Beyond the holiday sound: How the 2024 ABS-CBN Christmas ID song got its ‘soul’ and groove
ADVERTISEMENT
Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!
Beyond the holiday sound: How the 2024 ABS-CBN Christmas ID song got its ‘soul’ and groove
"Our Stories Shine This Christmas" composer Jonathan Manalo coaches BINI members Colet, Aiah, Stacey, and Jhoanna during the girl group's recording session for the ABS-CBN 2024 Christmas ID song. Photo by Edsel Misenas, ABS-CBN
"Our Stories Shine This Christmas" composer Jonathan Manalo coaches BINI members Colet, Aiah, Stacey, and Jhoanna during the girl group's recording session for the ABS-CBN 2024 Christmas ID song. Photo by Edsel Misenas, ABS-CBNMANILA— “Our Stories Shine This Christmas”—the 2024 iteration of ABS-CBN’s annual Christmas ID offering—is driven by a song whose lyrics denote the “love, joy, and hope” of the season, yet which also sounds like a full-on rock anthem (with a rap part to boot!) from beyond the holidays.
MANILA— “Our Stories Shine This Christmas”—the 2024 iteration of ABS-CBN’s annual Christmas ID offering—is driven by a song whose lyrics denote the “love, joy, and hope” of the season, yet which also sounds like a full-on rock anthem (with a rap part to boot!) from beyond the holidays.
The jingle has a different rhythm—starting off slow and gaining speed and beats midway—from its more pop-sounding predecessors.
The jingle has a different rhythm—starting off slow and gaining speed and beats midway—from its more pop-sounding predecessors.
Its most emotional points (listen for it during the pivotal lyric “Shine”) also shift to a minor chord—that’s the minor four for you musicians—previously unheard in the ABS-CBN Christmas canon.
Its most emotional points (listen for it during the pivotal lyric “Shine”) also shift to a minor chord—that’s the minor four for you musicians—previously unheard in the ABS-CBN Christmas canon.
And more than chimes or sleigh bells which fade from the background midway into the second verse, keen listeners are instead treated to a playful bass line throughout the over-10-minute song.
And more than chimes or sleigh bells which fade from the background midway into the second verse, keen listeners are instead treated to a playful bass line throughout the over-10-minute song.
ADVERTISEMENT
That sound was partly intended, said ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo, who composed the music, and arranger Tommy Katigbak, who did the instrumentation for most of the song (especially that bass).
That sound was partly intended, said ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo, who composed the music, and arranger Tommy Katigbak, who did the instrumentation for most of the song (especially that bass).
The team from ABS-CBN’s Creative Communications Management (CCM) which provided the lyrics added that they hope the song drives home its message of sharing the light of each one’s good deeds and unique stories that make the season–and everyday special.
WATCH: Behind the scenes: Ilang Kapamilya news anchors at reporters, first time nakasama sa ABS-CBN Christmas ID
The team from ABS-CBN’s Creative Communications Management (CCM) which provided the lyrics added that they hope the song drives home its message of sharing the light of each one’s good deeds and unique stories that make the season–and everyday special.
WATCH: Behind the scenes: Ilang Kapamilya news anchors at reporters, first time nakasama sa ABS-CBN Christmas ID
EMOTIONAL YET UPLIFTING
A giant cue tarp with the lyrics to the chorus of the ABS-CBN 2024 Christmas ID song "Our Stories Shine This Christmas" is put up in front of the gathering of Kapamilya artists and employees as a guide during the Christmas ID's convergence shoot at the ABS-CBN compound on November 23, 2024. Photo by Anjo Bagaoisan, ABS-CBN News.
A giant cue tarp with the lyrics to the chorus of the ABS-CBN 2024 Christmas ID song "Our Stories Shine This Christmas" is put up in front of the gathering of Kapamilya artists and employees as a guide during the Christmas ID's convergence shoot at the ABS-CBN compound on November 23, 2024. Photo by Anjo Bagaoisan, ABS-CBN News.Manalo, now in his third year creating the tune for ABS-CBN’s Christmas IDs, said there was no specific musical peg given to him for this year, but it was clear what the company wanted its audience to feel with the latest song.
Manalo, now in his third year creating the tune for ABS-CBN’s Christmas IDs, said there was no specific musical peg given to him for this year, but it was clear what the company wanted its audience to feel with the latest song.
