Hit-making singer-songwriter Ebe Dancel makes his presence felt in the month of hearts with a new single “Habangbuhay” dropped in digital stores today (Feb. 11). It is also the title track of his four-song EP to be released on the 18th and highly anticipated by fans who are expected to put it on their playlists. That gem of a package compiles his most recent releases.
The inspirational, radio-friendly song is released and published by Widescope Entertainment, the label that became home to the former frontman of legendary band Sugarfree whose subsequent solo career turned out to be among the finest examples of a career after a successful band stint.
“Habangbuhay is a promise of a better life. It’s the realization of one’s dream of finding happiness and holding on to it for the rest of his/her life,” shared Ebe who has kept himself solidly intact throughout the pandemic through continuous creative work and by sharing his laudable skills with new-blood musicians.
"Habangbuhay" showcases the singer’s trademark tenor and refreshing rhythms that embrace his sincere lyricism. Everything in the arrangement matches the depth of his voice. Well, there’s actually more to the piece apart from being Ebe's latest single as it is also, in his own words, “the last song in a wedding- themed EP collection.”
The first three were “Manatili,” “Tanging Kailangan,” and “Huling Unang Sayaw.”
Ebe noted, “Think of it as the song you play after the reception, when the couple leaves and everyone wishes them well.”
One of the most respected names in 21st century OPM deserved a stellar cast of men behind the scenes backing him up. Three on top are executive producer Vic de Vera, supervising producer Neil Gregorio, and, yes, producer Rico Blanco.
“Habangbuhay,” which opens with the line “Umaawit ang langit sa araw na itong walang katulad,” is mixed and mastered by the equally revered Angee Rozul, with ample help from vocal recording engineers Robert Seña and King Puentespina.
A trio of competent musicians helped Ebe, with John Apura on guitars, keyboards, and strings programming, Roger Alcantara on bass, and Nash Ignacio on drums.
Listeners are in for Ebe’s heartfelt words that resonate long after the track’s final strains, especially with this line: Habang patuloy ang pagsulat at pagkulay ng kuwento ng ating pagmamahalang walang katapusan, habangbuhay mabubuhay ang pag-ibig natin."
Amusingly, Ebe is among the few iconic figures in the music biz with a day job, though one that he surely enjoys doing; it should rather be considered as part of his play time. Back in 2020, he was hired by Widescope Entertainment as A&R manager, a position that makes him serve as producer in many of the label’s first-rate output and a talent-searcher of the highest kind. The label realized Ebe had more than enough gas in his tank, and so he was signed as an artist, too, much to the delight of his fans and the music industry.
Ebe Dancel’s storied career that began with Sugarfree’s debut album, which Blanco also produced, put him in a special league of the finest songwriters and singers in the local music scene. Small surprise he is often tapped to share his experience and knowledge with budding acts, something he’s often willing to do. His current work and recording run with his home label offers him more room to explore his ever-growing artistry.
(streaming and download link): https://orcd.co/ebedancel_habangbuhay