Bagging his first Songwriter of the Year award, SB19 member John Paulo Nase, popularly known as Pablo, used his moment onstage to recognize the Filipino artists, musicians, producers and songwriters who continue to create music and inspire others.
During the 39th Awit Awards, Pablo admitted that he is still not used to receiving awards and recognition, but expressed gratitude to everyone who has helped him create the music that earned him the recognition.
“I thank the Lord for the gift of music. Sobrang kumplikado po sa akin ng mga awards, mga papuri at recognition but for tonight, I’m really, really grateful,” he said.
Pablo acknowledged the people whose time, effort, and support go into every piece of music, adding: “I know behind every nomination, behind every recognition, lahat ng tao na nagtutulong-tulong, yung mga kamay nila, effort nila, time nila, ginugugol nila para bumuo ng obra. Gusto ko magpasalamat sa lahat ng nagtiwala sa akin at tumulong sa akin na bumuo ng obra, sa lahat ng naisulat ko, maraming maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.”
He then thanked the people who continue to motivate and inspire him, including his family, friends, fellow SB19 members, A’TIN, supporters, 1Z Entertainment, various labels, and his music collaborators.
More than his own recognition, however, Pablo dedicated the award to Filipino artists who continue to create music, even if they are not always represented on award nights.
“Gusto ko sabihin na marami akong inspirasyon. Naniniwala ako na an award cannot fully define the value of an artist at mga obra nila. Gusto ko sabihin na napakaraming mahuhusay na manunulat, mahuhusay na producer, mahuhusay na musikero all over the Philippines pero wala sila dito ngayon. Gusto ko sabihin na inspirasyon ko kayo,” he stated.
He also acknowledged his fellow nominees, whom he said left him in awe with their talent.
Among those nominated alongside Pablo were his brother Joshua Daniel Nase, also known as Josue, as well as IV of Spades’ Blaster Silonga and Zild Benitez, Dionela, Lola Amour, Joao De Leon, and Marlon Peroramas.
Pablo made sure to give his brother a special mention, sharing how the two often exchange opinions and ideas when working on music together.
“Gusto ko lang po tawagin yung kapatid ko, si Josue ng RADKIDZ. Special mention pero nakakatuwa kasi nandito rin siya sa mga nominado. Kapag gumagawa kami ng music, magkasama kaming dalawa, tinatanong ko yung opinion niya, tinatanong niya yung opinyon ko. Nakakatawa kasi naglaban kami. Talo ka na naman, boy! Biro lang!” he quipped.
Pablo and Josue make up the music production and songwriting duo RADKIDZ, which has worked on some of SB19’s songs, including “Gento,” “Go Up,” “MAPA,” and “What?”
With his own journey as a songwriter and producer, Pablo also used his acceptance speech to remind aspiring artists that great music can come from anyone, regardless of their experience or background.
“Binubuo namin yung RADKIDZ at naniniwala kami na a great idea can come from anyone. Kahit baguhan ka sa industriya, kahit wala ka pang masyadong nalalaman, kahit bata ka pa, puwede ka makapagbigay ng matinding music sa buong mundo na makakainspire pa ng maraming tao,” he said.
Pablo went on: “Sa lahat ng mga naniniwala sa akin, sa lahat ng musikerong Pinoy, sa lahat ng mga producer at manunulat, mabuhay kayong lahat. Mabuhay ang OPM! Let’s go!”
Aside from his individual recognition, Pablo and his SB19 bandmates also took home several awards at the ceremony, including Best Music Video, Best Pop Recording, and Best Dance/Electronic Recording for their song “Dungka.”
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Justin shares what SB19 ultimately hopes their music brings to people
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Justin shared how SB19 hopes their music can communicate emotions and messages even beyond language barriers.
“We want to introduce Filipino music across the globe. We want to tell our story,” Justin said. “We want people around the world to really feel ‘yung music namin other than just understanding it.”
“We’re using Filipino language sa songs namin. Like sa Sony, gusto nila nafe-feel. And that’s what music is [about]. Minsan hindi mo naiintindihan ‘yung lyrics but you can feel it and understand ‘yung message purpose nung song. That’s what we want to do sa music namin,” he continued.