A song decades in the making finally finds its perfect moment
OPM icon Rico Blanco has released his latest single “Paalam”—a poignant, long-awaited ballad that speaks to the soul of every goodbye we’ve ever had to say. Released under Sony Music Entertainment, “Paalam” is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide.
Blanco, whose solo career has seen renewed success with songs like “Your Universe” reentering Spotify Philippines’ Top 10, returns with a stirring composition that blends the emotional depth of kundiman with lush orchestral textures.
“Out of all the songs I’ve released, ‘Paalam’ is the song that took me the longest to finish,” Blanco shares. “Some songs I finish in minutes, days, or weeks, but this one has been a work in progress for many, many years.”
Originally inspired by a bandmate’s departure in the '90s, “Paalam” has grown in emotional complexity, shaped in part by the recent passing of Rico’s brother. For years, he believed someone else should perform it—waiting for the “right voice” to bring it to life. But in the end, it was Blanco’s own voice that gave the song its perfect vessel.
Blanco calls “Paalam” equal parts love song and meditation on loss. Whether it’s a farewell to a person, place, past, or version of oneself, the song transforms parting into something meaningful—“a gift that offers clarity, grounding, and ultimately, healing.”
With a timeless arrangement reminiscent of Filipino kundiman traditions and cinematic orchestration, “Paalam” showcases Rico Blanco’s mastery of both emotion and musicality. It’s a song that aches quietly, resonates deeply, and leaves a mark long after it ends.
“I always knew how I wanted the song to sound,” he says. “I wanted it to have a timeless arrangement, or some would say a bit traditional.”
Listen to “Paalam” now on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms.