Renowned singer-songwriter and producer Rico Blanco has once again dazzled audiences with his latest single, "Palibot libot," under Sony Music Entertainment. The accompanying music video, directed by Cris Escolano and co-directed by Blanco himself, delves into the world of science fiction, presenting a story of humanity grappling with hopelessness. Featuring Blanco, model Tuti Pon, and a robotic figure named "The Entity," created by Richard Somes, the video takes viewers on a thrilling journey through a set that looks like a wreckage from an unknown planet.

Production Designer Justine Arcega-Bumanlag is thrilled to have worked with the team, capturing the imaginative vision of the material. Blanco aimed for a classic-looking music video that stands the test of time, avoiding the use of computer-generated imagery. The end result is a visually stunning work of art that perfectly complements the song's poignant message.

"Palibot libot" reflects on the complexities of love and relationships, inspired by one of the characters in a series that Blanco filmed in La Union last year. The song explores the uncertainty that often thrives between friendship and romance, emphasizing the beauty of the complications that come with love. It is an honest portrayal of the reality that love is not always perfect or synchronized, but it is these imperfections that make it all the more beautiful.

Rico Blanco, one of the OPM icons, unifies Filipinos through a spin of the hit Pinoy Big Brother theme song "Pinoy Ako". Renaming it to "Pinoy Tayo" This is after 16 years the song was first heard and eventually became an anthem of empowerment for many Filipinos.

Rico’s special anniversary version of the Orange and Lemons original “Pinoy Ako” will serve as the official theme song of the upcoming "Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Kumunity Season 10."

“It’s such an honor to do the song. Just what it stands for. The original version is so well-loved,” he said. “This is a chance to rediscover it.”

Now with vibrant elements of Filipino ethnic sound, “Pinoy Tayo” is a composition of ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo, Clem Castro, and Rico, who also produced the remake while Jonathan served as the surpervising producer.

Rico detailed his inspiration in making the new version. “Tinanong ko ang sarili ko ‘ano ba 'yung ako’ and I put in all the small elements that my songs had throughout the years,” he shared.

“Excited ako about that happiness na mabibigay ng kanta. It’s a very bright, upbeat song, and I kept that from the original version,” he added.

Aside from being this year’s PBB theme song, “Pinoy Tayo” will also serve as the lead single in the expansive 25-track album that will celebrate the music of Jonathan in the last 20 years.

The multi-awarded songwriter and producer remains in awe of how the song has become a statement on Pinoy pride and how it continues to uplift the spirits of generations of Pinoy audiences.


“I’m grateful to hear people saying that this song has become part of the soundtrack of their lives,” Jonathan shared. “As I embark on my 20th anniversary in the music industry this year, an icon, a legend who I look up to helped me kickstart the celebration by re-imagining this song with his genius.”

Jonathan also spoke about what the song “Pinoy Tayo” means to him. “Ito yung gusto naming ibigay sa audience na mapagaan man lang ang pinagdadaaanan nating lahat at magbigay ng hope at inspirasyon individually and as a nation. And also to remind us na maraming reasons pa rin to celebrate ang ating pagiging Pilipino,” he said.

Meanwhile, “Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10” has opened auditions for aspiring adult housemates age 20 to 40 years old until September 30. Just download the Kumu app and create an account. Upload a one-minute Kumu clip, introduce yourself, and explain why you deserve to become a housemate. Don’t forget the hashtag #PBBKUMUADULTS.

Be empowered with the reimagined track “Pinoy Tayo,” out on music streaming platforms worldwide. For more details, like Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph) and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).

Interesting news from one of the well-known artists in the music industry, Rico Blanco, who is by the way has finally dropped the official music video for his new solo single in four years.

With various footage taken here and abroad, the visuals for “This Too Shall Pass” take a closer look at how the pandemic has brought the entire world to a standstill.

Given the unprecedented uncertainty and challenges that COVID-19 poses, the video doubles as a tribute to the unsung heroes and frontliners leading the fight against an invisible enemy, showing us the true meaning of bayanihan in times of crisis.

Intercut with scenes of the “new normal” from around the globe, it also depicts the alt-rock icon performing the song at the confines of his home: devoid of flashy production designs and envelope-pushing concepts, but framed with an underlying message of resilience and hope.

Positive Reception
Two weeks earlier, “This Too Shall Pass” was released on all digital and streaming platforms worldwide under Sony Music.


The massive anthem has received critical acclaim from various publications in the country. MYX Philippines praised his work for giving listeners “a sense of reassurance, something we all need given the current situation.” Bandwagon Asia called the song an “ode to the light of the human spirit in dark times,” while GMA News described it as “a perfect source of inspiration.”

An Initiative for COVID-19 Response and Relief
To help fund the collective COVID-19 response in the Philippines, Rico Blanco is waiving his artist royalties for the music video of “This Too Shall Pass,” and Sony Music Philippines will be donating 100% of the global proceeds to www.puhon.ph for the first 6 months of release.

Puhon means “hopefully” in Visayan. The site contains inspiring stories and messages of encouragement to people at the frontline of fighting the pandemic.

Using the tagline #MakeHopeViral, to date, the site has raised P4.6M for personal protective equipment (PPEs) & nutrition support for frontline healthcare workers, COVID-19 testing kits, and relief goods for daily wage workers. Other SME Philippines artists with messages of support & encouragement on the site are SB19, Zelijah, Dionela, Nathan & Mercury, Alex Bruce, Ace Banzuelo & syd hartha.

The music video of Rico Blanco’s “This Too Shall Pass” is now out on YouTube.