In their impending Philippine debut, the South Korean math rock group DABDA brings lovely chaos to Makati

The critically acclaimed indie outfit joins forces with GABBA and (e)motion engine for a night of dreamy soundscapes

On September 5, 2025, South Korean indie rock powerhouse DABDA will make their eagerly anticipated Philippine debut by playing as the main act at Makati City’s Sari-Sari bar.

The tour will feature DABDA’s distinctive math rock sound live in major East and Southeast Asian locations. The four-piece band is well-known for generating beautiful chaos by fusing pop sensibilities, rich musical textures, and complex rhythms into a distinctive sound that has captivated audiences all over the world.

With unanimous critical acclaim and a rating among the top Asian releases of the year, their debut full-length album, All The Shining Things Are, solidified their status as one of the most exciting artists in the Korean indie scene.

Both the emo/noise-pop collective (e)motion engine and the well-known post-rock artist GABBA will join DABDA for the Manila leg, guaranteeing a night of genre-bending performances.

You can now purchase tickets for Dabda: Live in Manila at https://www.bit.ly/dabdamnl. Swan Zoo and GNN are the event’s sponsors.

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

In promotion of the 2025 AXEAN Festival, One Click Straight has announced a two-leg tour

The acclaimed alternative rock band will be performing in Mow’s and Minsan Studio in August and September 2025

In preparation for their appearance at the AXEAN Festival 2025 in Bali next month, the well-liked two-leg tour by Filipino alt-pop group One Click Straight will return in August and September.

The two-day event, which consists of two small but intense performances, serves as both a fundraiser and a thank you to the supporters who have supported the band over its history.

“We’re excited to represent the Philippines on the global stage,” shares the band in a collective statement. “It has always been our goal to share our music with as many people as we can. Through this initiative, we’ll be able to reach our goals one international gig at a time. We promise not to disappoint.”

AXEAN Festival, known for championing emerging and established artists across Asia, will be the first of the many international shows that One Click Straight will be part of this year. In addition to their Bali stint, the four-piece band is poised to announce performances at two more festivals in the region, which they’re excited to share to their followers in the coming weeks and months.

“We’re grateful to the opportunities that come our way,” they add. “One thing is for sure: we will make the country proud.”

On August 28, Leg 1 will begin at Mow’s, QC, with special appearances by Suyen and Munimuni.

On September 6, Leg 2 will take place at Minsan Studio, with a formidable lineup that includes Toneejay, Gabba, and ena mori.

Take part in the tour, honor One Click Straight’s music, and help elevate Filipino artistry on a global scale.

Ticket Link: https://tinyurl.com/OCSatAXEAN

 

 

 

Entertainment

Greece’s Best International Feature Documentary goes to Eraserheads: Combo On The Run

The acclaimed Filipino film Eraserheads: Combo On The Run won the 12th Ierapetra International Documentary and Film Festival in Crete, Greece, for Best International Feature Documentary.

Maria Diane Ventura, a producer and filmmaker, accepted the prize in person during the festival’s ceremony.

“I always feel honored, humbled, and grateful to represent our country in any capacity,” Ventura reveals. “As a filmmaker, I’m happy if even one person connects with our work, so it’s incredibly thrilling and inspiring to see our film resonate beyond our shores.”

Ventura also expressed pride in the film’s growing demand overseas. “We set out to tell a story close to our hearts, and somehow it found its way across oceans,” she said. “It’s a privilege to carry our country’s voice and music from the Eraserheads, no less.”

The fact that Combo On The Run was selected as the Greek festival’s closing picture in addition to taking home one of the top awards highlights the film’s broad appeal.

Before its release in Europe, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run made waves at the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2025, when it was presented as the first music documentary and the first Filipino film at the world-famous pop culture event.

Following its festival run, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run is in negotiations for a theatrical distribution this year in places all over the world.

 

Entertainment

SB19 starts a global fan contest for the Wakas World Tour’s Singapore leg of Simula

Here’s how you can win an all-expense paid VIP experience to Singapore

Fans worldwide have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the Simula at Wakas World Tour in Singapore’s “Paglayag” global giveaway campaign thanks to SB19 and Sony Music Entertainment Asia.

The P-Pop powerhouse’s largest foreign tour to date includes the August 24, 2025, performance at Arena @ EXPO. A lucky A’TIN and a buddy will receive complimentary full VIP treatment!

The winner will be randomly selected to receive an all-expense-paid trip for two in Singapore, inclusive of the following:

  • Round-trip flights for twofrom any major airport in the world
  • Two-night hotel stay for twoat V Lavender Hotel with breakfast (August 23 – 25, 2025)
  • Two Gold tickets + Hi-bye passesto Simula at WakasWorld Tour in Singapore on August 24 at Arena @ EXPO
  • Official concert merchandisefor both winner and companion
  • 30% off food vouchersat Tono Izakaya
  • Allowance for meals and transfers

All you need to do to participate is complete this form and send it in by August 17 at the latest. Fans who are at least 18 years old can enter this sweepstakes.

SB19’s third world tour is called the Simula at Wakas World Tour. It was introduced in support of Simula at Wakas (2025), their third extended play (EP). With a two-day performance in the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, the tour kicked off on May 31, 2025. Since then, it has made stops in major American cities, Canada, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.

Follow SB19 and Sony Music Entertainment on social media for announcements and updates regarding the giveaway.

