Iconic Filipino rock band The Dawn
has thrown their hat into the ring for the next big holiday classic.
The Enveloped Ideas act makes a
little space for love with “Maki-Pasko,” their debut Christmas
single under Sony Music Entertainment. Known for their timeless rock
anthems, the band takes a fresh and introspective approach to the season with a
track that blends holiday warmth with personal reflection.
According to Jett Pangan, lead
vocalist of The Dawn, “Maki-Pasko” was inspired by the feeling of longing that
often accompanies the holidays, particularly for those who find themselves
separated from loved ones. “I’ve experienced holidays away from my family, so I
drew from that personal experience when writing the lyrics,” Pangan explains.
“The song speaks to those moments of solitude and the desire to be with someone
during the festive season.”
“Maki-Pasko”
marks the band’s foray into writing a Yuletide-themed song—a concept they
discussed for years but only decided to pursue after their initial meeting with
Sony Music Entertainment. The collaboration with their new record label pushed
the band to explore the challenges and creative nuances of producing a holiday
tune, and refine the process along the way.
Francis Reyes, guitarist of The Dawn,
reflects on co-writing the song, especially on its initial stages: “I was
messing around on guitar at home, in a reflective mood. It started with that
feeling, and a couple of chords and a riff that, in my mind, reflected a bit of
sadness but also sounded hopeful. Personally, I think of it like any other song
we’ve written that can be played in any other season. We were probably hesitant
to write a Christmas song for so long because we were overthinking what it
should sound like.”
Produced by guitarist Rommel “Sancho”
Sanchez and bassist Bim Yance, “Maki-Pasko” conveys the essence of
the holiday season without falling into the typical tropes of festive music.
The song incorporates subtle touches of sleigh bells and tambourines, gently
invoking the seasonal vibe, but its deeper emotional resonance comes from its
universal themes of longing, hope, and togetherness.
“We
didn’t want it to be just another ‘holiday song’—we wanted it to be a good song
that happens to be about Christmas,” adds drummer Junboy Leonor.
“Ultimately, it’s about the feelings that the season brings, without being tied
to a particular moment or celebration.”
The Dawn’s “Maki-Pasko” is out now on all digital
music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
