Monday, 18 May 2020 — Rico Blanco has finally dropped the official music video for hisnew solo single in four years.
With various footages taken here and abroad, the visuals for “This Too Shall Pass” takea 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 videodoubles as a tribute to the unsung heroes and frontliners leading the fight against aninvisible 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 ofresilience and hope.
Positive Reception
Two weeks earlier, “This Too Shall Pass” was released on all digital and streamingplatforms worldwide under Sony Music.
The massive anthem has received critical acclaim from various publications in thecountry. 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 “aperfect source of inspiration.”
An Initiative for COVID-19 Response and Relief
To help fund the collective COVID-19 response in the Philippines, Rico Blanco iswaiving his artist royalties for the music video of “This Too Shall Pass,” and Sony Music Philippines will be donating 100% of the net global proceeds to www.puhon.ph for thefirst 6 months of release.
Puhon means “hopefully” in Visayan. The site contains inspiring stories and messagesof encouragement to people at the frontline of fighting the pandemic.
Using the tagline #MakeHopeViral, to date, the site has raised P4.6M for personalprotective 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 available on YouTube and all other video platforms worldwide