By 
“I realized that if I just imagined my dreams without taking even a little initial step, nothing would happen,” says Davao-based performer Paul Ramirez a.k.a. Paul Pablo. This powerhouse talent, just like anyone with a dream, started from scratch. Even with a limited source when he was younger to broaden his knowledge when it comes to music, that didn’t stop Paul from thriving to find the sound that he would enjoy. The 24-year-old also has his family to thank for introducing him to different genres of music. “Nobody is a professional instrumentalist or singer; however, everyone enjoys listening to music. I remember being by my mother’s side when she would learn lyrics to songs. I watched her and learned a few of the songs that she would try to memorize,” recalls Paul.
When asked to describe his sound, he uses the term “hugotronic,” which he defines as electropop with heartfelt lyrics about love and life. Paul’s songs may easily fit in with the offspring of Sam Smith and Kylie Minogue’s musical styles, it’s relatable, danceable, and boasts of good melody and lines. An openly gay artist, Paul celebrates his sexuality through his fashion and craft although he would rather be known and supported just because he’s a member of the LGBTQIA community; his priority and ambition is to be known as someone who is good at making music.
I had the pleasure of getting to know Paul over a Zoom call and we talked about his start in music, song writing process, and his single “Takaw Tingin.”
HOW’S YOUR CHILDHOOD LIKE GROWING UP IN DAVAO?
My childhood in Davao was simple. My hometown is located far from the city. It takes about one to two hours to get to the city. It took some time before we had internet and I had access to media. DVDs, CDs, and what I watch on TV would only be my sources. I was 11 or 12 when we finally got internet, I could finally keep up with what was happening on online but even though my upbringing here was simple, it was unforgettable since I spent practically all of my time with my cousins, playing outside and discovering nature.
CAN YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST ALBUM THAT YOU BOUGHT AND WHY YOU BOUGHT IT?
That would be The Pussycat Dolls’ Doll Domination. That record was the first CD I purchased before I became a major fan of Lady Gaga. I knew every song on that album and would dance to it. Their song “When I Grow Up” spoke to me. I’ve always wanted to be a performer since I was a child. My very first performance was while I was in kindergarten. It happened during Nutrition Month at school. It wasn’t planned for me to perform; instead, the one assigned couldn’t stop crying, so they asked me to substitute. I would constantly sing in school activities after that. When I perform on stage, I get a different type of satisfaction.
HOW WERE YOU DISCOVERED BY WARNER MUSIC PHILIPPINES?
I’d been singing for a while, mostly songs by female artists like Whitney Houston, and I was surprised when my voice changed as I approached puberty. I couldn’t hit the high notes like I used to. I grew frustrated with my voice since I didn’t know how to use it properly. I attended voice lessons in Davao and became serious about singing. That’s where I learned the fundamentals of singing and how to deal with my puberty voice. That’s also when I started researching and listening to male singers.
When I first started composing poetry, I kept them to myself or shared them with a few close friends. I wasn’t sure in my work, but I kept writing nonetheless. When I transferred to Davao City for college, my interest in music grew and I began writing songs seriously. I imagined that one day I’d be able to sing the songs I’m writing for a greater good; for a greater purpose. I was able to spend more time at home during the pandemic. My father became ill, and I was one among those who cared for him. In 2020, I went back at the songs I wrote in 2017, and then I learned how to produce songs on my phone. I made demos of my songs. When my father died, I felt compelled to begin working on my music right away. Then my song “Bai” came out. I directed the music video here at home. I borrowed cameras from my classmates and asked a relative to help me. Luckily a local radio station played my song and then they recommended me to Sir Alex (Lim) from Warner. Then I reached out to him via Facebook Messenger. Before, I didn’t really have the slightest clue what’s Warner Music, what’s a music label, and music production. The only thing that I hold on to is my passion for music and my vision on what I want my music to sound like.
YOU’RE ONLY IN YOUR EARLY 20S BUT YOU WRITE DEEP AND MEANINGFUL LYRICS. WHERE DO YOU GET THE INSPIRATION TO DO SO?
There are many ways to get motivated to write. While watching K-dramas or series, you can draw inspiration from how you feel about what you’re watching or, if you’ve empathized with the character, how you might feel if you were him or her. There are elements from my own experiences, which I exaggerate when writing. When it comes to writing, there are no boundaries. In my head, I create stories.
