On Wednesday, May 6, iconic Pinoy musician Rico Blanco joined Rico Robles and Karla Aguas on Facebook live to talk about his latest single, “This Too Shall Pass.”

Rico Blanco compared this new single to previous music he’s made, explaining that a lot of his old music is based on romanticized truth and little stories, but for this new track, “My latest single has so much reality in it. I never thought I would come up with anything this real.”

His song “This Too Shall Pass” speaks about the situation we’re all currently facing together, inspired by the many stories he saw on mainstream media, social media, and from his own experience. “I’m thinking about the front liners who risk their lives everyday. I’m thinking about the essential workers who make it possible for us to stay home. And then there are people like us who struggle with the small things,” he told Rico and Karla.

The musician also emphasized that no matter what struggle you’re going through, whether it’s big or small, your feelings are valid. “I believe every struggle is legitimate,” he reassured. “Whatever any person is going through, if they’re having a tough time, it’s as tough as they say it is. We can’t belittle anything. That was the context for my song. I was writing it immersed in this situation.” 

Karla completely agreed with Rico, saying, “We should never belittle what somebody else is experiencing. It’s so nice for you to draw inspiration from that for a song as relevant and as timely as this!” 

Rico admitted that of all his songs, this was probably the most difficult to write ­­– but he also has an interesting story for the song that took him the fastest to write! A former girlfriend had an old piano at home that was out of tune, and although it cost a lot of money, Rico had it repaired. He tested out the newly-tuned piano, and a new song came together almost instantly. That’s how “’Wag Na Init Ulo Baby” was born! “Nabuo na yung song even before I finished playing it. My lesson there is sometimes, your instrument can give you inspiration.” There’s some advice for all the musicians out there!   

One of Rico Blanco’s most treasured music critics? His mom! When Robles asked him who the first one to hear new songs is, he told the All Out duo, “My mom, on many occasions, has been the first to hear. I like her opinions eh, she knows how to criticize!” He also goes to loved ones and friends for advice on songs he’s unsure about, but if he’s really confident in a song, it goes straight to the record label without anyone hearing it first!

Before the livestream ended, the OPM icon gave his message to all listeners and Filipinos: This too shall pass. I don’t have the answers, but there’s a reason that line has resonated for generations and different cultures – It’s a truth that we can hold on to. Especially during times where it doesn’t seem so.”

He also invited everyone to listen to This Too Shall Pass, saying “It’s my first solo single in about four years. If you’re having a difficult time, as many of us are with this situation that we’re all dealing with, give it a listen. Wear your earphones and surrender to the music. Hopefully it will make you feel better in any small way. I’d be very, very happy.”

Other things the All Out hosts and Rico Blanco shared on the show: fan questions, his recent Tiktok fame, spending his birthday on lockdown, basketball, and a whole lot more! Don’t miss out and watch the full video here: