DECEMBER is indeed the most wonderful time of the year for fans of Pinoy pop group 1st One, as the latter sent them an early Christmas gift through the release of their new single “Wala Ng Iba” on Friday.

“Wala Ng Iba” is 1st One’s second song release for 2024, which talks about “love, devotion, and happiness.” It follows “Paalam Na,” a song that speaks about letting go and acceptance.

As part of their new song’s promotions, 1st One published video interviews of several personalities—including TV personality Bianca Gonzalez-Intal and P-pop idols KAIA, DIONE, and ALAMAT’s Tomas—where they asked them about the “hardest decision” they have ever made in their lives.

During the exclusive media launch for “Wala Ng Iba,” the republicasia team turned the tables and asked 1st One members Ace, Max, Alpha, Joker, J, and Jayson the same question.

For some, it is choosing between pursuing their dreams of becoming artists and continuing their studies.

“That time, mahirap po talaga pero ngayon, masasabi ko masaya naman ako sa nangyari sa’kin kasi nagagawa ko naman ‘yung gusto ko, mahal ko ‘yung gusto ko, and patuloy lang sa growth,” main vocalist Max said.

“Pero, as much as possible, gusto ko pa rin talaga ipagpatuloy ‘yung pag-aaral ko at makatapos,” he continued.

Main dancer and rapper Alpha had the same dilemma, admitting that sometimes, he got envious of his batchmates who had obtained their diplomas and made their parents proud.

“Hindi ko naman sinasabi na hindi ko napapasaya ‘yung magulang ko, ginagawa ko ‘yun in another way. Ayun nga lang, may mga pumapasok lang bigla sa isip ko na, ‘What if, naka-graduate ako?’” he pondered.

Joker, on the other hand, said he felt afraid of dealing with uncertainty while pursuing a career in the competitive music industry.

“Ilang taon pa lang ako, pinasok ko na ‘to tapos hindi ko alam ano ‘yung mga susunod na mangyayari sa’min,” the vocalist stressed. “Nakakatakot pero nakakatuwa at the same time.”

While he did not consider it his “hardest” decision, J shared that the “most impactful” one he made was to audition as a dancer in high school.

“Kung hindi ko ‘yun sinimulan at an early age, feeling ko wala ako sa kinatatayuan ko ngayon,” the rapper said.

For Jayson, it was when he had to choose between “getting stuck” and “keep moving on” in life. Ace, meanwhile, said pursuing his career as an artist is a “continuous hard decision” for him.

“The reason for me to keep pushing and really elevate my game and efforts dito sa craft ko will always be my parents,” the 1st One leader emphasized.

He added, “The way they supported me, they pushed me in this craft kahit ayaw nila nung start. So, gusto ko ipakita sa kanila na I succeeded, you’ve given your son a lot of strength in order for him to be here and continue.”

These young, courageous individuals, however, did not regret these difficult choices that brought them together to form 1st One, a group that has been taking the P-pop scene by storm since 2020. 

Meaning of ‘Wala Ng Iba’

1st One releases new music subsequently, with “Wala Ng Iba” being the latest addition to their discography.

If one would ask 1st One about the meaning behind “Wala Ng Iba,” they would say it is about love. But if they would ask them on a deeper level, they would say the song reflects the listener’s definition of love.

“Narinig ko ‘yung stories nila [members] na ang sigaw ng puso nila is ‘yung passion talaga nila for dance. Sigaw ng puso ko will always be to make my parents proud. Iba’t iba,” Ace highlighted.

On social media, 1st One posted a series of interviews where each member tackled different challenges they went through while pursuing their careers in the music industry and their dreams for themselves and the group.

“‘Pag pinakinggan niyo ‘to, ‘pag pinanood niyo ‘to, ano ‘yung tatatak sa’yo na wala nang iba mo? What is your ‘Wala Ng Iba?” Why is this your ‘Wala Ng Iba?” Ace asked.

He continued, “‘Pag narinig ko, ‘Wala ng iba pang dinarasal sa kanya,’ dinarasal ko for my parents is to see me succeed.”

Creative process

Ace wrote “Wala Ng Iba” seven years ago before 1st One was born. The lyrics of the song have evolved over time, especially with the members’ participation in its creative process.

“‘Yung original version ng ‘Wala Ng Iba,’ natanggalan siya ng isang buong verse, plus the original bridge, naiba tapos nadagdagan po siya. And then, ‘yung attack—even ‘yung intro, ‘yung outro—nadagdagan po siya,” the leader explained.

Ace shared that the initial version of the song gave off more R&B vibes. 1st One’s version, on the other hand, exudes mixed vibes of R&B, dance, and feel-good songs.

One significant change in the lyrics is the rap verses written by Alpha.

“May kanya-kanya kaming hugot na hindi lang naman ‘yung ‘Wala Ng Iba’ para sa pagmamahal, it’s about pagmamahal mo doon sa ginagawa mo, sa attitude mo, sa sarili mo,” the main dancer said.

“‘Yung part ko kasi, sa rap ko, ‘Kumapit ka lang sa’kin; sabay nating pulutin ang pag-ibig na walang katapusan,’ kumbaga parang, ‘I want this thing forever and I don’t want to let it go,’” he added.

Meanwhile, the song’s choreography, which was completed in just two days, was made by Manoeuvres’ Josh Junio, who also choreographed 1st One’s “Shout Out” in 2022. 

“Wala Ng Iba’s” choreography can be seen through its official music video, released on 1st One’s YouTube channel on Saturday, December 7.