BRIEFLY, CAN YOU TAKE US THROUGH YOUR SONGWRITING PROCESS? WHO DO YOU USUALLY COLLABORATE WITH?
I’m grateful to my label because they believe in my vision and my work. All of the songs I’ve released were written by me, but they help me choose melodies. I accept it openly because it is the best method for your song to improve. I always pay attention to their advice and the suggestions that they throw my way. As a solo artist, I don’t want to accept sole responsibility for my career’s success. I feel Paul Pablo is the result of a group of extremely creative and brilliant minds. Although it begins with me, it grows in significance as a result of the people I work with. The ideas would not always come from me. Sometimes they’d pitch a sound that they think would be perfect for me, and I’d create lyrics for it. I don’t think I’d be able to write good lyrics without their help. I hope other artists recognize the people they work with behind the scenes since it’s not always them who puts in all the effort. There are individuals that believe in you, and you have to acknowledge their efforts as well.
ALMOST EVERY ONE OF YOUR SONGS HAS A MUSIC VIDEO. ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING? TAKE US THROUGH YOUR CONCEPTUALIZATION PROCESS IN A NUTSHELL.
Everything begins with my concept. Normally, I would make a deck for a song. I’d forward it to the production team. I’d communicate my vision to them, from the styling to the make-up to the theme and concept of the music video. I would also make a storyboard and show it to them. After giving my thoughts and vision for the music video, I leave it to them to adapt as they see fit. What matters to me is that they do not abandon my concept; the roots of Paul Pablo or Paul Ramirez in the direction of my art. That’s why I’m here: they believe in my art and what I’m capable of. Since I’ve been Paul Pablo for three years, those I’ve worked with are already aware of my artistic preferences and tastes. Sometimes they already have ideas for me and just need some input from me. My ideas are becoming easier to translate. Some of my music videos were shot in Davao, while others were shot in Cebu.
“I feel Paul Pablo is the result of a group of extremely creative and brilliant minds. Although it begins with me, it grows in significance as a result of the people I work with.”
WHICH ARTISTS DO YOU LOOK UP TO AND INSPIRE YOU?
Lady Gaga is a huge inspiration to me. Like Lady Gaga, I’m discovering my identity, what I want, and what I believe is best for me as Paul Pablo. I’m starting to appreciate my artistic individuality. I admire Lady Gaga’s bold moves in the industry. Aside from caring about her music, she also shows the LGBTQIA community that there is nothing wrong with being gay and wanting to pursue a career in music. Although it can be difficult to open other people’s minds, being gay in the industry can be both a hindrance and an advantage. To be honest, it doesn’t matter to me since I believe I’m here because of music, not because of my sexual orientation.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO WISH TO BE OPEN ABOUT THEIR SEXUALITY AND PARTICIPATE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
Don’t wait for a chance to prepare. The best thing you can do is to always be ready and to use all of the time available to you to prepare. I always manifested that what was happening to me would happen, so I just kept writing and planning, even though I had no idea who to contact. Even when there is no opportunity yet, there is always a good outcome when you are prepared.
ANYONE THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO COLLABORATE WITH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY?
I’d like to work with the band Dilaw. I got to meet them last year, and I know how they got started. I’m quite pleased with how their career is progressing. They truly deserve all of the love and support that they are receiving. Their tunes are quite amazing. If given the opportunity to explore another genre and form of music, I would like to collaborate with them. I’m also intrigued by Alamat. They’re a very Filipino P-pop act, and I love their ideas and branding.
ANYTHING THAT YOU’RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT, CAREER WISE, THIS YEAR?
I’m very excited about my new song because it’s a new sound for me. All of the songs that I’ve release are love songs of the hugotronic variety, but this new song is about encouraging people to love themselves. We shouldn’t be afraid of being “takaw tingin.” It’s my personal struggle since it can be difficult to gain acceptance from people when you’re openly gay. They constantly perceive me as different. With my song “Takaw Tingin,” I want to encourage people that being different is a wonderful thing because you’re a head turner or center of attention; you’re appealing to people. If people aren’t ready to accept you, it’s possible that they’re not ready for what you have to offer.
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Denise J. Mallabo 