How SB19’s Pablo expresses his faith through music

MANILA, Philippines, August 21 ------ USAD, the latest solo single from SB19’s Pablo, croons about hope and resilience. As the title suggests, “move forward,” the song’s message reflects Pablo’s perspective that “progress is meaningful regardless of how big or small it may seem.” “If you know within yourself that you’ve made progress, then that is still progressing. USAD tells that story,” he shared.

This message of embracing progress and resilience is echoed in the song’s lyrics: “‘Di naman ako nagmamadali / Mahirapan man ako’y tatanggapin / Pinasasalamatan ko pa rin / Lahat ng ito’y babalik…” The R&B-, gospel-, and rap-tinged ditty draws inspiration from Pablo’s “quiet moments,” as well as the challenges and detours that he, or anyone for that matter, will encounter along the way.

“If you don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, you feel like you’ll never reach it. But it’s through those challenges, detours, and even dead ends that you gain what you need for your destination. When you finally get there, you understand why every step mattered,” Pablo reflected.

The song’s sentiments also resonated with listeners, as USAD hit one million streams on Spotify, a milestone Pablo announced himself. The track also served as the encore during his first solo concert, “The Middle.” It was a heartfelt and touching moment as SB19’s “pinuno” shared a hug with his parents before performing the song. At one point, he became emotional as he professed his faith during the music event, which was attended by fans, family, loved ones, his fellow SB19 members, XONARA members and Maki.

In a lengthy monologue, he revealed a more personal side of himself, admitting that he is the type of person who tends to keep his burdens to himself because he does not want to disturb or bother other people. “If I can do something on my own, even if it’s difficult, I’ll do it so I won’t be a burden or inconvenient to anyone. Maybe that’s why they call me ‘Ate Chona,’ because they don’t know that I actually have so many things on my mind,” he mused. “My resting face always looks serious, and people are scared of me. But maybe that’s why my face looks that way. I always seem serious. I’m always thinking, but despite that, I appreciate the people who take the time to get to know me and truly understand who Pablo is.”

There were also nights when he prayed to the Lord, sharing how his faith carried him through tough times. “Merong times na yung body nagsha-shake kahit hindi mo gusto. Naiiyak ka na lang kasi wala kang magawa eh. Humingi ka na lang ng guidance na mawawala rin siya. Pero yun nga nakatayo ako dito sa harapan niyo dahil kay Lord,” he continued. “I just want to share how thankful I am. Kung gaano katindi yung Panginoon, sobrang naging amazing talaga Siya sa buhay ko. I want to share the goodness He has brought into my life,” he said before launching into Hillsong Worship’s What a Beautiful Name.

Backed by a choir, Pablo also performed Tambol (Ibang Planeta), Puyat, Kumunoy, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Niyebe, among others. The concert also served as an introduction to his solo works, offering fans a glimpse into who he is as a solo artist, as well as his ruminations on being a middle child.“I want to introduce you to who Pablo is and what Pablo’s music is all about and kung ano si Pablo. Para sa mga bago (for the newcomers), si Pablo po medyo madaldal so mag-ku-kwentuhan lang tayo dito. Think of me as a friend you can talk to,” he told the concertgoers.

He also shared how he and his team conceptualized “The Middle,” describing it as a “space between praying and healing.” “Naturally si Pablo, ayokong pumupunta sa gitna. I don’t want to be the center of attention. To be honest,  itong ginagawa ko ngayon sobrang uncomfortable for me. My body shakes when I step on the stage na akong lang mag-isa lalo na ‘pag ako lang ang sentro ng attention,” he confessed but thanked everyone for their support. “Introverted, as a middle child and in the middle, ang goal ko talaga sa buhay gusto ko maging reminder ako na bawat isa sa inyo na nandito, magaling kayong lahat. Naniniwala ba kayong magaling kayong lahat? Ako kasi si Pablo kahit i-compliment niyo ako, nahihiya ako eh. Maraming mga bagay na ayaw ko sa sarili ko pero pinipilit ko.

“Before I become a reminder to each and every one of you, I have to remind myself, ‘Nandito si Pablo. Sinusubukan ni Pablo. Magaling si Pablo.’ Kahit natatakot ako, kahit kinakabahan ako, gagawin ko po to para sana matupad ko yung goal. So tonight, I’ll let you people inside my world,” he said before delivering a poignant Drowning in the Water.

Source: philstar.com