Nicole Laurel Asensio, a celebrated Filipina singer, songwriter, and actress, is taking a bold new stride on the global stage as she becomes the first-ever Philippine-based resident artist at Café Carlyle Hong Kong, starting June 18 to July 12, 2025. This groundbreaking residency places Nicole in the spotlight of one of Asia’s most exclusive live music venues—an artistic sanctuary inspired by the legendary Café Carlyle in New York City and nestled within the ultra-chic Carlyle & Co. at the Rosewood Hotel.

This milestone is a career-defining moment for Nicole, who has spent the last 18 years captivating audiences from Barcelona to Bangkok, London to the Maldives. While she’s no stranger to international stages, her Café Carlyle residency marks a remarkable first: she is the first artist born and raised in the Philippines to hold such a position.

“Café Carlyle Hong Kong brings an unrivalled lineup 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.”
— Café Carlyle Team

Where Timeless Jazz Meets a Modern Muse

The charm of Café Carlyle lies in its seamless blend of vintage elegance and cosmopolitan flair—an ideal match for Nicole, whose voice exudes old-soul richness fused with bold, contemporary artistry. Backed by a stellar lineup of world-class jazz musicians, Nicole will perform a 16-show run of genre-bending jazz and soul, delivering classics and reimagined standards with the fire and finesse only she can bring.

Joining her onstage is Gabe Dandan, a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and Nicole’s longtime collaborator. The duo promises a rich sonic tapestry—a fusion of heritage, passion, and world-class artistry.

A Dream Born of Serendipity

Nicole describes how the opportunity felt like pure fate:

“I had no manager or company backing this. I just booked a casual vacation to Hong Kong last February. That same day, I got a message on Instagram asking to arrange a call. It was Francisco Ricafort, the Director of Music and Artist Curation at Carlyle HK. He asked, ‘Why not present a Filipino artist to Café Carlyle?’”

Soon after submitting performance videos, Nicole received confirmation—just in time to catch a show by resident artist Sarah Potenza, a singer she deeply admires.

“As I stepped into Café Carlyle, I could feel the creative energy in every corner. I didn’t even need a cocktail to feel intoxicated,” Nicole recalls with a laugh. “To share the same stage as Sarah and others I look up to? It’s a dream coming to life before my very eyes.”

More Than Music: A Celebration of Culture

Café Carlyle isn’t just about music. It’s an experience. Nicole’s residency will feature a curated menu inspired by her heritage, created by Carlyle’s master chefs.

“I’m excited to see how they blend pieces of my story into their dishes—it’s an honor to have my culture shared not just through sound, but through taste,” she says.

For Nicole, this is more than just a gig—it’s a creative exchange.

“Every time I perform in another country, I bring a piece of home with me. And I take a piece of that place back, too. I’m honored to perform with musicians of this caliber and grateful to bring Gabe with me as a musical bridge between heritage and discovery.”

An Artist in Her Prime, A Legacy in the Making

Nicole Laurel Asensio’s upcoming residency at Café Carlyle Hong Kong is not only a major achievement in her career—it’s a proud moment for Philippine artistry on the world stage. With her undeniable talent, soul-stirring voice, and passion for storytelling through music, Nicole continues to inspire, break barriers, and raise the flag for Filipino musicians everywhere.

Don’t miss the magic. Catch Nicole live from June 18 to July 12, 2025, and witness the fusion of history, heritage, and high artistry in one unforgettable residency.

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. 

– Cafe Carlyle