Despite that his work at cruise ship was disrupted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, you won’t see Reuben Laurente cry.
In an interview with the singer recently, he refused to dwell on negative things. Rather, he remains appreciative of any and every blessing that comes his way.
One of these is his just-released song “Ikaw Ang Aking Kailanman,” which the singer thinks is "perfectly-timed." It is a love song with inspiring message; a glimmer of light cutting through gloom, so to speak.
Reuben said he was touched the first time he read the lyrics of “Ikaw Ang Aking Kailanman.” Indeed, the song says there’s no better time than now to declare your love for someone and tell them you want to be with them forever. The tune is written by Marizen Yaneza also of “Iingatan Ka”-fame by Carol Banawa and “Mahal Naman Kita” by Jamie Rivera.
"Ikaw Ang Aking Kailanman" is released under San Francisco-based label RJA Productions LLC. The official lyric video is up on RJA’s YouTube channel.
Asked to recall how he took the news of the pandemic, Reuben said he first got wind of it aboard the Holland America ship called Westerdam.
"Two weeks stint lang ito na naging halos three weeks dahil sa COVID rumors sa barko namin, so I was able to do my shows pero di kami naka-port sa ports of destination dahil natsimis kami na may coronavirus carrier sa barko," he said.
From time to time these days, Reuben goes live on Facebook to sing mostly inspirational songs. A visual artist with a bachelor's degree in Interior Design at the University of the Philippines, he has also returned to painting, even being able to sell certain pieces.
Reuben is a three-time AWIT Awards nominee for Best Male Recording Artist of the year in 1997, 2001, and 2007. He is a multi-awarded singer/songwriter/theater performer and album producer.
He recorded his very first gospel single at the age of 11, then became a resident gospel recording artist of PAPURI! (Praise), the music arm of the Far Eastern Broadcasting Company. In 1991, he joined the Philippines' premier vocal group, The CompanY. After 14 albums with the group, he embarked on a solo career, expanding his horizon as a performing artist into recording, theater, and concerts.
Dubbed “Manila’s Pop Virtuoso,” the singer had brought honors to the Philippines by representing the country in three international music festivals (Manila in 1995, Taiwan in 2004, and Los Angeles in 2007).
As a performer on the high seas for Royal Caribbean International, Azamara Cruises, and later on as a headliner performer for other cruise lines under Don Casino Productions, Reuben has traveled to six continents, exploring and experiencing the beauty and culture of more than 70 countries and sovereign states.