Gathering a set of certified talents for a compilation of Christmas songs not only further pushes the Yuletide season's gift-giving narrative but also emphasizes the familial bond among them. In the case of artists signed by rising record label Widescope Entertainment, the effort to tighten their cohesiveness as label mates reaches new heights each year. That initiative has just produced its third volume in a much bigger way. 

Pagmamahal Ngayong Pasko Vol. 3 dropped on digital stores Nov. 17, continuing the tradition set forth by its first two editions and offering four new songs led by Noel Cabangon's "Mapayapang Pasko" which opens the album. The popular singer-songwriter delivers his Christmas message strumming an acoustic guitar and uplifting spirits with his formidable vocals.  

The other three new tracks are as follows: "It’s Christmas Time" (Helena), "Paskong Black and White" (Meds), and "Blue Christmas Night" (Jam Quijano). Helena's pop sensibilities, Meds' alternative rock inclination, and Jam Quijano's feel-good balladry more than provide the album with satisfying diversity. 

Quijano's skill at writing a Christmas love song had previously been proven right on the first edition with "Pag-ibig Ngayong Pasko," a track that also graces this Volume 3 showcase.  

The presence of OPM A-listers Side A ("Jingle Bells"), Joey Generoso ("Silent Night"), and Sitti ("Malapit Na Ang Pasko") significantly solidifies the compilation, as they are bolstered by current sensations Yhuan ("Pabalik Sayo"), Soultary ("This Time"), Letrang Norte ("Ngayong Pasko"), 46 Hope St. ("Reason For The Season"), and Catharsis ("Deck The Halls").  

Just like in the past two years, the album fittingly ends with the ensemble title track that also puts on display the amiable skills of Tim Allen, Bongclinks, Noel Mendez, and pop rock icon Ebe Dancel. 

"Maligayang Pasko ang pagbati ko sa inyo / Masaganang Pasko ang dalangin ko sa inyo/ Mapayapang Pasko ang maghari nawa sa buong mundo," expresses Cabangon in a way that made him among the most beloved singers in the land.

 As always, the combo of executive producer Vic de Vera and supervising producer Neil Gregorio, with Dancel as A&R, proved indispensable in putting together a project of this magnitude. Topnotch mix and master engineers Angee Rozul and Dante Tanedo had worked on multiple tracks included in the album.

 "Let's fill our hearts with Christmas tunes," sings Helena, which echoes the underlying message of Widescope in establishing such a meaningful exercise of gathering its roster of artists during the year's most awaited season.

 Pagmamahal Ngayong Pasko began as an EP of six songs released in November 2021, featuring songs from Sitti, Letrang Norte, 46 Hope St., Jam Quijano, and Catharsis. The following year, the Various Artists package stretched to 10 songs, with the addition of Side A, Yhuan, Soultary, and Joey Generoso in the fold. That it had grown to 14 for this Volume 3 reflects the growing family and strengthened camaraderie in the Widescope camp.

Pagmamahal Ngayong Pasko Volume 3 pre-save link: https://orcd.co/pagmamahal_ngayong_pasko_vol_iii