Asia’s romantic balladeer Christian Bautista has released a new duet with Indonesian singer-songwriter Raisa, reviving South Border’s 2000s R&B staple “Rainbow” for a cross-cultural rework rooted in nostalgia and mutual respect.
The reimagined version builds on the emotional core of the original, blending Bautista’s smooth baritone and Raisa’s controlled, vocal runs and range into a polished pop-R&B ballad with subtle flourishes, avoiding over-singing while still aiming for dramatic effect. It’s Bautista’s latest release under Sony Music Entertainment, and a clear nod to his long-running musical ties with Indonesia.
Bautista has long held regional appeal, with a career that crosses borders and markets. His flexible vocal range and presence is a fixture not just in the Philippines, but also in Indonesian pop culture where he has earned name recognition with hits like “The Way You Look At Me” and “Vertigo.” Meanwhile, Raisa has carved her own lane in Indonesian pop, maintaining restraint, clarity, and strength in tracks like “Percayalah” and “Jatuh Hati.” She is one of the country’s most recognizable performers, with a catalog that’s leaned into both contemporary production and timeless themes.
In a press statement, Raisa shared the difficulties of recording separately due to scheduling conflicts, especially for a duet that required precision in phrasing and timing. But she emphasized how well their voices eventually locked in. “We gave the song something fresh while still paying homage to the original,” she said. “Filipino and Indonesian listeners have a lot in common. We both love ballads, romantic themes, ‘90s R&B, and a touch of nostalgia.”
Bautista echoed that sentiment, noting their strong musical chemistry. “We discovered how well our styles complemented each other when we performed together. That balance was key in making this rendition feel honest and emotionally grounded.”
Their version of “Rainbow” is now streaming on major platforms.
