Nicole Laurel Asensio ready to jazz up Hong Kong, begins residency at Café Carlyle this month

Nicole Laurel Asensio is one of the hardest-working individuals I've had the pleasure of knowing. She gives her absolute best in every show with her old-soul voice and artistic presentation. Nicole clearly has a flair for performance and guests of Café Carlyle in Hong Kong will get to experience just that when the singer, songwriter, actress and all around performer begins her artist residency this month. This is a first for an artist born and raised in the Philippines.

She is no stranger to performing for international audiences as she has participated in events and concerts in U.K., Barcelona, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Maldives, U.S.A, Shanghai, Tokyo to name a few. However, this residency is definitely a first for Nicole, and a first for performers born and raised in the Philippines. Her timeless artistry and unique identity in modern day Jazz has earned her recognition in numerous award-giving bodies. 

And as Nicole begins a series of sixteen shows from June 18 to July 12, 2025 at the elite Café Carlyle--the live music venue inspired by its namesake in New York City, located in Carlyle & Co., a progressive private members’ club that’s part of the Rosewood Hotel Group--she will prove once again that Filipino talent is world-class. 

She will be accompanied by renowned international jazz musicians hailing from different corners of the globe including Filipino multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and her co-writer Gabe Dandan.

Café Carlyle is a seamless blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication, just like Nicole who is as a versatile performer who mixes the uniqueness of her old-soul voice with her artistic performance. The musical legacy in her veins makes for a fitting match for Café Carlyle, the artistic haven that holds musical heritage and prestige in it’s core.

For her forthcoming musical sojourn Nicole will take audiences through songs that span the ages as she relives the olden - golden days of jazz infused with a modern soulful groove and a multi-faceted setlist of timeless tunes.

"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," says Francisco Ricafort, Director of Music & Artist Curation at Café Carlyle Hong Kong.

Nicole describes the residency as nothing short of a dream come true.

"Pure fate," she says. "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. I had planned a short vacation to Hong Kong purely for leisure last February. The very same day I booked my flight, I serendipitously also received a message from my instagram inbox  asking if we could arrange a call. Francisco Ricafort mentioned to me over the call that they were flying in artists from different continents for performances at the Cafe Carlyle, he mentioned '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, just in time to catch the plane to Hong Kong and catch a show at Cafe Carlyle in person."

"As soon as I stepped into the place, I could immediately feel the creative energies that filled the rooms, each corner curated to perfection, and the divine sound of the band filled the air, I didn’t even need a cocktail to immediately feel intoxicated. I feel truly blessed to have been able to witness such an abundant and generous performance from their resident then, Sarah Potenza, not only am I already a fan of her voice, she also sings for one of my favourite bands, 'Post Modern Jukebox' how could it be that fate had it I would somehow get to share the same stage in a few months? I was stunned, mind-blown and thrilled to be inches away from a dream that was unfolding before my eyes and ears. Indeed, the pressure was on, but I take every moment as inspiration.”

Café Carlyle is known for its unique design, art collection and a focus on cultural and intellectual enrichment for its members. One of the features to look forward to aside from the musical performances is of course a curated menu inspired by the artist’s heritage and stories. 

“I am excited to see the culinary narrative the master chefs gave come up with to enhance the experience, It is exciting to see how they blend bits of heritage into an international array of delights, a thoughtful touch to make audiences feel extra special," Nicole says.

"Every time I have the opportunity to sing in a different country, it gives me joy. I get to make this creative exchange of bringing a piece of my home and heritage with me and at the same time siphoning the soul of the place and infusing it into what inspires my music. I am most honoured and excited to share the stage with international musicians of a world class calibre and bring the talented Gabe Dandan with me as a musical co-creator and bridge between the familiar and the artistry yet to be discovered. I have a lot to learn from everyone around me." By Dexter R. Matilla

About Café Carlyle Hong Kong

Our greatest inspiration and legendary namesake are New York institution Café Carlyle, the quintessential supper club experience which has been bewitching guests and welcoming legends to tread its boards for 65 years. Café Carlyle Hong Kong represents only the second edition worldwide and captures this intangible spirit and unmatched live music experience to enrapture a new audience. 

At Café Carlyle, you don’t get a concert, you share an experience. It’s here that Members, guests and friends spend their evenings enveloped in unforgettable musical moments on the city’s most intimate stage, where the very best shows combine music with personal storytelling for a truly connected evening in the most exclusive company. At last, the red velvet curtain is drawn once again.