Following
the dreamy single “Comment,” which debuted early this January 2020, Barbie
Almalbis continues to perfect her signature, swoony alt-pop sound with incisive
introspection on her second single.
“Iyong-iyo,”
the latest track off her upcoming fourth studio album, tackles a story of
strength, perseverance, and faith amidst insurmountable odds. The melodic pop
tune is inspired by how the Tabing Ilog
hitmaker’s cook found peace from surrendering everything to God during a very difficult
time to bouncing back with another chance at life.
Almalbis
recounts:
“This song is about Esperanza ‘Bing-Bing’ Maaño, our cook, who’s been in our family for a long time and even married our driver, Dandy. She suddenly fell very ill last year due to a diabetes complication and her medicines were not working. Needless to say, it was such a troubling time for her and everyone who loved her as her future seemed uncertain. She was brought to the hospital and had to undergo amputation surgery, and she shared that it was during this time that her faith in God became more real. While being wheeled into the operating room, she had many fears but suddenly felt peace as she surrendered everything to God. Thankfully, she had a successful surgery and recovered well, and after months of rehabilitation, she learned to walk again with a prosthetic leg.”
Barbie
Almalbis co-wrote “Iyong-iyo” with her partner Martin Honasan, who also shares
songwriting credits on previous singles “Comment” and Tigre.” Bing-Bing’s
determination and humility inspired the husband-and-wife tandem to write and
produce the song.
Recording
of the track was done by sound engineer Magic Montano at Yellow Room Studios,
formerly known as Tracks Studios in San Antonio Village, where most of the
Barbie’s Cradle albums are made. “We had Nikko Rivera on keyboard, Jonard Bolor
on drums, and Rommel dela Cruz on bass,” shares Almalbis about the musicians
who contributed significantly in the recording process. “The main rhythm
section was recorded live, and we did overdubs for vocals and guitars. I also
recorded backing vocals at my home studio.”
Barbie Almalbis’s “Iyong-iyo” is now out on various
streaming and digital platforms worldwide via 12 Stone Records. It’s the second
single off her
as-yet-untitled album
to be released this year. (PR)
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