Gary Valenciano and RJ Dela Fuente team up for an uplifting rendition of “Blessings”

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Acclaimed pop-balladeer RJ Dela Fuente have joined forces with Mr. Pure Energy himself, Gary Valenciano for a moving and heartfelt rendition of Laura Story’s “Blessings”—released just in time for the Holy Week.

Their powerful duet offers a fresh take on the iconic Christian ballad, serving as a timely reminder of hope, healing, and unwavering faith in God amid life’s trials.

Known for bridging the worlds of pop and gospel music, both artists bring a depth of emotion and sincerity to the song that resonates deeply with listeners. “But more than our styles complementing each other, it’s our united stand, belief, and faith in Jesus that I believe has made it a perfect fit. Probably one of my favorite duet recordings in my lifetime,” shares Gary Valenciano.

The track was produced and arranged by Mon Faustino, Gary’s musical director for more than 35 years, in collaboration with recording consultant Mike Jamir. Considered by both as one of their favorite Christian songs, “Blessings” stands as a personal anthem for each of them: a source of comfort during Gary’s own medical battles and a guiding light for RJ during his journey through grief, healing, and spirituality.

Gary reflects, “Not every blessing comes in an ideal, joyful, happy, celebratory manner. Blessings can come hidden behind trials that come in various forms, and our prayer is that our listeners will know that not all disappointments are failures but surely sometimes delays that God allows to hone our character into becoming more like His before we are given that which we have asked of Him. Big blessings may require heightened responsibilities on our part and God can use the trials to deepen our personal walks with Jesus and strengthen us for more battles and blessings we will surely face in the future.”

RJ Dela Fuente shares how the song’s message of unexpected grace resonates with his own story. “The original artist, Laura Story, talked about how her husband was faced with a brain tumor and health conditions, which was the story behind this song. She talked about how she had to find comfort and had to depend on God during that tough time. I myself also had to find peace and comfort in Him when my family and I were grieving the loss of my stepmom due to cancer. Tito Gary also had to face cancer and a heart problem and is a type 1 diabetic.”

Through the song’s message, RJ believes that God has a bigger plan for us and we can still find comfort and peace in Him. “He won’t ever leave us and will be alongside us if we allow him to be. We can still find His “blessings” through tough times.”

The two artists first performed the duet as a surprise during CBN Asia’s Beyond Measure concert, held at the Araneta Coliseum last year.

The collaboration also serves as an important milestone for both Gary Valenciano and RJ Dela Fuente, who are involved in separate projects under Sony Music Entertainment and WATERWALK RECORDS, a music label focused on bringing fresh Christian music to a new, streaming generation.

RJ, on the other hand, will be releasing an EP with the help and support of Sony Music Entertainment, WATERWALK RECORDS, and Manila Genesis.

RJ Dela Fuente and Gary Valenciano’s “Blessings” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment and WATERWALK RECORDS.

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Pinoy rock queens Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Aia de Leon, Acel, Lougee Basabas-Alejandro, and Hannah Romawac release “Talinghaga,” their first single as a group

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After staging a sold-out concert last year at the Solaire Theatre, Pinoy rock queens Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Aia de Leon, Acel, Lougee Basabas-Alejandro, and Hannah Romawac continue their collaborative streak with the release of “Talinghaga,” their first single together as a group.

The star-studded collaboration reflects on their respective experiences finding God and walking with Him in faith

Released under WATERWALK RECORDS, a music label focused on bringing fresh Christian music to a new, streaming generation, the praise anthem narrates their individual experiences walking in faith with God and finding him even in the most tumultuous of times.

According to Aia de Leon, “Talinghaga” is an attempt to describe the manifold glory of our Holy Creator. “While we wonder at His splendor, we find there is none like Him. While we revel at His glory, we find that we are blessed with His goodness and how His generosity is unmatched. The world we live in is but a temporary metaphor of the plans He has for us in His dwelling. Our final destination, without the tears and suffering.”

Buoyed by ethereal melodies, rousing arrangements, and lush vocal harmonies, “Talinghaga” highlights the group’s individual and collective strengths as singer-songwriters. The acclaimed and award-winning artists behind the song proved that they’re a sum of some very strong parts with a team-up that is a first-rate of its kind.

