Rico Blanco releases stirring synth-pop track “Palibot libot”; Listen with lyrics here

The subdued but sophisticated composition comes from a place of earnestness rather than merely trend-hopping

Rico Blanco reflects on the uncertainty that thrives between friendship and relationship in his new single “Palibot libot,” out today via Sony Music Entertainment.

According to the award-winning Filipino artist, the track was inspired by one of the characters in a series that he filmed in La Union recently. 

With its storytelling “anchored precariously on someone’s steadfast devotion,” albeit a one-sided one, the song minces no words about the reality of love: It’s not always synchronized. It comes with complications, but that’s the beauty of it.

Originally intended to be recorded with a simple acoustic guitar arrangement, “Palibot libot” explores a more synth-pop direction that unfolds with a soaring chorus and minimal ambient touches.

While the certified hitmaker has written and produced songs that have prominent synth elements to it, dating back from his work as a keyboardist of Rivermaya in the ‘90s to his experimental phase with electronic music on critically acclaimed solo album Galactik Fiestamatik, Blanco’s new track feels like a monumental execution that comes from a place of earnestness rather than merely trend-hopping. 

The result, as expected, is defiantly but distinctly Rico Blanco: a sophisticated pop composition that paints an impressionistic portrait of quietude and confidence.

The release of “Palibot libot” comes after the prolific musician staged a successful solo concert at the Araneta Coliseum last September 11, 2022. Met with glowing praises from the attendees, the Big Dome show finds the alt-rock visionary performing some of the most iconic songs from his decades-old discography. Blanco also debuted “Palibot libot” live during the concert, and announced its surprise drop at Monday midnight, September 12, 2022.

Rico Blanco’s “Palibot libot” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Listen to Palibot libot by Rico Blanco

Palibot libot by Rico Blanco lyrics

At sabi mo ay okay lang naman ang ganito
Hindi tayo masasaktan
Pinapangako mo
Pinapangako mo

[Chorus]
Nakikita mo ba ako?
Palibot libot lang sa’yo

At sabi ko ayos naman ang lagay ng aking puso
Hindi ito tinatablan
Wala lang sa’kin ‘to
Wala lang sa’kin ‘to

Nakikita mo ba ako?
Palibot libot lang sa’yo

Na parang buwan sa daigdig
Walang pagod na pag-ibig
Palibot libot, libot lang ako
Sa’yo

Nakikita mo ba ako?
Palibot libot lang sa’yo

Na parang buwan sa daigdig
Walang pagod na pag-ibig
Palibot libot, libot lang ako
Palibot libot, libot lang ako
Sa’yo
Sa’yo, oooh
Sa’yo

Rico Blanco- Palibot libot on Spotify