After nearly two decades on stage, Nicole Laurel Asensio is stepping into a global spotlight. From June 18 to July 12, she will perform a 16-show residency at Café Carlyle in Hong Kong, becoming the first Philippine-based artist to do so.
For Nicole, it’s more than a career milestone. It’s a quiet, powerful homecoming—an artistic arrival that honors her roots and her journey.
An old soul with a new voice
Nicole’s voice has always stood out. Rich and expressive, it feels timeless—rooted in jazz and soul, but always evolving.
She’s done rock. She’s done theater. And now, her jazz performances reflect a deeper confidence: a woman no longer chasing validation, but creating space for her full self to shine.
“This isn’t about proving anything anymore. It’s about showing up fully—voice, soul, heritage and all—and seeing what happens.”
—Nicole Laurel Asensio
The call that changed everything
In February, Nicole booked a short trip to Hong Kong. Hours later, she received a message on Instagram.
It was from Francisco Ricafort, Music & Artist Curation Director at Café Carlyle. He was curating talent from around the world—and asked: Why not present a Filipino artist?
Nicole sent in performance videos. Days later, she found herself at Café Carlyle—not as a guest, but as the next name on the stage lineup.
A Filipino story, told in jazz
Nicole’s show is personal. The setlist blends jazz standards with soul, originals, and storytelling. Onstage, she’s backed by an international ensemble of jazz musicians—joined by long-time collaborator Gabe Dandan, a Filipino multi-instrumentalist and producer.
Together, they bring a sound that is soulful, cinematic, and deeply Filipino in its emotional honesty.
“It’s not just a performance,” Nicole says. “It’s a creative exchange. I bring a piece of home with me—and take a piece of the place in return.”
Sound, story—and a taste of home
The residency includes more than music.
Café Carlyle is curating a special menu inspired by Nicole’s heritage—adding a culinary layer to her story.
“It’s a thoughtful touch,” she says. “A way to make audiences feel more immersed—not just in the music, but in the story behind it.”
A win that speaks quietly, but clearly
Nicole’s residency at Café Carlyle isn’t loud. It’s not viral or flashy.
It’s a moment of quiet excellence—for an artist who took the long road, stayed true to her voice, and now stands at the intersection of artistry and identity.
She isn’t just representing the Philippines abroad. She’s showing us what it looks like when a Filipina artist is heard, respected, and fully in her element.
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