Wikipedia

Draft:Kenneth Laurente

Kenneth Laurente
Kenneth Laurente at Because We Believe concert
Kenneth Laurente at Because We Believe Concert
Background information
Born (1989-09-23) September 23, 1989 (age 35)
Manila, Philippines
OriginManila, Philippines; currently based in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresPop, Soul, Ballad
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, Musician, Music Producer, Soldier
Instrument(s)Vocals, piano, guitar, violin
Years active2020–present

Kenneth Laurente (born 23 September 1989) is a Filipino-American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and recording artist based in Los Angeles, California. He is known for his original Tagalog and English ballads and has been featured in media outlets in the Philippines and the United States. Laurente is also a United States Army veteran.[1][2][3]

Early life and education

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Laurente was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, and began singing at the age of three. He studied nursing at the Philippine Women's University (PWU), receiving a scholarship as a member of the PWU Chorale. He also performed at weddings and toured internationally with the Saint John Bosco Chorale, including trips to Canada in 2008 and Singapore in 2010.

Military service

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In 2011, Laurente immigrated to the United States and enlisted in the U.S. Army as a mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 2019.[4]

Music career

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Laurente began releasing original songs in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, using music to inspire hope and connection. His early releases, such as "If You Only Knew," "L.O.V.E.," and "Why," were noted for their emotional depth and vocal range.

His breakthrough came in 2023 with the release of his first Tagalog single, "Sayo Na," a collaboration with singer-actress Klarrence and producer Rasec Marc.[5][6] The song, composed by Ryan Radaza, was featured on a Times Square billboard in New York City.[7]

"Sayo Na" was featured in the film Tahanan, produced by Howling Gale Entertainment, which won Best Score – Feature Film at the 2023 Marina del Rey Film Festival.[8][9] Laurente later collaborated with Klarrence and Rasec Marc again for the single "Be Happy Without Me."

In October 2024, Laurente produced and headlined the "Because We Believe" concert at The Courtyard Theater in Long Beach, California—a showcase of original compositions and Filipino music celebrating community resilience.[10][11]

He has performed with artists such as Arnel Pineda, Lani Misalucha, Bamboo Mañalac, Aegis (band), Nonoy Zuñiga, Jaya (singer), Jed Madela, The Company (vocal group), Jay R, Gigi De Lana and the Gigi Vibes, Tootsie Guevara, and Garth Garcia.

Group affiliations

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Harana Men's Chorus

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Laurente was a member of Harana Men's Chorus, a Southern California-based ensemble directed by Ed Nepomuceno. The group promotes Filipino choral music and was named Vocal Ensemble of the Year at the 2016 Spotlight Awards.[12]

Fil-Trio

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Laurente co-founded Fil-Trio with Lyndon Apostol and Cristiani Rebada (WCOPA 2017 Senior Grand Champion of the World). The group combines pop, classical, and OPM. In 2024, they were included in the list of 75 Most Influential Filipino Americans.[13][14]

Media appearances

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Laurente has performed on Wish 107.5 USA, including a live performance of his song "Why".[15]

He has appeared in several episodes of the *Paco’s Place Podcast*, hosted by Paco Arespacochaga.[16][17][18]

He was also interviewed on *BRGY*, a segment of ABS-CBN, as a Sendwave ambassador.[19]

Awards and recognition

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  • 2022 – Most Promising Performer/Artist, Gawad Amerika Awards
  • 2023 – Most Promising Male Recording Artist, America Excellence Awards
  • 2023 – Most Promising Pop Artist, Spotlight Awards
  • 2023 – Best Score – Feature Film, Marina del Rey Film Festival (*Tahanan*)
  • 2024 – 75 Most Influential Filipino-Americans (Fil-Trio)

Discography

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Singles

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Year Title Notes
2020 "If You Only Knew"
2021 "L.O.V.E"
"Why"
"Worth It" feat. Neitodesu
2022 "Unsteady"
2023 "Sayo Na" with Klarrence
"Ikwento Mo Sa Akin"
2024 "Be Happy Without Me" with Klarrence

References

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  1. ^ "First annual Travel, Trade and Consumer roadshow a resounding success". Asian Journal. August 2018. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  2. ^ "Seafood City lights up giant parol in California". Asian Journal. December 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  3. ^ "Filipino pride shines bright in California's biggest parol‑lighting event". ABS-CBN. 25 December 2024. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  4. ^ "Conversations with Kenneth Laurente". Voyage LA. May 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  5. ^ "Fil-Am balladeer Kenneth Laurente releases first Tagalog single 'Sayo Na'". Manila Bulletin. 10 March 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  6. ^ "Fil-Am singer Kenneth Laurente releases first Tagalog single 'Sayo Na'". Manila Standard. 26 January 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  7. ^ "Fil-Am Kenneth Laurente's single 'Sayo Na' featured on New York's Times Square billboard". Business Mirror. 25 February 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  8. ^ "'Sayo Na' wins Best Score – Feature Film". The Manila Times. 3 August 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  9. ^ "'Tahanan' wins Best Score at festival". The Manila Times. 24 July 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  10. ^ "Kenneth Laurente: The Believer". Manila Standard. 30 October 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  11. ^ "Because We Believe Concert". New Times Rwanda. October 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  12. ^ "The Filharmonic, Harana Men's Chorus reopen Ford amphitheater". Inquirer.net. 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  13. ^ "75 Most Influential Filipino Americans of 2024 revealed". Good News Pilipinas. 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  14. ^ "Classical crossover dazzles the music scene". Manila Standard. 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  15. ^ "Kenneth Laurente Performs "Why" LIVE on the Wish USA Bus". Wish USA. 31 March 2022. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  16. ^ "Kenneth Laurente – EPISODE #141 Paco's Place Podcast". Paco’s Place. 29 July 2022. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  17. ^ "Kenneth Laurente – EPISODE #227 Paco's Place Podcast". Paco’s Place. 28 October 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  18. ^ "Kenneth Laurente – EPISODE #279 Paco's Place Podcast". Paco’s Place. 5 October 2024. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  19. ^ "Kenneth Laurente Interview". ABS-CBN. 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
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