Christian music figures, Gary Valenciano and RJ dela Fuente, have teamed up to create a heartfelt cover of “Blessings,” a song originally written by Laura Story. The collaboration was released through Sony Music Entertainment and Waterwalk Records. It’s a touching project that focuses on faith and personal struggles.
The music video, directed by Jason Maximo, premiered on June 25. Its simple yet powerful visuals reflect the song’s message — that sometimes blessings come in disguise, especially during difficult times.
In an interview, Valenciano shared how he connected deeply with the song. His experience began during a moment of solitude while driving from Tagaytay. “Then all the way home, randomly, I scrolled on what’s the latest inspirational music, and that was the song I heard. I had to pull over because my tears just started to flow and not many songs do that with me but that did. And then I started making people hear it and the same reaction, then they’ll ask who is it,” he recalled.
Valenciano explained that the lyrics made him look at blessings in a new way. Usually, people think of blessings as joyful moments — “How’s your son?” “Oh, he’s such a blessing.” But sometimes, blessings appear through pain, loss, or rejection. “What if blessings come through raindrops? What if healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near?” These lines speak to what many feel inside when they are crying or hurting. Valenciano said, “With the name of the song being ‘Blessings,’ I’m really blessed that I’ve been given a chance to do this.”
For dela Fuente, singing with Valenciano was a childhood dream come true. “It’s a dream come true. Tito Gary has always been an inspiration to me ever since I was young. I grew up in California so I’ve been watching his shows there. To my head I’m saying I want to do that when I grow up — to sing, perform, talk about his faith, share his story and his journey. Now we get to do a song together,” he shared.
Dela Fuente also said that the song had special meaning for him. “I heard it back in the States a long time ago. And Tito Gary has a story about this song. I’ve always wanted to do a version of it and he wanted to do the same. And the timing was perfect. So it’s a blessing that we get to do ‘Blessings’ together.” Like Valenciano, he picked a favorite part — the chorus — which reminds listeners that even amid chaos, God is with us and never leaves.
The song became even more personal for dela Fuente after he lost his stepmother to cancer. “It was a song that hit pretty close to home. I really had to hold on to the message of the song because that time was a very emotional time,” he said, fighting back tears. “We’re still grieving, so when I recorded it, I really had to hold on to God’s promises and knowing that in the midst of all the heartache and the grief, He is still there.”
Director Jason Maximo described how the music video visually tells the story of moving from sadness to hope. “We started in black limbo, a void where light slowly begins to rise with the music, mirroring how hope often begins quietly. RJ stands in cool, desaturated tones: calm yet distant. Gary Valenciano is wrapped in warm, golden hues: vibrant and intense. Two different seasons, but in both, God is moving,” he explained.
Following this project, Valenciano and dela Fuente will star in the musical “Joseph the Dreamer,” playing from July 11 to 20 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Makati. Valenciano portrays Jacob, Joseph’s father, and dela Fuente plays Reuben.
“Blessings,” performed by Valenciano and dela Fuente, is now available on all digital streaming platforms.
