
After his first successful single "Bangin," Davao-based music artist Paul Pablo releases another hugot song titled "Kaya."
Released under Warner Music Philippines, "Kaya" is Paul's way to reach out to his fellow Gen Zs who are having a hard time with "adulting" stage.
"'Kaya' is about adulting. As a bayot [male homosexual], marami akong experience na nadama sa adulting," said Paul in a recent interview with select media including GMANetwork.com.
After graduating college from the Ateneo de Davao University in 2021, Paul said he did not experience a proper transition from his studies to the real world since we were on lockdown due to the pandemic.
He noted, "Nabigla lang ako na hindi ko na-feel 'yung transition from academic life papunta sa real world. So, ngayong pawala na ang pandmic, saka ko na-realize na wala na pala ako sa school. At least, nagkaroon ako ng song na parang very healing siya for me."
According to the 22-year-old singer, like his previous songs, "Kaya" is very relatable especially to people his age because his songwriting is based on personal experiences.
He explained, "I think ang pinaka main guide ko talaga ay personal experiences para mas dama mo 'yung sinusulat mo talaga. Kailangang may pinanghuhugutan ka sa mga sinusulat mo, talagang naiintindihan mo 'yung song. Mahirap gumawa ng song na hindi ka naman familiar sa topic. Ako, since familiar ako sa topic na mga hugot, mga heartbreaking experiences, at saka mga relatable topics, ganun ang mga songs ko."
In relation to his new single, Paul also released its music video which was shot entirely in his home province.
Paul recalled that when he was still an independent artist, he used to be a one-man team. In fact, to create the music video of his previous single "Bai," he sought help from his niece to film him.
Of course, now that he has a team to help him, "Kaya" music video is now more crisp, detailed, and colorful. However, he noted that he's still very much involved with its production.
He then mentioned that he is very much influenced by American singer-songwriter Lady Gaga, an icon to many of LGTBQIA+ members like him.
Paul said, "Very fan ako kasi from the music video to the styling, how the music will sound, and the lyrics--she does it herself. Pero sa production, siyempre, may help na ng producers. Ayun, it's very inspiring na gusto ko rin maging ganun kagaya ni Lady Gaga."
Paul was previously featured on Eat Bulaga's "Bawal Judgmental," where some of the hosts were surprised about his style of music.--while he's openly gay, Paul did not try to become feminine on his vocals for his singles.
Paul admitted that he was initially hesitant to be introduced as gay when joined the mainstream music. Fortunately, his label was very supportive of him and allowed him to be whoever he wanted to be.
He said, "Medyo may hesitation ako, pero thankful ako sa kanila kasi parang ginising nila ako na, 'Kaya nga mas dapat lakasan mo ang loob mo kasi wala pang nakikitang ganung tipo pa. At saka kung ganun pala talaga ang gusto mo, i-push mo na.' Hindi lang ito sa reason na ako 'yung makakaunang [openly gay sa music industry], pero sa bigger reason na you'll get to inspire pa and influence more people sa gagawin mo."
Watch Paul's guest appearance on Eat Bulaga's "Bawal Judgmental" here:
Meanwhile, here are more local celebrities who are proud members of the LGBTQIA+ community: