Widescope Entertainment has prepared quite the gift for fans this holiday season. The label’s new 6 track EP “Pagmamahal Ngayong Pasko” features new and original tracks from acts such as the winner of CCP’s Kanto Kanta competition Letrang Norte, three-piece band 46 Hope St, alternative artist Jam Quijano and the Philippines’ queen of Bossa Nova Sitti. Also, the album includes a reimagining of the classic song “Deck the halls” from girl power group Catharsis. What can indeed be considered as a gift to last the ages is that the album features songs that center around the true spirit of the holiday season; love, prosperity, and spending time with those we hold near and dear.
The album’s title track “Pagmamahal Ngayong Pasko” written by singer-songwriter Jam Quijano features a collaboration of Ebe Dancel, Sitti, 46 Hope St., Letrang Norte, Catharsis, Bongclinks, Tim Allen, and Noel Mendez. While the album also has Neil Gregorio, Ebe Dancel, and Vic De Vera as song producers and executive producers accordingly. This song, in particular, shines a light on the importance of sharing the gift of love this season and the joy that comes with it. The true meaning of the holidays oftentimes gets glossed over in favor of the twinkling lights, delicious food, and presents under the Christmas tree. The truth that remains is that Christmas serves not only as a time for giving but also as a time for love and quiet reflection surrounded by our friends and family.
When discussing the inspiration behind the album, it’s clear that this was a token of appreciation from extraordinary artists to their fans during this difficult period in our country. The Christmas season evokes tender feelings for the year that’s passed, inspires courage for the present, and delivers hope for the future. As the effects of the pandemic continue to unfold in our country, the music industry has also been pushed to adapt. These talented individuals under Widescope Entertainment are committed to making music that inspires the Filipino people. Music that keeps us looking forward to a better tomorrow. Ebe Dancel shares that while the recording process for the whole album was definitely a labor of love, it was undoubtedly a worthwhile endeavor. Recording a complete album with multiple artists remotely is no easy feat, and it can sometimes feel like your most important creative connection is actually with your home Wi-Fi.
However, times of adversity have been known to lead to incredible opportunities for creative growth. Even though these astounding talents couldn’t physically be in the studio for most of the recording process, most of them were actually able to come together for the recording of “Pagmamahal Ngayong Pasko”. The title track, which was recorded at the world-renowned Wild Glass Recording Studios, was mixed and mastered by the iconic recording engineer Dante Tonedo and produced by the industry legend Neil Gregorio. The resilience of these artists, executives, and the Filipino people in general, continues to be awe-inspiring. Reflected in the album’s minimalist cover art, which features illustrations of all of the artists involved, it exemplifies how Christmas truly does bring people together. This holiday season, spend days listening to music that so vividly paints a picture of a quintessential Filipino Christmas and its true significance that even though we may not all physically be together, we undoubtedly are in spirit.
Listening to the songs on the album, you can’t help but feel the urge to express your love and gratitude for the blessings this year has brought despite its challenges. The health and presence of our loved ones remain to be the most valuable gifts we could ever receive and is something to hold onto above all else and cherish dearly. Join us in spreading the true spirit of Christmas as we listen and warmly sing to “Pagmamahal Ngayong Pasko.”
Stream and download it today at: https://orcd.co/pagmamahal-ngayong-pasko
