Last year, Widescope Entertainment released Pagmamahal Ngayong Pasko, a six-song compilation Christmas EP featuring the label’s artists namely Ebe Dancel, Sitti, Letrang Norte, 46 Hope St., Tim Allen, Jam Quijano, Catharsis, Bongclinks, and Noel Mendez.  

The compilation was so well-received that it inspired the moving forces behind Widescope to release another Yuletide offering this year but this time in the form of a full-length album aptly-titled Pagmamahal Ngayong Pasko Vol. II.

Scheduled for release this November 18, Vol. II is actually an expanded version of the original Pagmamahal Ngayong Pasko with four new tracks in addition to the original’s six tunes. Among the EP’s songs that have since resonated with many music fans in the light of the recent and now winding down pandemic, easily standing out is Sitti’s “Malapit Na Ang Pasko,” a silky-smooth jazzy tune that looks forward to the anticipated season with an optimistic, feel good vibe.

The upbeat mood is further magnified by “Reason For The Season” by the pop-rock trio, 46 Hope St., one of Widescope’s most exciting young artists. “Ngayong Pasko” by Letrang Norte captures listeners imagination with rich vocal harmonies and hook-laden arrangement. There’s also the quartet of Catharsis with their girl-band rendition of popular Christmas carol, “Deck The Halls.”

Singer-songwriter Jam Quijano leaves a lasting impression with not just one but two original Christmas tunes, the affectionately-sung “Pag-Ibig Noong Pasko” which muses on falling in love during this season itsalong with the rest of Widescope’s roster of artists.

Among the new tracks, easily recognizable are the fresh, new takes on timeless standards “Jingle Bells” by Side A and “Silent Night” by former Side A lead singer Joey Generoso. Side A opts to take a mid-tempo, adult contemporary flavor without necessarily losing the song’s cheerful vibe. The piano-driven “Silent Night” showcases the wistful but powerful vocals of Joey G. with a rendition that would not feel out of place with some of the best-known hits he recorded with his former band.

“Pabalik Sa Yo” by Yhuan is an accelerating hip-hop ditty about the longing for a loved one that immediately recalls Gary Valenciano’s “Pasko Na Sinta Ko,” now a staple of any OPM Christmas playlist. Wrapping up the album’s new offerings with a punctuation mark is The Emo Trap collective, Soultary, with the rip-roaring “This Time” characterized by shredded guitars and a propulsive backbeat.

Widescope’s A&R manager and record producer Ebe Dancel is proud of this expanded collection and echoes what he said the previous year “Each song has a different flavor reminding us about the real reason for the season.”

Widescope music and entertainment director Neil Gregorio once again underscored the importance of Pagmamahal Ngayong Pasko Vol. II. “In our own small way, we are sharing our vision of unity through collective works from our diverse artists who are coming together as one for this very special release.”

To steam and download: https://orcd.co/pagmamahal_ngayong_pasko_volume_ii.