“Ang sinabi lang talaga…something na tutusok sa puso, at the same time maa-uplift and mai-inspire ka ‘pag napakinggan mo,” he said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
“Ang sinabi lang talaga…something na tutusok sa puso, at the same time maa-uplift and mai-inspire ka ‘pag napakinggan mo,” he said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
“So, ‘yong magiging emotional ka, pero parang sobra yung relief na ibibigay sa puso mo kapag napakinggan mo. Pwede kang umiyak, pero you feel good about it.”
“So, ‘yong magiging emotional ka, pero parang sobra yung relief na ibibigay sa puso mo kapag napakinggan mo. Pwede kang umiyak, pero you feel good about it.”
ADVERTISEMENT
For that, Manalo and Katigbak tapped into alternative soul, giving the song a foot-tapping, nostalgic feel from the late 1990s and early 2000s–and a musical journey from sentimental to stirring.
For that, Manalo and Katigbak tapped into alternative soul, giving the song a foot-tapping, nostalgic feel from the late 1990s and early 2000s–and a musical journey from sentimental to stirring.
“Pina-stray away sa akin from ‘yung usual Christmas song sound. So, parang gusto nila gumawa na it can be a stand-alone song labas ng Christmas ID,” Katigbak said.
“Pina-stray away sa akin from ‘yung usual Christmas song sound. So, parang gusto nila gumawa na it can be a stand-alone song labas ng Christmas ID,” Katigbak said.
The song notably has many musical firsts for an ABS-CBN Christmas ID: employing that minor-four key, doing a key jump twice (Hello ‘Love on Top’?), and starting with a slower beat before progressing to the main tempo.
The song notably has many musical firsts for an ABS-CBN Christmas ID: employing that minor-four key, doing a key jump twice (Hello ‘Love on Top’?), and starting with a slower beat before progressing to the main tempo.
It’s also the first one to have five people credited for the lyrics–the most so far.
It’s also the first one to have five people credited for the lyrics–the most so far.
‘PARANG IISA LANG ANG SUMULAT’
Leading the pack is ABS-CBN CCM head Robert Labayen, who has been a co-writer of the Kapamilya Christmas ID songs for the past 13 years and whose “Star ng Pasko” in 2009 is his most famous.
Leading the pack is ABS-CBN CCM head Robert Labayen, who has been a co-writer of the Kapamilya Christmas ID songs for the past 13 years and whose “Star ng Pasko” in 2009 is his most famous.
ADVERTISEMENT
Co-lyricists Des Parawan, L.A. Sibug, Love Rose de Leon, and Rev Martin are all CCM members who also work on the actual Christmas ID and–De Leon aside–debuted as song co-writers this year.
Co-lyricists Des Parawan, L.A. Sibug, Love Rose de Leon, and Rev Martin are all CCM members who also work on the actual Christmas ID and–De Leon aside–debuted as song co-writers this year.
Labayen has included his team in the songs’ creative process in the past, giving songwriting credit to those whose words land the final cut.
Labayen has included his team in the songs’ creative process in the past, giving songwriting credit to those whose words land the final cut.
“Siyempre nauubusan nga rin ako, taon-taon ‘yan eh. So mas magandang kumuha tayo ng fresh minds tulad nila,” he said.
“Siyempre nauubusan nga rin ako, taon-taon ‘yan eh. So mas magandang kumuha tayo ng fresh minds tulad nila,” he said.
The CCM head describes it as passing the baton, but for his colleagues, it’s just him being generous.
The CCM head describes it as passing the baton, but for his colleagues, it’s just him being generous.
“Hindi totoo yun. ‘Di siya nauubusan…Kasi kayang-kaya niyang gawin ‘yon in 10 minutes. Pero in-open niya sa team,” Sibug said.
“Hindi totoo yun. ‘Di siya nauubusan…Kasi kayang-kaya niyang gawin ‘yon in 10 minutes. Pero in-open niya sa team,” Sibug said.
ADVERTISEMENT
ABS-CBN Creative Communications Head Robert Labayen (center) talks about making the yearly Christmas IDs with CCM staff & CID producers (left to right) L.A. Sibug, Rev Martin, Sheryl Ramos, and Love Rose de Leon. Labayen, Sibug, Martin, De Leon, and Des Parawan (not in photo) co-wrote the 2024 tune "Our Stories Shine This Christmas". (ABS-CBN News)
ABS-CBN Creative Communications Head Robert Labayen (center) talks about making the yearly Christmas IDs with CCM staff & CID producers (left to right) L.A. Sibug, Rev Martin, Sheryl Ramos, and Love Rose de Leon. Labayen, Sibug, Martin, De Leon, and Des Parawan (not in photo) co-wrote the 2024 tune "Our Stories Shine This Christmas". (ABS-CBN News)But for 2024, Labayen acknowledged that he acted more as a facilitator for the ideas of his younger colleagues.
But for 2024, Labayen acknowledged that he acted more as a facilitator for the ideas of his younger colleagues.
“Sumulat sila ng kanta. Tapos ang ginawa ko na lang ay dinugtong-dugtong ko. Hinanap ko ‘yong mga best parts nila. At kapag titignan mo yung kanta, parang iisang tao lang ang sumulat, pero marami, sila ‘yon,” he said.
“Sumulat sila ng kanta. Tapos ang ginawa ko na lang ay dinugtong-dugtong ko. Hinanap ko ‘yong mga best parts nila. At kapag titignan mo yung kanta, parang iisang tao lang ang sumulat, pero marami, sila ‘yon,” he said.
For instance, Parawan’s lines were chosen to open the chorus: “Liwanag nating dala ang kwento ng isa’t-isa…”
For instance, Parawan’s lines were chosen to open the chorus: “Liwanag nating dala ang kwento ng isa’t-isa…”
“Naka-capture niya ‘yong exactly what we want to say…Saktong-saktong ‘yon eh. Kumbaga sa advertising, ‘on strat’. Maganda siya ilagay sa umpisa ng chorus para ma-set up na niya kung ano’ng kahulugan ng kantang ito,” Labayen said.
“Naka-capture niya ‘yong exactly what we want to say…Saktong-saktong ‘yon eh. Kumbaga sa advertising, ‘on strat’. Maganda siya ilagay sa umpisa ng chorus para ma-set up na niya kung ano’ng kahulugan ng kantang ito,” Labayen said.
Sibug, meanwhile, added callbacks to BINI’s previous songs such as “Salamin, Salamin” in the rap bridge delivered by the girl group.
Sibug, meanwhile, added callbacks to BINI’s previous songs such as “Salamin, Salamin” in the rap bridge delivered by the girl group.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Yung essence na ‘yon, sinabi din nila lahat ’yon eh—in different words. Kasi nung sinusulat nila ‘yong kanta, talagang sila na kasi nag-brainstorm ng concept eh. Kaya, alam na alam nila,” Labayen added.
“Yung essence na ‘yon, sinabi din nila lahat ’yon eh—in different words. Kasi nung sinusulat nila ‘yong kanta, talagang sila na kasi nag-brainstorm ng concept eh. Kaya, alam na alam nila,” Labayen added.
CONCEPT TO CHORUS
The lyrics are not just talking points–they are loaded words, inspired by the stories of the “case studies” or the subjects CCM picked to be featured in the Christmas ID.
The lyrics are not just talking points–they are loaded words, inspired by the stories of the “case studies” or the subjects CCM picked to be featured in the Christmas ID.
“Kumbaga baon na namin sa puso namin ’yong mga kwento ng mga subjects natin,” De Leon said.
“Kumbaga baon na namin sa puso namin ’yong mga kwento ng mga subjects natin,” De Leon said.
“So sila na ‘yong iniisip namin ‘pag sinusulat ‘yong mga salita, kung paano natin sila mas maho-honor, masasaluduhan, mase-celebrate ‘yong mga kwento nila.”
“So sila na ‘yong iniisip namin ‘pag sinusulat ‘yong mga salita, kung paano natin sila mas maho-honor, masasaluduhan, mase-celebrate ‘yong mga kwento nila.”
De Leon also presented the concept, message and flow of the Christmas ID to Manalo early on to help him imagine how the music would fit.
De Leon also presented the concept, message and flow of the Christmas ID to Manalo early on to help him imagine how the music would fit.
ADVERTISEMENT
Manalo produced the first pass by October 13—amid a hospital emergency, he recounted—and oversaw three revisions until the song was approved for recording before the end of the month.
Manalo produced the first pass by October 13—amid a hospital emergency, he recounted—and oversaw three revisions until the song was approved for recording before the end of the month.
The last tweak involved him and Katigbak changing some chords at the start of the chorus to add a more “vibrant” and “colorful” contrast to the minor chords initially used.
The last tweak involved him and Katigbak changing some chords at the start of the chorus to add a more “vibrant” and “colorful” contrast to the minor chords initially used.
Katigbak played most of the instruments via computer, but recorded with actual guitars and bass.
Katigbak played most of the instruments via computer, but recorded with actual guitars and bass.
