For over 15 years, Gracenote has been a staple in the OPM alternative scene—known for their versatility, synth-pop sensibilities, and honest lyricism.
But as the band unveils their latest album, Walang Makakapigil, under EMI Records, fans are discovering a distinct shift in the group’s frequency. The catalyst? A real-life plot twist in the life of frontwoman Eunice Jorge: her engagement to GMA News personality and ‘Game Changer’ segment host Anjo Pertierra.
The release of ‘Walang Makakapigil’ isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a timeline of Jorge’s personal evolution from heartbreak to certainty.
For years, Gracenote’s discography resonated with the lonely and the heartbroken. Tracks like ‘Gusto Ko Magsolo’ (I Want to Be Alone) and ‘Babaeng Torpe’ (The Shy Girl) became anthems for the single life. However, the trajectory of the new album took a sharp turn when life imitated art in the best way possible.
Eunice admits the album was initially heading in a familiar, somber direction. “We released it for the first year—last year—sunod-sunod na mabagal ‘yung mga kanta,” she explains. But as her relationship with Pertierra blossomed, the record’s narrative arc was completely rewritten.
“Ah, medyo may plot twist itong album na ito,” Eunice laughs, flashing her engagement ring. “Coming from ‘Babaeng Torpe’, now I’m engaged! From ‘Gusto Kong Magsolo’ being single… Noong nasulat ko ‘yung ‘Wasabi’, ‘yun yung pinaka-late na naisulat ko. Noong na-include siya sa album, nag-change ‘yung story ng album!”
The title track, ‘Walang Makakapigil,’ serves as the anchor of this new chapter. It stands as a testament to moving past trauma. “It’s a song that I wrote because for the longest time, I’ve been through a lot of heartbreaks,” Eunice reflects. “But when I found the right person, I got to decide na ‘okay, I’m gonna love this person, with the rest of my life.’”
One might wonder whether a happy lead singer disrupts the creative tension often associated with alternative rock. But according to the band, the effect has been the exact opposite. The engagement hasn’t softened their edge—it has cleared the air.
When asked how group dynamics have shifted, Eunice shares, “Actually, they love it! Kasi I get to write more songs!”
Her brother and bandmate, Jazz Jorge, confirms that the band’s overall energy has changed. “Parang naging sequential kasi ‘yung story ng album eh,” Jazz observes. “From ‘yun nga nasabi niya kanina, ‘Babaeng Torpe’, naging masaya eh—naging good vibes. Gumaan ‘yung vibes ng songs na bago. So meron ngang magbabago sa dynamics ng grupo, but I think it’s for the better.”
The integration of Anjo Pertierra into the Gracenote family has also been seamless. As a media personality, Pertierra bridges their personal and professional worlds. “He’s cool. He understands what I do, and he’s very supportive,” Eunice says. “Kumbaga may industry din siya, nasa news siya. So naiintindihan niya ‘yung ginagawa ko, and naiintindihan ko rin ginagawa niya. So I think, yun ‘yung chemistry din.”
Drummer EJ Pichay adds, “We bond din with him.”
While love is a central theme, ‘Walang Makakapigil’ remains a multifaceted album. Eunice describes the eight-track record as a building with different windows—each offering a different perspective on life.
The album includes ‘Malalang Nilalang,’ a track aimed at gossips, and ‘Phoebe,’ a touching tribute to Eunice’s first cat (“It could be your love song for your pet,” she notes). It also features high-profile collaborations: ‘Balang Araw Ay Mapapangiti’ with Zel Bautista of December Avenue and ‘Takbo’ with Sponge Cola’s Yael Yuzon.
Ultimately, Eunice clarifies that while her happiness has lightened the “vibes,” her observational lens remains sharp. “Mas gumagaan, mas sumasaya ‘yung mga sulat,” she admits. “Pero nakakasulat pa rin naman ako kahit malungkot ako, or I’m feeling down… Hindi naman lahat ng songs sa album talk about love; it talks about social issues din.”
