Paolo Sandejas And Clara Benin Release New Version Of "roses"

Paolo Sandejas has teamed up with Clara Benin for a brand-new rendition of his song “roses.”

Released on May 2, 2025 (Friday), the collaboration was first announced by the two singer-songwriters on April 21, 2025 and initially teased last April 18 through a short video posted on their social media.

“’roses’ has always felt like a special track to me—one that deserves its spotlight,” Sandejas shares in a press statement. “I thought Clara’s voice and songwriting sensibilities would be a perfect match, and I’m so grateful she was on board. Working with her, even remotely, was a dream. I sincerely hope we get to collaborate again.”

Sandejas, who is now based in Los Angeles, California, revealed that the team-up was done between him and Benin via Zoom, where they “exchanged ideas and recordings virtually.” Sandejas’ original version of the song was produced by his longtime collaborator Xergio Ramos, with Benin helping hone “the harmonies and vocal arrangements” of the new rendition. “I think it’s always a good idea to work with other artists,” Sandejas further states. “You can only explore so much alone, but collaborating with others opens up new creative outlets.”

Adding to this, Sandejas revealed that “roses” was “written during a period of personal uncertainty,” with the song capturing “a moment of emotional vulnerability and growth” and becoming “both a catharsis and a source of comfort during a transitional phase in [Sandejas’] early twenties.”

“Writing this song was the self-pep talk I needed to remind myself that it’s okay to not have every little thing planned out,” reminisces Sandejas, describing the track as a “breath of fresh air in [his] discography.” “From the writing to the production, it was therapy for me to write this track, and I hope it reaches anyone who needs it.”

“roses” was originally released as part of Sandejas’ debut album the world is so small, which came out last January 10, 2025. In addition, it notably serves as Benin’s second collaboration of the year, following her and alternative rock band ONE CLICK STRAIGHT teaming up for an acoustic version of “Telepono.”

In an in-depth interview with Billboard Philippines, Sandejas commented on how he wants the world is so small to reflect on who he is as a songwriter who places an emphasis on the personal importance of “honest writing,” noting how it has always been something that he has held close to himself. “At the end of the day, I put a lot of time and effort to craft memorable lyrics and honest lyrics. I put them to like, you know, kind of catchy melodies. I feel like that’s my unique combination that kind of makes me who I am as an artist,” he states. “I hope listeners appreciate that and take the time to, maybe after a couple of listens, take down the lyrics and kind of digest it because I really put a lot of time into it. I hope listeners feel that honesty and feel that maybe connectedness, connection with me.”

In other news, following the release of the world is so small, Paolo Sandejas also came out with special renditions of “manila to LA” and “the world is so small.” Dubbed “kwarto sessions,” these new versions of the two track feature much more laidback and stripped down arrangement compared to the originals.

Listen to Paolo Sandejas’ new version of “roses,” featuring Clara Benin, below:

Paolo Sandejas And Clara Benin Team Up For New Version Of “roses” – Listen