Rising Pop artist Paul Pablo shared his story when he came out to his mother and his late father.
In an interview, Pablo recalled his late father had homophobic tendencies. Thankfully it changed because of the comedian Vice Ganda.
“‘Yung Papa ko kasi before is not really into gays. Medyo may pagka-homophobic ‘yung Papa ko before. Pero, di ba, marami na, sa media natin marami nang mga sikat sa industry ng Philippines, marami nang mga sikat na bakla. May comedian, si Vice Ganda. And si, Papa kasi mahilig s’yang manood ng GGV before.
“So, doon parang na-realize n’ya na parang siguro funny, siguro fun magkaroon ng friend na bakla.”
Pablo also recalled that although he hasn’t come out during that time, his parents had hints about his sexual orientation.
“And then, hindi n’ya alam noon na bakla ako, pero may hint na sila. Kasi, yung Papa ko mahilig mag-utos ng mga trabahong panglalaki. Magbubuhat ng mga sako ganon. Mga sako ng bigas, pagpapala ganyan at saka pinapatulong kami sa construction site. So ako talaga, parang walang choice kung di magpala.
“Tapos, parang napapansin n’ya the way ko hinawakan yung mga pala parang medyo may touch of femininity. So parang doon, nagkaka-hint na ‘yung family ko na siguro si Paul hindi talaga s’ya straight.”
Then, he had his coming out to his mother during his second year of high school.
“And, then hanggang pagdating ko ng second year highschool, nag-come out na ako sa mother ko. And then, si Mama ko naman, parang ‘yung naaalala ko kasi before, parang hindi talaga comfortable na pag-usapan ‘yung ganon.”
Pablo added that he wasn’t expecting his parent’s support when he came out.
“So ayun, parang to be fair, sinabi ko sa kanila and hindi rin naman ako nag-expect na talagang support sila.”
Pablo said that his late father accepted him during his senior year in high school, thanks to his academic achievements.
“‘Yung Papa ko naman pagdating ko ng senior highschool, doon n’ya talaga ako na-accept. Kasi, doon din ako bumawi, kasi before sa junior highschool ko na experience, napaka-focused ko sa aking extra-co na nagkakaroon ako ng mga failing grades.
“So pagdating ko ng senior highschool, binawi ko lahat. Binalance ko, tapos ayun hindi ako nag-expect na ano kasi madaling lang mag-honor sa Ateneo Senior High School. Ayun nagpa-third honor ako, kaya tuwang tuwa yung Papa ko. Simula noon parang nakita n’ya na parang hindi naman pala talaga ibig sabihin na bakla ka hindi ka matino.”
Pablo also shared a bit of advice to those struggling to come out to their families.
“‘Yun nga rin yung advice ko sa people na takot mag-come out sa family nila. Ano, take it slow lang. Pero, wag n’yong hintayin na, or wag n’yong gawin na never kayong magka-come out. Kasi, I think one of the best things that would happen sa inyong life talaga is ‘yung mag-come out kayo. And magkaroon kayo ng peace of mind whenever na kasama n’yo ‘yung family n’yo.”
As for his influence as an artist, Pablo attributes it to the international pop singer Lady Gaga.
“Lady Gaga has a lot talaga to do with the influence na nag-mold sa akin, bilang isang artist. Pero, I don’t want to copy her.”
Pablo is currently signed with Warner Music Philippines, and he has three singles out. Bai, Bangin, and the latest one, Kalawakan. His music is available via Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