The most fun part of that process for him: Working the bass, whose portions at times dominated the recording.
The most fun part of that process for him: Working the bass, whose portions at times dominated the recording.
“Kahit gitarista ako, parang nabigyan ako ng espasyo magsalita. Dahil dun sa spaces ng song, tsaka yung chord progressions na hiningi ni Sir Jonathan, may space siya maglaro,” he said.
“Kahit gitarista ako, parang nabigyan ako ng espasyo magsalita. Dahil dun sa spaces ng song, tsaka yung chord progressions na hiningi ni Sir Jonathan, may space siya maglaro,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
The CCM team, at the other end, looked forward to getting first dibs at the demo. “Kapag sine-send na yung song, parang hindi kami as producers, parang fans kami. Kumbaga first time namin maririnig yung kanta. May kiliti. After nung pakinggan namin isang buo, tapos babalik kami sa pagiging producers,” Sibug recalled.
The CCM team, at the other end, looked forward to getting first dibs at the demo. “Kapag sine-send na yung song, parang hindi kami as producers, parang fans kami. Kumbaga first time namin maririnig yung kanta. May kiliti. After nung pakinggan namin isang buo, tapos babalik kami sa pagiging producers,” Sibug recalled.
The song also goes up to ABS-CBN’s top executives.
The song also goes up to ABS-CBN’s top executives.
Those involved mainly look at the strength of the song’s hook (a.k.a LSS), its singability, especially in the chorus, and the ease in following the melody, Labayen said.
Those involved mainly look at the strength of the song’s hook (a.k.a LSS), its singability, especially in the chorus, and the ease in following the melody, Labayen said.
The “high level” of quality control, as Manalo puts it, only serves to strengthen the song.
The “high level” of quality control, as Manalo puts it, only serves to strengthen the song.
“Every time na nagre-revise, dun ko rin naman nare-realize na, ‘Ah, oo nga, mas gumaganda’. And, it's part of the process,” he said.
“Every time na nagre-revise, dun ko rin naman nare-realize na, ‘Ah, oo nga, mas gumaganda’. And, it's part of the process,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
‘SECRET SAUCE’
While Katigbak arranged the melody portions of the song, the music in the rap break was brought together by Theo Martel, who had also worked with Katigbak in the 2023 Christmas ID song “Pasko ang Pinakamagandang Kwento”.
This rap served as the vehicle for girl group BINI’s awaited debut in the ABS-CBN Christmas ID.
This rap served as the vehicle for girl group BINI’s awaited debut in the ABS-CBN Christmas ID.
The portion was planned from the start ever since BINI was chosen to be included in the singer lineup, Labayen said.
The portion was planned from the start ever since BINI was chosen to be included in the singer lineup, Labayen said.
The girls were also the first to record the whole song before the other artists.
The girls were also the first to record the whole song before the other artists.
ABS-CBN Star Music creative director Jonathan Manalo (left), composer of "Our Stories Shine This Christmas", previews the final cut of the ABS-CBN Christmas ID 2024 song with Tommy Katigbak (right), who arranged and did instrumentation for the song along with Theo Martel. Photo by Anjo Bagaoisan, ABS-CBN News.
ABS-CBN Star Music creative director Jonathan Manalo (left), composer of "Our Stories Shine This Christmas", previews the final cut of the ABS-CBN Christmas ID 2024 song with Tommy Katigbak (right), who arranged and did instrumentation for the song along with Theo Martel. Photo by Anjo Bagaoisan, ABS-CBN News.BINI's initial recording–which has been released as a separate, more pop-leaning single–gave an early glimpse on how the final song would fare, Manalo said.
BINI's initial recording–which has been released as a separate, more pop-leaning single–gave an early glimpse on how the final song would fare, Manalo said.
“Nung unang ko narinig, sobra akong na-excite kasi dun ko talaga na, nung napakinggan ko na nabuo na yung sa BINI–and it's a complete song na–sabi ko, we have a really good, ano, Christmas ID song this year,” he said.
“Nung unang ko narinig, sobra akong na-excite kasi dun ko talaga na, nung napakinggan ko na nabuo na yung sa BINI–and it's a complete song na–sabi ko, we have a really good, ano, Christmas ID song this year,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Naisip din na magkaroon sila ng sarili nilang version kasi, para meron silang original Christmas song na kinanta nila as a group, together, di ba? So, ‘yon talaga… it's part of the plan.”
