2021 is the year for Paul Pablo. A rising singer-songwriter hailing from the South, Paul says that he has always been a performer at heart. 

As early as kindergarten, Paul would dance and sing along to neighbors who belted out various karaoke hits. He also recalls being naturally drawn to pop and 80s music with the likes of Britney Spears and Madonna before meeting his biggest musical influence, Lady Gaga. “Since Grade 4, siya yung artist na nakagising sa akin,” he admits.

Despite the impact Lady Gaga had on Paul’s artistry, he owes his love for music to his family. Growing up in a family that loved music, it was easy for Paul to seek support when he realized he wanted to start his singing career. “Even in SHS (senior high school), gusto ko talaga ‘tong gawin. Ginawa kong training ground (yung) mga opportunities na pwedeng salihan and para madevelop ang pag perform.”

As someone who has always had the mindset of becoming a professional music artist, Paul’s relentless determination surely opens up doors for more dreams to be realized. But just like any other dreamer who had a goal, Paul’s journey in music was nowhere near perfect.

When Paul decided to join a songwriting competition and won in one of the categories, it was enough validation that he could do more things apart from singing and dancing. This forgotten passion was further developed over the pandemic wherein he would write songs inspired by personal experiences. In a way, it was also this partitioning which pushed Paul to revisit his old compositions which never got to see the light of day.

Things seemed to be going well for Paul until he encountered a fair share of disappointments and detours along the way. He had tried his luck in making viral video content, believing it would be a good entry point into making his name known in the online world. The pressure that came with the à la mode world of content creation took a toll on his mental health. Releasing his first single also did not gain that much attention despite his soaring online presence.

The birth of Paul Pablo

Deciding to go by the stage name Paul Pablo was metaphorical of some sort. Born Paul Ramirez, he discloses that the name was inspired by St. Paul or San Pablo. Living with his mother who always read the Bible, Paul got intrigued with San Pablo’s story and discovered that he was a story of second chances.

He also shares that his father’s death pushed him to finally go after his childhood dream. Narrating how his father never had the chance to witness the start of his professional music career and the achievements he has now left and right, he didn’t want anything to stop him from making his voice heard.

Now Paul is using his platform to inspire other young Bisaya artists to take the risk and pursue their dreams. He aspires to break the barriers in a society with little to no exposure for Davaoeño talents in the national music scene. He wants other Filipinos to know that there are hidden gems ready to shine, not only from Davao but the whole of Mindanao. “I know I’m not the best, naa pa jud na’y mas hawd sa akoa.”

Aside from empowering Bisaya artists, Paul tries his best to properly represent the LGBTQIA+ community wherein he’s also a part of. He shares the happiness he feels whenever he freely expresses himself in his music. “I wanted to be gender friendly. [As a gay man,] I don’t want to be limited sa isang road lang; we’re free to explore femininity and masculinity,” Paul explains.

Inspiring radical and relevant change for better times through music is both an artist’s greatest responsibility and honor. And for Paul Pablo, he’s just getting started to change the game.

Listen to Paul Pablo’s music on Spotify and YouTube. Catch him on MYX Spotlight for this month as well.

_{Photography by Raphael Meting | Hair and makeup by Vanessa Valmoria}