With PIRASO, this star-studded collaboration foregrounds how faith can become a source of strength during difficult times.
You ever get that feeling when you seem so lost amid the sea of uncertainties and burdening frustrations you don’t know what to do or who to turn to? This is what the new collaboration between one of OPM’s Y2K queens, Barbie Almalbis, Rivermaya lead singer and drummer Mark Escueta, Dicta License vocalist Pochoym Labog, and up-and-coming R&B artist Jarlo Bâse tackle in their latest soulful and spiritual offering, PIRASO.
JOURNEY THROUGH FAITH AND HEALING
“Ikaw lang ang makakabuo / sa mga nawalang mga piraso ko / Ikaw lang ang makakabuo / ang natatanging lunas sa pagkabalisa.”
Released under Sony Music Entertainment’s Christian music label Waterwalk Records, PIRASO is inspired by the ensemble’s personal experiences of the fear of uncertainties recently and chronicles a spiritual journey towards healing and coping from the frustrations caused by the pandemic. The tender song also sheds light on how faith can become one’s source of comfort and strength, even an escape from trying times.
“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,” shares Barbie, the alt-rock icon behind hits like Torpe, Just A Smile, and Tabing Ilog. She also notes that the man responsible for this powerhouse team-up is the veteran music producer Jungee Marcelo, who’s behind Awit Award-winning music like Francis Magalona’s Ngayon Ang Taon, Zia Quizon’s Ako Na Lang, and Kyla’s Salbabida.
“We started writing the song virtually, just exchanging ideas via a chat group, then eventually met up in person to tie everything together,” Barbie says about this star-studded collaboration that they were able to push through last year despite busy schedules.
About how PIRASO came to be, Barbie reveals, “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.”
“It’s an honor and a blessing to be part of this project,” says Rivermaya frontman Mark Escueta about Piraso, which marks his first project with Waterwalk Records. I know that Waterwalk Records will continue to touch so many lives in the years to come.”
“We flowed so well and nothing was forced,” notes Dicta License’s Pochoy Labog who, in spite of admitting that this is way out of his comfort zone, still describes the experience of making PIRASO an absolute joy. 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.”
While young singer-songwriter Jarlo Bâse expresses his gratitude for being part of this great endeavor that has produced a moving, profound, and ever-relevant piece of music that aims to inspire people from all walks of life. “I’ve always looked up to Sir Jungee and everyone at Waterwalk/Sony Music for their love and excellence in making music,” says Jarlo. “I hope people will enjoy and be blessed with the song we all made together.”
“PIRASO” is now streaming all digital music platforms via Waterwalk Records.