“Naisip din na magkaroon sila ng sarili nilang version kasi, para meron silang original Christmas song na kinanta nila as a group, together, di ba? So, ‘yon talaga… it's part of the plan.”
Katigbak called the rap the song’s “secret sauce”.
Katigbak called the rap the song’s “secret sauce”.
“Minsan ang refreshing din sa tenga na tumatalon siya to somewhere na hindi mo i-expect,” he said.
“Minsan ang refreshing din sa tenga na tumatalon siya to somewhere na hindi mo i-expect,” he said.
The jump in genre or feel is not new for ABS-CBN’s more recent Christmas IDs, whose “surprise” portions featured a multilingual chant in 2020, a “Sister Act”-style chorus in 2022, and a Christmas carol a la Jose Mari Chan-inspired break in 2023.
The jump in genre or feel is not new for ABS-CBN’s more recent Christmas IDs, whose “surprise” portions featured a multilingual chant in 2020, a “Sister Act”-style chorus in 2022, and a Christmas carol a la Jose Mari Chan-inspired break in 2023.
Even after BINI’s solo take on the chorus, their harmonies are still well-utilized close to the song’s climax and provide an added body to the song before all the other artists come in blazing with their ad libs.
Even after BINI’s solo take on the chorus, their harmonies are still well-utilized close to the song’s climax and provide an added body to the song before all the other artists come in blazing with their ad libs.
ADVERTISEMENT
Veteran audio mixing and mastering engineer Dante Tañedo, who brought all of the 100-plus tracks of the instruments and vocals together for the final product, pinpointed the chorus as his favorite part.
Veteran audio mixing and mastering engineer Dante Tañedo, who brought all of the 100-plus tracks of the instruments and vocals together for the final product, pinpointed the chorus as his favorite part.
“Kahit paulit-ulit siya, hindi siya nakakasawa. Kasi, iba-iba yung mga kumakanta, iba-iba rin yung instrumentation. Tapos, umaakyat siya. Hanggang sa dulo,” he said.
“Kahit paulit-ulit siya, hindi siya nakakasawa. Kasi, iba-iba yung mga kumakanta, iba-iba rin yung instrumentation. Tapos, umaakyat siya. Hanggang sa dulo,” he said.
"Our Stories Shine This Christmas" co-lyricist and ABS-CBN Christmas ID producer L.A. Sibug holds up a copy of lyrics to the 2024 Christmas ID song for Donny Pangilinan, Robi Domingo, and Edward Barber for their shoot. (Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN social media)
"Our Stories Shine This Christmas" co-lyricist and ABS-CBN Christmas ID producer L.A. Sibug holds up a copy of lyrics to the 2024 Christmas ID song for Donny Pangilinan, Robi Domingo, and Edward Barber for their shoot. (Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN social media)For Labayen, the music delivered in making people recall the chorus.
For Labayen, the music delivered in making people recall the chorus.
“Nung nakalapat doon sa mismo video natin, doon namin na-realize na ay, bagay nga ‘yong song doon sa mismong latag natin ng mga videos natin. It's different, but it's nice,” he said.
“Nung nakalapat doon sa mismo video natin, doon namin na-realize na ay, bagay nga ‘yong song doon sa mismong latag natin ng mga videos natin. It's different, but it's nice,” he said.
More important, Sibug reminds, is the song’s capacity to serve the overall message of the Christmas ID–especially the people whose stories gave life to its words.
More important, Sibug reminds, is the song’s capacity to serve the overall message of the Christmas ID–especially the people whose stories gave life to its words.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Kapag kanta lang siya, kanta lang siya. Pero kung may istorya po, magiging anthem siya ng Pasko. ‘Yon yung kaibahan kasi,” he said.
“Kapag kanta lang siya, kanta lang siya. Pero kung may istorya po, magiging anthem siya ng Pasko. ‘Yon yung kaibahan kasi,” he said.
“Once marinig nila yun, maaalala nila yung subjects, kung saan nanggaling. So mas lumalalim po yung meaning niya.”
“Once marinig nila yun, maaalala nila yung subjects, kung saan nanggaling. So mas lumalalim po yung meaning niya.”
A song, its creators say, truly making stories “shine”.
A song, its creators say, truly making stories “shine”.
RELATED VIDEOS
Read More:
ABS-CBN
ABS-CBN CCM
Christmas ID
Robert Labayen
Jonathan Manalo
ABS-CBN Christmas ID
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID
Kapamilya
Pasko 2024
Our Stories Shine This Christmas
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
