ALON: A Review

Photo from PABLO IG

"A theatre play"

This is the best description I can provide for this album. It's a complete act that tells a story about a person who secretly struggles to win a battle he or she fights internally. Every song in this album is a confession of the darkness that envelopes a person's mind as it suffers from all the pain. There's LA LUNA which introduces the battle between two parts of ourselves. The one that pushes us to go out and be brave, and the other that holds us back to keep us safe, and then there's PRESYON, the story of anger and resentment, or vengeance in one shape or another. It's a declaration of war, but then self-doubt kicks in.

WALA is the story of defeat, questioning oneself, and the fear of not being seen or heard. This song portrays the vulnerability and weakness of the character. In this moment, the character finally questions himself and his worth. THE BOY WHO CRIED WOLF is the part of the play where the character fights against himself to survive and be worthy of the other person's love. It's the admission of flaws and anxiety despite the facade. And in the character's most vulnerable, he finally finds the light. KUMUNOY is when the character finds a glimmer of hope, realizing that he or she shouldn't have to fight alone. There are other characters in the story who are meant to be the guide, the support, and the strong foundation. 

However, hopelessness is an evil that always lurks in the shadows. KELAN is the character's breaking point. He questions the heavens for his troubled life. When does it end? Is there a rainbow after the rain? As the story progresses, we have DROWNING IN THE WATER. In the midst of self-doubt and weakness, the character found love, yet even at that moment, there was no certainty that it would last. The fear of being left behind and the terrifying thought of having one's heart broken. The character's heart is broken, and there's a cry for the lost love. Yet in the end, we have BREATHE. No words are needed because of the calming melody. It's the ending we need because we know that no matter what happens in the end, the character will then find peace. It doesn't if the two end up together or if the battle is won. There will be peace in the end.

 

A True Selfless Leader

What makes a leader selfless?

To know the answer, one must understand the true meaning of selflessness. 

Pablo is undoubtedly one of the most talented singers, songwriters, and composers of today's generation. He can sing and create songs in almost all genres, and he can do it beautifully, but despite this undeniable truth, he's the second SB19 member with the least number of solo songs to date. Two of his co-members now have their solo albums (one already released and the other one will be released in a few days) and one with a solo EP, all while the talented songwriter of the group who created tons of beautiful songs for SB19 only has four solo songs on his artist profile.

As the leader of the group and the CEO of their company, he certainly has the power and the right to demand more from his members, but as their solo careers progress, it is apparent that they each have the freedom to pursue their own careers. In their entire discography, only Crimzone and KALAKAL were co-written by his co-members even though he had been encouraging them to write their group's songs. Now, this is not to question the ability of the other members to write or at least co-write a song as they certainly can with their solo music, nor their willingness to help. This is simply to point out what is already in our faces.

 

This may be a hard pill to swallow for many people but the truth is, Pablo could have made a career for himself and let his members handle the group. After all, he has the talent, skills, and most importantly, the heart to make beautiful music. He could've achieved far greater things in the past six years than what he has accomplished now by prioritizing his group. But that is not who John Paulo Nase is. He would rather stay in the shadow and see his members shine than take all the spotlight, but that can't always be the case.

One of the trademarks of SB19 is its quality music. Due to the difference in their ranges, Pablo always has to consider that when distributing his member's parts in their songs. It is true that at times, he has many parts in a song, but that is essential to give it the soul and emotion it requires due to the power of Pablo's voice. He can sing the other members' parts and do them justice even if it would sound different, but his parts are meant for him, there's no one else who could sing his lines and conjure the emotions his voice could provide. This is the truth that no one can take away no matter how hard they try.

Even then, the parts he provides to his co-members are still perfect for them. Take Justin's introduction in MAPA. His voice perfectly set the tone and mood for the song, allowing the song to flow with utter beauty. Josh's part in What? took a lot of people by surprise and it has become iconic since then. Ken's part in Ilaw, Liham, Gento, Bazinga, and many of their other songs showcased his voice's versatility and range. Stell's parts are always a chef's kiss because his voice was intelligently utilized by Pablo, placing his high notes in all the right places. The way he assigns the songs' parts to his members pushes them to become better singers and overall performers. 

@pahawtdogs versatile artist indeed. kayang kaya mag highnotes kahit main rapper 🔥 #sb19 #sb19atpredatorleague2024 #predatorleague2024 #acer #fyp #sb19_pablo #sb19_stell @PABLO ♬ original sound - Pa'Hawtdogs Official

Is he still selfless if his name is in the credits of all their songs? Yes, absolutely! Selflessness doesn't equate to stupidity and his not receiving the credits and royalties he deserves for creating the songs is pure and utter stupidity. He spent hours to create each song and poured his heart out. We have no idea how many sleepless nights he had all while still performing at 100% with his group, providing strong harmony and adlibs, and we never heard him complain. His craft is not some cheap item at the grocery store that can be given to anyone for free.

Pablo is the definition of a truly selfless leader. He takes less credit than he deserves and more responsibility and blame than he should. Still, his naturally responsible nature always shows regardless of the situation.  Although he had more responsibility in the group, his brothers were still vocal about Pablo being the first to arrive and leave their office or practice. He is always on time, oftentimes earlier than their schedule for he values other people's time. He is the boss, yet he cares more for his people than himself.

Whenever he talks about their music and career as SB19, the majority of the things he says are about his co-members and how valuable they are to him. He would even highlight their achievements and abilities, instead of boasting about himself. His mind automatically goes to a place of unity, collaboration, and lifting other people up in everything he does. Even when he appears to be strict, it is still for the benefit of the people around him. Pablo has a pure heart, and he deserves to be loved and respected because he absolutely earned it.

A true alpha who is not concerned about his members outshining him.

A genuine person who cares about the well-being and success of the people around him.

A selfless leader who always puts his members first in all ways, always.