As Pride Month rolls in, anthems for love, freedom, and expression are amplified through music. Davaoeño singer-songwriter Paul Pablo, proudly raises his rainbow flag in his newest single, ‘Atin Ang Gabi.’ This vibrant power-pop anthem encourages listeners to open themselves to a life full of adventures and possibilities. As the song progresses, it inspires them to press on and embody their beliefs to the fullest.
“Growing up in a conservative town and completing my studies at a Catholic university, it hasn’t been easy for me to be true to my identity,” Paul Pablo recounted when he shared his story as a gay man with a religious upbringing. “I was out there, but I always feared stepping out of my comfort zone, not wanting to face the unknown.” Through his journey, Pablo finally embraces his identity with pride and honor and wants to share the same euphoria with his listeners. “I wrote this song to remind myself and my community that the darkness may be scary and unforeseen, but it holds wonders. With a sense of community, we will get through the night and face it with determination.”
Paul Pablo’s brand of pop music is no stranger to messages like these—as he’s written songs that tackle societal issues with a blend of personal anecdotes. ‘Atin Ang Gabi’ was first penned at a Music Camp hosted by Warner Music Philippines. Paul collaborated with singer-songwriter Sam Akins, Filipino-Dutch producer Xerxes Bakker, and Davao-based musician Jhay Ehidio. The track was mixed by Jorel Corpus and mastered by Jett Galindo.
Since jumping into his music career, Pablo has graced multiple stages and won several awards. He played in Cebu’s Plus63 Music Festival 2023 alongside Kehlani and Joji. Paul Pablo also won the Awit Awards 2022’s Best Cover Art award for his single, ‘Kalawakan.’ He has since committed to making music full-time, moving to Manila to showcase his prowess as an all-around performer.
With Pride events coming in left and right, Paul Pablo will perform for the second time at Love Laban 2 Everyone! Pride PH Festival 2024, this June 22 at the Quezon Memorial Circle. To hype up the celebrations, Pablo curated and handpicked songs for the ‘ATIN ANG GABI’ playlist, effectively sharing the spotlight with fellow queer and ally artists. The playlist includes songs from the nation’s PPop girl group BINI, the internet’s beloved meme queens Maris Racal and Sassa Gurl, and Drag Race Philippines alumna Marina Summers, among others.
‘Atin Ang Gabi’ also serves as a teaser of what’s to come, as Paul Pablo prepares to release new music throughout the year. ‘Atin Ang Gabi’ is more than just a catchy dance floor anthem for this year’s marches—it is also a resounding call for Filipinos to own their imperfections and struggles, get up, and live life to the fullest.
‘Atin Ang Gabi’ is out now on streaming platforms. Listen to Paul Pablo’s ‘Atin Ang Gabi’ playlist here.
This article is brought to you by Warner Music Philippines.
