Nicole Laurel Asensio makes her debut as the first Philippine-based resident artist at the Cafe Carlyle, Hong Kong beginning June 18

After 18 years as a singer, songwriter, actress and all around performer, Nicole’s timeless artistry and unique identity in modern day Jazz is stepping up to the world stage. Nicole is no stranger to performing for international audiences as she has participated in events and concerts in U.K., Barcelona, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Maldives, U.S.A, Shanghai, Tokyo to name a few, however this residency is definitely a first for her, and a first for performers born and raised in the Philippines. 

Beginning June 18 until July 12, 2025, Nicole will be the first Philippine-based recording artist/ performer to take an artist residency in the elite Café Carlyle, the live music venue inspired by its namesake in New York City, located in Carlyle & Co., a progressive private members’ club that’s part of the Rosewood Hotel Group, in Hong Kong. 

“Café Carlyle Hong Kong brings an unrivalled line-up of international names and unmatched talent to Hong Kong’s most intimate stage. This June we’re thrilled to introduce our newest Resident Artist, Nicole Laurel Asensio, for her Café Carlyle debut.” 

Nicole Laurel Set To Launch 'Mind Over Matter' On Jan 30

Multi-talented and multi-awarded artist, singer/composer Nicole Laurel Asensio is all set to launch ''Mind Over Matter,'' a musical concoction comprised of three vibrant original compositions that seep into the consciousness of a wandering psyche aching for atonement and acceptance. 

The launch date is on January 26, 2024 on all listening platforms. The launch event will be on , 2024 at 19 East located on East Service Road. With a special guest performance by ang Bagong Luto ni Enriquez and Iwi Laurel. 

Entrance is 500 pesos. 

The EP title “Matter Over Mind” is a play on the popular saying “Mind over matter” — the reversal of the words connotes that keeping one’s head up through the struggles is often easier said than done and sometimes we need to come undone and be honest with how we feel before picking up the pieces and moving on… "As we are blessed with a brand new year, I am reminded of what it took to get to this point, the hardships, failures and finding the guts to keep going,’' Nicole Laurel Asensio said. Thematically, “Matter Over Mind” also celebrates the resilience of human souls that have experienced hurt, God’s grace and the metamorphosis of “turning one’s scars into stars.” 

Nicole Laurel Asensio's New Song "Kiss Me Now" All Set For Sept 15 Release

"A first kiss is rarely ever planned. In a paradisiacal time and place… when emotions are ripe… it just happens." Multi-talented and multi-awarded artist NICOLE LAUREL ASENSIO is all set to release her latest single "KISS ME NOW." The original composition will be released on all digital platforms.  

BACK STORY

 "I’m not usually the type to let things just happen… but perhaps I was missing the thrill of the unknown… I needed a change of environment… so I hopped on a 3am bus alone to Baguio and booked myself an afternoon session in Openheaven recording studios for the first time. Producer Gabe Dandan (who I had co written with for my previous releases “Bawal” and “What Matters Most” was tapering off a Baguio series of gigs and met me at the studio to join in the collaboration. Initially I had planned to work on a different song, award-winning producer Shadiel Chan welcomed us into his studio and introduced me to his band," recalls Nicole. 

Nicole Laurel Set To Launch 'Bawal'

BAKIT MASARAP KAPAG BAWAL?

“Minsan nababaliw, 

Kadalasan ay lasing

Ayaw tanggapin

Na hindi ka nga akin.”

So, what’s it all worth?— does the poisoned vine indeed breed finer wine? — is this thing we “love” even worth fighting for? Perhaps if it was so “bawal” then maybe it wasn’t borne out of love at all… 

Bakit nga ba masarap kapag bawal?

It had been a little while since noted multi-talented Nicole Laurel got back in the recording cycle. She didn’t stop writing new songs. In fact, there are dozens in progress. For this upcoming single 'BAWAL,' she collaborated with a co-musician she had met nearly 9 years ago but never really had the opportunity to write with— guitarist/ multi-instrumentalist Gabe Dandan. During an impromptu jam, he put down the guitar and began playing keys. Nicole began humminhinstantaneous melody and lyrics— the initial songwriting for “Bawal” was done in about 30 minutes.