The track is produced by Jarlo Bâse, a fellow musician and singer-songwriter who has worked with Barbie recently on “PIRASO.” Emil Dela Rosa is also credited as the song’s mixing and mastering engineer, while also providing additional bass.

Barbie Almalbis revealed that after their Tanaw concert, the six of them began discussing writing music together in one of their hangs. “Lougee had a ‘song start’ and we pretty much finished the song in an afternoon. We just did some edits and added a few lines through online collaboration, since Kitchie was already in Spain by then.”

Part of the recordings were done at Barbie’s ‘makeshift’ home studio in Marikina, while Aia and Kitchie recorded their parts in their respective abodes due to physical and scheduling constraints. Thanks to the power of technology, the collaboration was made possible, and enabled some of them to record just about anywhere.

Acel expressed gratitude for how the collaboration went. Working with her closest friends in the music industry, the Sulat hitmaker praised her contemporaries for making sure that everyone’s suggestions were heard. “Each one of us shared our ideas, but most of the actual words we chose to use in the song were from Lougee, Aia and Barbie. The idea is centered on who God is in our lives.”

“Talinghaga” is out now on all digital music platforms via WATERWALK RECORDS.

For more updates on the new tracks, artists, and upcoming events, please follow:

WATERWALK RECORDS: Facebook | Instagram

 

ABOUT WATERWALK RECORDS

WATERWALK RECORDS is a music label under Sony Music Entertainment that is focused on bringing fresh Christian music to a new, streaming generation. The label features faith-based entertainment artists from across the length and breadth of the country, who represent the best of Christian music combined with their own unique styles.

 

Barbie Almalbis, Mark Escueta, Pochoy Labog and Jarlo Bâse team up for inspiring powerhouse track “PIRASO"

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The star-studded tune emphasizes the importance of faith during trying times

Alt-rock icon Barbie Almalbis, Rivermaya lead singer/drummer Mark Escueta, Dicta License vocalist Pochoy Labog, and fast-rising singer-songwriter/producer Jarlo Bâse have collaborated on a soulful track that unfolds with tenderness and power in equal measure.

Released under WATERWALK RECORDS, “PIRASO” tackles the journey of healing and spirituality amidst the crippling fear of uncertainty that all four artists have personally experienced in recent years. The song not only articulates the collective frustrations and sacrifices that people have to go through in order to cope with depression caused by the pandemic, but also reveals how faith has become a source of comfort and strength during trying times.

According to Almalbis, producer-extraordinaire Jungee Marcelo was responsible for bringing them together. She immediately said yes after finding out about the other musicians involved in the project and what the music stands for.

“I have always been a fan of Mark and Pochoy, and I was also looking forward to working with Jarlo, because Mr. Jungee really looked up to him as a young producer,” the Silaw hitmaker admits. “We started writing the song virtually, just exchanging ideas via a chat group, then eventually met up in person to tie everything together.”

Despite their busy schedules, the four powerhouse acts managed to squeeze time to record the song before the year ended. Almalbis reveals that the entire team behind “PIRASO” felt a strong sense of achievement with how the final product turned out. “On the day we finished writing the song, we made a makeshift vocal booth in our house, which turned out to be a great sounding room for vocals. Pochoy then went home to do the bass track. A few days later, we hung out at Mark’s studio to finalize the drum parts. I did a bit more guitar work at home, and Jarlo did the rest of the production, recording his vocals and adding piano, samples, and synths in his own place.”

Dicta License’s Pochoy Labog admits that the collaboration was out of his comfort zone, but the experience, according to him, was an absolute joy. “We flowed so well and nothing was forced. Writing the lyrics was like being in a discipleship group or household –we plugged in words while sharing life experiences and our own walks with God. It was one of the most profound moments in my musical journey.”

Surprisingly, the all-star collaboration turned out to be a very moving piece that raises the bar for all the musicians involved in terms of songwriting and artistry. Bâse, in particular, was grateful and honored to be part of this massive endeavor that brought a different kind creative synergy and excitement.

“I’ve always looked up to Sir Jungee and everyone at WATERWALK/Sony Music for their love and excellence in making music,” says the young singer-songwriter. “I hope people would enjoy and be blessed with the song we all made together.”

