MANILA, Philippines—Young, musical genius, Unique Salonga goes at it again with the highly-anticipated release of the newest track, “Reality Checklist,” under O/C Records. The song mirrors the narrative of multimedia artist Jaime Pacena II’s art piece of the same title that ultimately captures a complicated romantic story, as seen in Pacena’s “Ordinary Days” solo exhibition, dating all the way back in 2018.
“Sobrang na-hook ako sa isa niyang painting. May single bed sa gitna at may nakalagay na ‘YOU,’ ‘ME’ at ‘HIM’ sa ilalim nito. Pinangalanan niya ‘tong ‘Reality Checklist.’ Gustong gusto ko ‘yung idea na na-execute niya sa simpleng paraan ang isang komplikadong sitwasyon ng pagkabigo,” explained the young singer-songwriter.
Art by Jaime Pacena II
Captivated by the hallmarks of Pacena’s artwork, Salonga has then rendered his emotions into a song that chronicles the intense sadness he felt upon reflecting on the story of Pacena’s “Reality Checklist”. While he never planned to release this track to the public, denoting a personal narrative, he later decided to finally share such masterpiece as he envisions this track as a tool to accept the past and move towards a new journey in life.
He shares, “Nag-spark lahat noong bago ako umuwi galing sa solo exhibition niya. Nakapag-usap pa kami at nalaman ko na based pala ‘yung buong exhibition sa isang personal story niya noong 2017. Mas nag-increase ‘yung sakit na naramdaman ko sa piyesang ‘yon at simula no’n, hindi ko na siya makalimutan.”
Salonga has proven his inimitable talent through the years, unpacking songs anchored on distinct and powerful artistic expression—both in lyricism and sonic experimentation.
His previously released tracks include “Sino“, “Midnight Sky”, and “Huwag Ka Sanang Magagalit“, to name a few. In 2018, he released his debut album, Grandma, followed by the “PANGALAN:” album in 2020.
Image courtesy of O/C Records
On the lyrics and sonic arrangement of “Reality Checklist”, Salonga then shares taking a rather minimalist approach in crafting this track.
He divulges, “Na-discover ko rito na kailangan mong matutuhang ibigay kung ano lang ‘yung hinihingi ng kanta. Habang ginagawa ko ‘yung ‘Reality Checklist’, marami pa ‘kong sinubukang idagdag na instruments kasi akala ko, kulang pa siya. Pero sa bandang huli, tinanggal ko lang din lahat ng ‘yon kasi hindi talaga sila para doon. Hinihingi ng kanta ay ‘yung maluwag na espasyo. Kaya ‘yon ‘yung binigay ko.”
In this track, Salonga’s fashionable and evocative way of expressing his music is exhibited— highlighting his profound emotions and vulnerability when it comes to telling stories about love.
Published under O/C Records, Reality Checklist is now available for streaming on all leading digital music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.