Gary V and RJ unveil soulful new take on “Blessings”

Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano and rising balladeer RJ dela Fuente deliver a moving reinterpretation of the contemporary worship classic “Blessings” — first made popular by Laura Story — now reimagined through a strikingly minimalist and emotionally resonant music video set to premiere on June 25, 2025.

Stripped of spectacle but rich in symbolism, the video is directed by Jason Maximo with creative contributions from Myles, both of whom share a spiritual community with the performers. The concept is rooted in purity and presence, an intentional choice to keep the focus on the message rather than the medium.

“A play of lights, a plain set, simple attire… It all kept the message crystal clear,” shares Gary Valenciano, the Philippines’ most prolific Christian artist. “We didn’t want the visuals to compete with the lyrics — we wanted them to serve the story.”

And what a story it is. “Blessings” explores how grace often reveals itself in disguise — through pain, loss, disappointment, and unanswered prayers. These themes echo not only in the lyrics but in every frame of the music video, where darkness gives way to light, slowly, subtly, but with purpose.

“We started in a black limbo — a void — and let the light emerge as the music grew,” explains director Jason Maximo. “RJ is cast in cool, muted tones, representing a season of quiet searching. Gary appears in golden warmth, a reflection of fire-tested faith. And eventually, both stand surrounded by pure white. That’s not just brightness — it’s presence. It’s Jesus.”

This powerful visual metaphor — the surrender of darkness to light — is further heightened by chiaroscuro-style cinematography. Shadows speak of struggle. Light, of salvation. And in every transition, the truth: God never stops working.

For RJ dela Fuente, the song represents more than a musical milestone; it’s a spiritual awakening. “This video is special not just because of the message, but because I got to create it with Tito Gary,” RJ shares. “He’s been a hero of mine for years. To collaborate with him on something this meaningful — it’s humbling.”

Though known for his earlier stints on American Idol and The Voice Philippines, RJ now embraces his artistry through a lens of deep faith and personal growth. “Blessings” signals this evolution, a moment of clarity as he finds his voice not just as a singer, but as a servant-artist.

Valenciano, ever the mentor, echoes the sentiment. “It’s one of those songs I wish I had written,” he says. “Because blessings — real ones — often come in unexpected forms. Struggles, setbacks, silence. These aren’t signs of abandonment. They’re signs that something deeper is happening.”

The timing of the release is no coincidence. “Blessings” also serves as a prelude to Gary and RJ’s return to the stage in Joseph the Dreamer, a landmark theater production running from July 11 to 20 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Makati. The biblical story, marked by betrayal, suffering, and ultimately redemption, beautifully parallels the themes of their new single — the quiet certainty that God’s plan unfolds, even in the shadows.