Rico Blanco releases an emotional and haunting farewell song “Paalam”
• OPM icon Rico Blanco has released his latest single, "Paalam," a song he began writing decades ago that now serves as a poignant musical farewell
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• The song's release follows the public confirmation of his split with a popular Pinay actress-singer, which the latter announced in July 2024
• Blanco’s track is a sweeping orchestral ballad infused with kundiman influences, and its lyrics are widely interpreted as his emotional response to the breakup
• "Paalam" adds to Blanco's recent string of successes, as his classic songs have experienced a resurgence in popularity on streaming platforms
Musician and songwriter Rico Blanco has released his latest single, "Paalam," a profound and emotionally charged track that has been immediately interpreted by fans as his poignant commentary on his recent public separation from a popular actress-singer.
Source: Instagram
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The song, which translates to "Goodbye," is an intricate orchestral ballad that carries the weight of multiple farewells from different chapters of Rico's life.
The release of "Paalam" follows the official confirmation of his breakup with the popular singer-actress, which the latter revealed in an emotional press conference in July 2024.
At the time, the popular singer-actress handled the announcement with grace and dignity, citing a personal "quarter-life crisis" and a need for self-discovery as the reasons for their amicable split.
She asked the public to refrain from directing any hate toward Rico, a request that was widely praised for its maturity and respect.
Rico, for his part, remained completely silent on the matter, a choice that made his new song's title and somber tone all the more significant to listeners.
In a press release from Sony Music Entertainment, Rico shared that "Paalam" is a work that took him years to complete.
The song's origins trace back to the 1990s, when it was first inspired by the departure of a bandmate during his time with Rivermaya.
The composition later evolved to incorporate the grief from the loss of his brother and was finally completed with what many fans believe is the emotional weight of his most recent breakup.
This long and complex history adds a deep, multi-layered resonance to the track, positioning it not just as a breakup song, but as an ode to the universal experience of parting and healing.
Musically, "Paalam" is a departure from Rico's recent work, with critics noting its haunting beauty and timeless quality.
The track is built on classic kundiman influences and features lush orchestral arrangements, creating a sound that is both epic and deeply personal.
It is a track that, in Rico 's words, he always knew how he wanted to sound, but waited for the right time—and the right emotional space—to fully realize.
The song’s release coincides with a wave of renewed success for the veteran musician, whose solo catalog, particularly the hit "Your Universe," has seen a resurgence on streaming platforms.
As "Paalam" now joins his body of work, it offers a powerful emotional journey for listeners, whether they are processing a lost love, a past chapter, or a new beginning.
As one fan commented online, the song is a "healing goodbye," a testament to Blanco's ability to transform personal pain into a beautiful and shared experience through his art.
Rico Blanco is a Pinoy singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, endorser, and entrepreneur. He rose to fame as one of the founding members, and served as the main songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist of the Filipino rock band Rivermaya from 1994 until 2007, and has been a solo artist since 2008. Rico’s songs and performances gained success and critical acclaim, earning himself a reputation of being one of the well-received local music icons in the Philippines.
Recently, Rico also took to social media to post about his collaboration with SB19. It is worth noting that the OPM rock icon and the P-pop boy group performed together at the Puregold OPM Con 2025 along with BINI Sheena and G22. SB19 also posted a now-viral video of them dancing “Dungka” with Rico. In his post, the OPM legend expressed his delight over the collab.
Previously, the PPop group SB19 also posted a video featuring OPM icon Rico Blanco. In the video, SB19 and Rico danced to the Filipino boy group’s “Dungka.” The dance video then garnered millions of views across social media platforms. It is worth noting that the rock star and the P-pop band also performed the said hit at the Puregold OPM Con 2025 along with BINI Sheena and G22.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