Follow SB19 on their socials:

Website: https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/SB19

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4v7afBTnJKRm4SlfHJzyg

X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsb19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

Christian Bautista Takes Home Two Awards at the Second Collision Awards

Christian Bautista’s “Matching Outfits” earns both Silver and Audience Choice in Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Category

Christian Bautista won two prizes in the 2nd Collision Awards, which were revealed on July 22, 2025, adding another international victory to his record. His wife Kat Bautista co-created the viral internet series Matching Outfits, which won Silver in the Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle category and won the Audience Choice Award from fans worldwide.

Audience Choice and Silver Collision Winner in Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle

<embed: Christian Bautista’s Matching Outfits is the Audience Choice Collision Winner in Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle>

<embed: Christian Bautista’s Matching Outfits is the Silver Collision Winner in Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Gallery Link>

The Matching Outfits series became an instant fan favorite for its lighthearted humor and real-life chemistry. What started as a fun series between husband and wife has now gained international recognition– and is holding its own alongside some of the biggest digital campaigns out there.

Christian’s Matchy Outfit Series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

After garnering a Bronze Telly Award earlier this year, the series has now garnered back-to-back worldwide recognition for Christian, who is widely regarded as Asia’s Romantic Balladeer and is now a renowned content creator.

Christian Bautista’s debut song with Sony Music Philippines, Rainbow, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter following his victory at the Collision Awards. Together with Indonesian sensation Raisa, the two give the well-loved OPM hit a contemporary and poignant makeover. Their duet transcends generations and countries, turning Rainbow into a potent hymn of hope and unity. Christian and Raisa are inviting fans to celebrate a new age of music with this release, one that is all about emotion, unity, and shared moments.

STAY UPDATED WITH CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE |  X | SPOTIFY

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ABI MARQUEZ AND CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA, PLEASE CONTACT:

Karen Tumbali | [email protected]

To learn more about NYMA, visit nyma.ph

Entertainment

We Are Imaginary releases a music video for their new track “Stockholm” with a Dracula theme

Shot in Bangkok City, the music video embraces camp, horror, and subtle commentary on romantic detachment and modern alienation

We Are Imaginary, a Filipino indie rock mainstay, has released the official music video for their most recent track, “Stockholm.”

The music video, which was directed by longtime partner Darrell Guinn of Hungry Cat Pictures, retells the classic story of Dracula as a brooding, hopeless romantic who is stranded in a world that has long outgrown him.

The music video, which was shot entirely in Bangkok City, Thailand, features a solitary Dracula figure who is depicted in black and white while the surroundings are a riot of vibrant color. It wonderfully reflects the song’s own lyrical sensibilities by fusing deep reflection with fun and B-movie nostalgia.

“I had this vision of doing a B-movie-inspired Dracula who’s quite emo and still attached to the past,” Ahmad Tanji, the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, shares. “The video was meant to be light in contrast with the dark layers of the song. We’ve worked with Darrell Guinn of Hungry Cat Pictures before, so he came into mind immediately. The concept just worked with his taste as I’ve known him to be a horror movie buff and is quite theatrical in his productions.”

Director Darrel Guinn elaborates on the visual choices, including the decision to keep Dracula in monochrome even in daylight. “Dracula can almost interact with the world, yet there’s this passive obstacle that prevents him from completely connecting,” Darrel explains. “It felt right for the lyrical mood: like he’s there, but not quite seen.”

He adds, “As a fan of We Are imaginary, I already knew the band’s style and mood. I wanted the editing to echo the music’s rhythm. So while there’s this quirky storyline, there’s also a deep visual-musical sync, where shots pull attention to instrumental moments, almost like cues for the listeners not to miss certain sonic layers.”

While the song title hints at emotional captivity and attachment, the music video explores theme through an unconventional lens.

“Good songs invite multiple interpretations,” Ahmad says. “So we thought, what if Dracula, this eternal being, is just waiting around, wishing for someone to call? What if he’s just stuck in his own loop of romantic yearning and faded glory? It’s a fun, absurd premise that actually says a lot.”

Visit this link here to view the music video for “Stockholm” by We Are Imaginary.

Entertainment

Rico Blanco says a heartfelt farewell in his new song “Paalam”

A song spanning many years to complete, finally makes its moment

Rico Blanco returns with “Paalam,” a hauntingly simple yet masterfully composed ballad that encapsulates the enduring imprint of goodbyes in all its bittersweet and hopeful glory, following the renewed success of his solo catalog, especially “Your Universe,” which recently made it into Spotify Philippines’ Top 10.

“Paalam” explores the emotional burden of parting, whether from a person, a chapter, a place, or a former self. It is equal parts love song and meditation on loss. In Blanco’s hands, saying farewell becomes a gift that provides clarity, grounding, and eventually healing in addition to being an act of release and reawakening.

“Out of all the songs I’ve released, Paalam is the song that took me the longest to finish,” the multi-awarded music hyphenate admits. “Some songs I finish in minutes, days, or weeks, but this one has been a work in progress for many, many years.”

Originally inspired by a former bandmate’s departure in the ‘90s, the song evolved over time and took deeper shape following the recent passing of Blanco’s brother. For years, he hesitated to record it for himself and was convinced another voice might better serve its purpose. “All these years, I kept waiting for the right singer to come along,” he reveals.

However, the song’s kundiman arrangements and complex orchestral buildup evoke something strong and primordial, as though Rico is sharing something intimate without fully revealing the plot.

Rico says, “In terms of production, I always knew how I wanted the song to sound.” “I wanted it to have a timeless arrangement, or a slightly traditional one, if you will.”

Paalam by Rico Blanco is currently available on all digital music platforms across the globe through Sony Music Entertainment.

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