SB19’s leader Pablo spoke about the balance between the correct use of grammar and creative freedom in songwriting after a fan questioned his use of Filipino grammar in the group’s latest release, “Visa.”
Shortly after the song’s release last February 20, Pablo was directly tagged by a fan on X (formerly Twitter), questioning how he wrote a line in the song and pointing out that he interchanged the use of “din” and “rin,” a choice that does not strictly follow Filipino grammar rules.
Speaking as one of the panelists along with Ben&Ben’s Paolo Benjamin and music executives during the launch of Sony Music Publishing Philippines on February 24, Pablo explained that understanding rules is essential but knowing when to bend them allows a song to communicate more effectively.
READ: SB19 to stage 'Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale' in April
He explained that performance is a key consideration in his writing process, saying: “Kasi po ako kapag nagsusulat ako mahalaga rin sa'kin yung performance. If it sounds good sa paper pero hindi siya madulas pakinggan kapag kinakanta ko, it needs revision.”
“Doon po pumapasok yung creativity ng mga songwriters [and] artists alike pagdating sa kung paano nila mapapaganda yung tunog ng mga kanta nila.”
Pablo stressed that effective songwriting goes beyond delivering a message, as all elements of a song must work together to make an impact on listeners.
“Effective po kasi siya eh. For you to be able to be heard, kailangan maganda yung marinig from you. Sa songwriting hindi lang naman mensahe [yung mahalaga], it’s the whole thing. Lahat ng rekados, nagco-compliment para maibigay yung mensahe ng kanta.”
He also clarified that his explanation was not meant to dismiss concerns, but to openly share his creative process.
“It’s not to ridicule and it’s not coming from a very negative position pero gusto ko lang po talagang i-share kung ano yung nalalaman ko pagdating sa kung paano ko isinusulat yung mga awiting ginagawa ng SB19,” he maintained.
Pablo added that his writing style depends on the nature of the song and explained that songwriting often requires flexibility, especially when a song is meant to sound conversational and flow naturally when performed.
“For context, if I am writing a song na conversational, I let the writing breathe. Kumbaga very chill lang yung writing at tunog, doon marami talagang bending. If it’s a ballad or a poetic one, mas heavy words yung ginagamit ko, mas leaning towards mga rules talaga.”
Prior to the event, Pablo also addressed the issue on X, explaining to the fan that the decision was a conscious one and rooted in how the lyrics sound when performed.
“Tho deliberate sya. Yun yung beauty ng music at poetry. Walang rules. Pero try mo kantahin. Kapag 'din' ang ginamit, hindi sya magiging madulas pakinggan. Instead na mapunta ang focus at diin dun sa 'yung bisa.' Magkakaroon sya ng diin sa gitna dahil sa 'd' sound. :)," he wrote.
Meanwhile, “Visa” is SB19’s first official single for 2026 and serves as a commentary on access, privilege, and the challenges Filipinos face in seeking opportunities abroad. The group said in a statement that the song was partly inspired by their own experiences with visa denials during tours.
"We were very affected by visa applications during our tour," Pablo revealed.
"SB19 has been active for seven years, and we hope that songs like these can reach officials and encourage laws that make it easier for athletes, artists, and others working overseas to access visas," he stressed.
"This could include creative acts, producing content, or receiving rebates for spending related to the arts. This is not just an attempt to produce music, but to push Filipino culture forward. There is little support from the government, so it is important that our work can make an impact not only personally but also on a national level."
“Visa” is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
SB19 will officially conclude their world tour with Wakas At Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale on April 18 at the SMDC Festival Grounds. The group is also set to perform at the DUNK (Dance Universe Never Killed) Showcase in Japan this March, alongside Cup of Joe and BGYO.