“PIRASO” is also Mark Escueta’s first project with WATERWALK RECORDS. He is thankful to be part of a music project that aims to inspire people from all walks of life. “It's an honor and a blessing to be part of this project and I know that WATERWALK RECORDS will continue to touch so many lives in the years to come.”

“PIRASO” is out now on all digital music platforms via WATERWALK RECORDS.

For more updates on the new tracks, artists, and upcoming events, please follow:

WATERWALK RECORDS: Facebook | Instagram

 

ABOUT WATERWALK RECORDS

WATERWALK RECORDS is a music label under Sony Music Entertainment that is focused on bringing fresh Christian music to a new, streaming generation. The label features faith-based entertainment artists from across the length and breadth of the country, who represent the best of Christian music combined with their own unique styles.

Sony Music Philippines Launches New Christian label ‘WATERWALK RECORDS’

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Sony Music Philippines today announced the launch of WATERWALK RECORDS, a music label focused on bringing fresh Christian music to a new, streaming generation. The label will feature faith-based entertainment artists from across the length and breadth of the country, who represent the best of Christian music combined with their own unique styles.

Local Christian label launches with 12 new tracks across a variety of genres

“In the Philippines, Christian music emerges from daily life and is a reflection of the country’s rich culture,” said Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Sony Music Philippines. “Pop music inspired by Christian melodies has arguably created some of the most interesting music in recent years. It’s a diverse genre full of talented artists who use faith as a regular way of connecting with people. WATERWALK RECORDS has huge opportunities to grow as we work with talented artists such as Morissette, Gloryfall and Hazel Faith and others to bring their music to fans all across Asia”.

“The Philippines is a musically rich country, well known for showcasing the best of Christian music in Southeast Asia,” said Ariel Fung, EVP, Sony Music Southeast Asia. “With WATERWALK RECORDS, our vision is to create a hub for Christian music in Asia that serves artists and writers who are creating ground-breaking music and impacting the lives of millions. Our stellar line up of artists we’re working with is just the start of helping us achieve that vision, representing the very best of local and regional talent.”

The artist, Morissette, popularly referred to as "Asia's Phoenix", will release the label’s first single, “Waterwalk” on 28 October. “Mapayapa” — a collaboration between Christian worship band Gloryfall and singer/songwriter Hazel Faith- will be released on 30 October.

“I am thrilled to be taking part in Sony Music‘s new Christian label and get to share, and sing, of the word of God and all His great works,“ added Morissette. “ It's only been a couple of years since I've made the decision to really follow Jesus and one thing I can really attest to is that we just need to trust Him in everything. I've been through some very challenging times too especially during this season, but it's His grace that saves me and keeps me going, His love that comforts and protects me, and His promise that I will always keep in my heart. The track "Waterwalk" portrays all of that, and a reminder that what He has done for His people then, He will also do for His people now, we need only to anchor on to Him.”

Rapper/actor Jericho Arceo and Stell of SB19, will also release a joint single. Arceo is well known for creating viral videos on social media and being a member of the cast for the show The World Between Us, while Stell who is a part of SB19, one of the most popular P-pop groups in the Philippines, is embarking on his first solo venture through this collaboration.

In another first, Nathan Huang from the band ‘of Mercury’ (formerly known as Nathan & Mercury) will also have his first solo venture through the label and will collaborate with Darla Baltazar, who was recently featured as one of the 16 Artists to Watch on the international website The Gospel Coalition.

Janine Danielle, a worship leader from Favor Church, will be singing a track penned and produced by one of Spotify’s most followed Filipino artists Moira Dela Torre, and Moira’s frequent collaborator and husband, Jason Hernandez. The lineup also includes singles from beloved worship leaders from various churches in the Philippines: Lee Simon Brown (from Victory Worship), Cola Cabalcar, Kent Charcos, Cherise Katriel, and Sam&Steff.

To showcase the richness of the region, WATERWALK RECORDS will also release a single from Ariel Tsai, a popular Taiwanese singer/songwriter, pianist, and YouTuber signed under Sony Music Taiwan.

The 12 tracks from WATERWALK RECORDS are expected to be released within this year.

For more updates on the new tracks, artists, and upcoming events, please follow:

Waterwalk Records: Facebook | Instagram