"Sana Masaya Ka" - Nicole Laurel Asensio and Jeffrey Hidalgo's Upcoming Holiday Duet Set to Enchant on December 1

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Get ready for a journey through the depths of emotions as Nicole Laurel Asensio, celebrated for her soul-stirring vocals, unveils the highly anticipated Christmas duet, "Sana Masaya Ka," on December 1. Collaborating with the iconic OPM artist Jeffrey Hidalgo and produced by Gabe Dandan under Warner Music, this single not only promises to be a Christmas classic but assures to pierce hearts in the most soulful way that only Nicole and her collaborators could create.

"Maligayang pasko
Maligaya nga ba?
Kahit tayo man ay magkalayo
Iisang bituin parin ang gabay natin."

"Sana Masaya Ka" unravels a bittersweet tale of former lovers navigating their first holiday season apart. Nicole's velvety vocals, combined with Jeffrey Hidalgo's smoky timbre, create an emotional tapestry that tugs at the heartstrings. The classic touch of strings and woodwind sections adds warmth and familiarity, enveloping the listener in the essence of healed hearts and the promise of happier holidays to come.

The creative process behind this enchanting duet was spontaneous and fueled by the festive spirit. Nicole shares, "It was well past midnight when I was in the throes of compiling lyrics and melodies for a different Christmas release. Gabe arrived at the studio coming from another Christmas project. Because the holiday spirit was still ringing in our ears, I wanted to try writing another Christmas song even if it was creeping close to sunrise."

The collaboration between Nicole and Jeffrey was a natural fit. Gabe, the producer, recalls, "After finishing the song, Nicole expressed that she wanted to try making it a Christmas duet because it was something we haven’t done. I immediately thought of Jeffrey Hidalgo as a perfect match for Nicole and the song because of his warm smoky vocal tone."

Jeffrey Hidalgo expressed his delight at being part of the project, stating, "The last time I had a Christmas single was 25 years ago, so I am really looking forward to the release of this track. Nicole and Gabe asking me to do this collab is really an unexpected blessing."

The recording process was a blend of chill and spontaneity, with the artists coming together over food and drinks at Nicole's home studio. Jeffrey shared, "This was one of the best collaboration experiences I’ve had in the studio if not, the best! My favorite aspect of being a musician is the recording process, and recording this single was the most fun I’ve had in the studio."

The song, entirely homegrown and home recorded, involved musicians recording from different locations. The unique process brought out the best in everyone involved, creating a memorable musical piece. The final touches, including mixing and mastering in Dolby Atmos, were handled by Angee Rozul, Waxie Joaquin, and Enrique Santamaria of Waxiefied Sound Production.

"Hindi man tinadhana, sana masaya ka"

Nicole reflects on the essence of the song, saying, "I wrote the lyrics and melody because not everyone’s Christmas is 'Merry.' Relationships fail. People make mistakes and grow apart. However, the markings of truly loving someone is wishing them love and happiness even if you are no longer involved with them."

Jeffrey adds a humorous touch, "I think I have 2 TOTGAs that I would have dedicated this song to, many many years back. I am just so glad I’m not in the position of the characters in the song nowadays. I’m in a much better place. LOL!"

As the release date approaches, the artists are already looking forward to the new year, teasing compilations and EPs in the pipeline. Gabe expresses excitement, saying, "I’m very excited for the different musical styles Nicole and I will be exploring."

In the spirit of the season, Nicole concludes, "I am grateful to still be making music and happy whenever inspiration strikes. More songs are already in the works for next year. I don’t know how many years on earth I’ll have to do this, and that makes me so much more grateful for the instances God allows creativity to flow."

"Hiling ko lang ngayong pasko, Sana masaya kayo!"

SONG CREDITS

  • Lyrics: Nicole Asensio
  • Music: Nicole Asensio, Gabe Dandan
  • Musical Director: Gabe Dandan
  • Drums: Lawrence Nolan
  • Bass: Gabe Dandan
  • Guitar: Gabe Dandan
  • Piano: Brad Coronel
  • Rhodes and Hammond: Gabe Dandan
  • Violin: Carlo Mikhail
  • Cello: Ted Amper
  • Additional Strings: Mike Dizon
  • Woodwinds: Carlo Mikhail
  • Vocals: Nicole Asensio, Jeffrey Hidalgo
  • Backup Vocal Arr.: Gabe Dandan and Nicole Asensio
  • Backup Vocals: Gabe Dandan, Nicole Asensio
  • Recording Engineers: Gabe Dandan, Nicole Asensio, Jess Fermino, Mark Enriquez
  • Mixing Engineers: Angee Rozul, Waxie Joaquin, Ek Santamaria
  • Mastering Engineers: Waxie Joaquin, Ek Santamaria


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