Reuben makes Milestone for 34th year in music scene

Singer Reuben Laurente, who has been away from the local entertainment scene for more than a decade now, did not wait for the COVID-19 pandemic to taper off to record his first digital album, Milestone. As soon as the lockdown eased down in Metro Manila, he did not even delay the recording.

Fortunate enough to be repatriated from the international cruise ship Westerdam (Holland America Line) in the nick of time last February, Reuben started recording for his sixth solo album even as the local entertainment industry is still reeling from the sweeping impact of this pandemic.

“We pushed through with recording the tracks for Milestone because we believe that if we’re able to bring this to completion, it would affect people positively. It’s something that would entertain and inspire at the same time. An album that can possibly uplift the spirits amid this pandemic.”

Still, Reuben considered it a blessing that in between contracts, he was able to record his fourth and fifth albums, respectively. Heart Blends was released under MCA-Universal Philippines in 2009 and More Than Just Renditions came out in 2012 under Musikatha Music Ministries.

Supnt/Barong by Jhun Layo

Reuben’s sixth solo album is aptly titled Milestone as he celebrates his 34th year in the music industry. “That, in itself, is a milestone,” proudly states Manila’s Pop Virtuoso.

“All my former albums were products of blood, sweat, tears and above all, love,” Reuben emphasizes. “Each of my five albums has a special place in my heart. But Milestone is special in a way, because my producer pushed through with the production at a time when people might think recording and releasing an album is irrelevant.

“We strongly believe that through this album, we can inspire, encourage and touch people in however unimaginable or unfathomable way it can also touch them. After all, music is the universal language of the soul.”

There are two Original Pilipino Music (OPM) revivals in Milestone — Gines Tan’s Di Na Muling Mag-iisa, originally recorded by Basil Valdez and Pat Castillo, is Reuben’s duet with Tricia Amper-Jimenez, arranged by Henry and Rush Garcia; and Sandaling Pinakahihintay, a popular inspirational song by Prof. Augusto “Agot” Espino, arranged by Naldy Rodriguez — and a reimagined track, Someone To Watch Over Me, given an a cappella arrangement by former The CompanY colleague, Andre Castillo.

“The song is our homage to our beloved The CompanY,” Reuben informs. “It is also my favorite track, since Milestone celebrates my 34 years in the Philippine music industry. I am paying tribute to one of my major milestones in my musical career, that of being a part of The CompanY.”

The original selections are Simula Ng Wakas by Babsie Molina and Edith Gallardo, arranged by Niño Regalado; Through It All by architect Markel Luna, arranged by Eboy Refuerzo; Never Felt This Way Before composed by Nathanael Arnel De Pano; Unexplainable by Jungee Marcelo and arranged by Gino Cruz; Can’t Believe You’re Mine is a duet with Asia’s Nightingale, Lani Misalucha, penned by Jonathan Manalo and arranged by Paulo Zarate; a song by Soc Villanueva to be arranged by Kahlil Refuerzo; and an inspirational cut, Stronger Together As One, a launching career composition by veterinarian Jasmine Aquino, arranged by Erle “Eboy” Refuerzo.

Admirably, Reuben, aside from crooning the lead vocals, also recorded all the soprano, alto, tenor and bass tones in all cuts. The album is produced by his “good friend” Arnold Santiago, under GRMilestone Records Music Production, a new independent label.

“Arnold co-owns with his family the events place Gazebo Royal,” Reuben informs. The album will be administered by composer Christine Bendebel of House of Tunes to be available in all music streaming platforms.

Milestone employs the artistry of the best in the music industry, according to Reuben. His “good friend” Zebedee Zuñiga of the vocal quartet, The Opera, will perform back-up vocals on Jungee’s song. So does Luis Cortez, son of vocal coach and session vocalist, Elise Cortez. Sound engineers Dante Tañedo recorded Someone To Watch Over Me and Ryan Sarmiento of 6 Cyclemind BackDoor Studios.

“The rest is sound and mix engineered by Enrique ‘EK’ Santamaria of PopJazz band Extrapolate,” Reuben beams. “EK is making waves as a sound engineer, apart from music running through his veins being the eldest nephew of Moy Ortiz (of The CompanY). I first saw EK when he was only four years old. Now, he’s manning the sound console for my sixth album.”

Reuben cannot be thankful enough for every artist, musician and composer who gave his nod to work on Milestone. “I cannot thank them all enough,” he insists. “Milestone is actually like a music festival. It’s a musical celebration encapsulated in one album.”