After 18 years as a singer, songwriter, and performer, Nicole Laurel Asensio is stepping into a new chapter—one that places her on the global stage. Starting June 18 until July 12, 2025, Nicole will become the first Philippine-based recording artist to hold an artist residency at Café Carlyle Hong Kong, a prestigious live music venue inspired by the iconic Café Carlyle in New York City.
The venue is located at Carlyle & Co., a private members’ club under the Rosewood Hotel Group, and is known for hosting world-class talent in an intimate setting. Nicole joins this elite lineup with a 16-show run, performing alongside acclaimed jazz musicians from around the world. Joining her onstage is Filipino multi-instrumentalist and producer Gabe Dandan, her co-writer and collaborator.
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Nicole’s show promises a blend of timeless jazz, soul, and storytelling. She will take audiences through a carefully curated setlist—reviving the golden era of jazz with a modern twist. Her performances are not just about the music, but about sharing culture, emotion, and personal history through song.
According to Café Carlyle Hong Kong, “We bring 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.”
Francisco Ricafort, Director of Music & Artist Curation, shared, “A powerhouse entertainer with a unique versatility in both sound and stage presence, Nicole’s a force to be reckoned with. If you’re not already familiar with her? Just you wait. It’s going to be a great Residency.”
For Nicole, the opportunity felt like a dream aligned by fate. “The process behind booking this gig is nothing short of a dream come true, pure fate… I don’t have a manager or company backing of any sort for my career, so whenever something like this happens, I really can’t help but get teary eyed and thank the Lord for it because it certainly is his doing.” She shared that the residency began with a spontaneous trip to Hong Kong, during which she received an unexpected message. “Francisco… mentioned that ‘Why not present a Filipino artist to Cafe Carlyle?’ He then asked me to send in some videos to present… I didn’t expect anything at first but I received some positive news shortly after.” Upon visiting Café Carlyle in person, Nicole was instantly moved. “As soon as I stepped into the place, I could immediately feel the creative energies… I didn’t even need a cocktail to immediately feel intoxicated.” She described the experience of watching Sarah Potenza perform as “mind-blowing” and felt honored to soon share that same stage. “Indeed, the pressure was on, but I take every moment as inspiration.”
This residency is not only a personal milestone for Nicole but also a historic moment for Filipino artists, bringing local talent into one of the most exclusive music venues in Asia. With her voice, vision, and story, Nicole Laurel Asensio is bringing a piece of home to a global audience.
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