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RJ dela Fuente thought it was very timely that he and his mentor, Gary Valenciano, released the reinterpretation of “Blessings,” a 2011 inspirational song by Laura Story.

In a roundtable interview, the singer-songwriter said “Blessings,” has always been one of his favorite songs.

“I guess it's God's perfect timing,” the singer-songwriter told entertainment media, including GMANetwork.com, at a roundtable interview held on Monday, June 23, at Tung Lok Seafood Restaurant in Greenhills, San Juan City.

He continued, “With everything that's happening now, people need inspiration, people need God, we need our faith. So, whenever we can encourage, whenever we have a chance to say this to others, it's a privilege, it's an honor.”

Besides this, RJ mentioned that, like Gary V., “Blessings” has always been one of his favorites.

He related, “I heard it years ago in California. I've always wanted to sing it, to cover it. So, when this opportunity came, where I got to do it with Tito Gary, I was super excited and honored, not only because of this song but also because of Tito Gary. He has always been an inspiration to me ever since I lived in California, watching his shows, so it's really special.”

RJ said he resonated the most on the chorus of the song: What if Your blessings come through raindrops? / What if Your healing comes through tears? / What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near? / And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

He explained, “That one really speaks to me because there are times we really can't explain what's happening--there's chaos, problems, and trials. But in the midst of all the chaos, God is always there with us.”

To mark the release of their version of “Blessings,” a music video directed by Jason Maximo was released on Wednesday, June 25.

In a separate interview, Gary echoed RJ, “The timing could have been any more perfect. Then, when people see the video, we're not showing anything about what's going on. But it's enough to show--the different colors, the different lights--the people's lives, which may be bright, may be dark, may be heavy, and may be light. Hopefully, that's the kind of impact that people like when they hear it or when they see it.”

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On creating inspirational songs

Meanwhile, unlike his contemporaries who are known for making pop music, RJ said he decided to focus on producing inspiring Christian songs.

“It's something that's really a part of me. So, I just want to share it with family, friends, and the world,” he said.

He also noted that since his heart desires to create such music, it doesn't feel like work for him.

“When it's part of you, it comes organically, it's natural. What's in your heart, you just wanna share it with whoever, like, your loved ones, especially now in a world where we need inspiration, we need faith in God. I feel like it's really part of my calling to share what's in my heart,” RJ said.

Likewise, he feels no pressure to write inspiring music.

He reasoned, “When it comes to inspirational music, you just have to be authentic. Whatever is in your heart, whatever God is speaking to you, I think, just be real. If whoever is listening to it lets the message speak to them, then it's for them.

“As a songwriter or the artist writing the song and the inspirational message, I think, whatever is in their heart during that season, that time, it's the most important.”

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