After being the only Filipino artist chosen to perform at the GMA (Golden Melody Awards) in Taiwan last June 26, Paolo Sandejas has a new milestone in his music career.
The young Universal Records Philippines singer-songwriter can’t believe his eyes when Kim Tae-hyung a.k.a. V of world-renowned South Korean boyband BTS included his song “Sorry” on his Drive Vlog playlist, uploaded on July 9 just in time for ARMY Day.
The video, which runs for almost one hour, is the first episode of the boyband’s vlog series for their Bangtan TV YouTube channel. From the looks of it, V really knows the song by heart as he enthusiastically jams to Paolo’s original single while driving his car.
“This is Taehyung’s drive playlist until we reach the next destination,” said the Korean Superstar while singing the lyrics of the OPM song.
“The fact that one of the biggest artists in the world knows my name and listens to my songs is insane to me,” answered Paolo in an online interview with Manila Standard.
“This is a surreal experience, and I have no words to express how honored I am that he enjoys a song I worked so hard on,” he added.
Since the vlog’s release, “Sorry” started gaining attention from ARMYs around the world and Paolo was over the moon with all the support he’s receiving in a snap of a finger.
“It’s definitely humbling. I’m overwhelmed with all the love and support they’ve been showing me and my music. V and the rest of BTS are beyond lucky to have such amazing fans. I’m just happy that they were kind enough to share some of that love with me today,” he said.
Filipino ARMYs were thrilled upon learning that the song was sung by a Filipino artist even the award-winning actress and singer, Lea Salonga, shared her excitement.
“Okay, Filo ARMY, you’ll get a kick out of this one. In BTS V’s vlog, head right to time stamp 25:56-ish. V starts singing to Paolo Sandejas’ “Sorry.” Paolo is a recording artist from the Philippines. Congrats, Paolo!!! What a thrill,” shared Lea on her Twitter.
When asked what was his initial reaction, Paolo said that he was shocked seeing the tweet from the legendary singer.
“Also shock. As if V wasn’t enough. The fact that she was so excited and supportive was just crazy! Coming from a Philippine music icon, It was definitely the cherry on top,” ended the young Filipino singer.
Paolo’s song was played along with international singers such as The Weeknd’s “Save Your Tears,” Lizzo’s “About Damn Time,” Willow Smith’s “Wait A Minute,” and Justin Bieber’s “Ghost.”
On the vlog, V also shared what the ARMYs could expect from him in the future.
“For the past 4 years I’ve been hesitant and indecisive and now I’m finally doing it so I want to produce everything since I have the opportunity and I’m talking with a lot of directors too. So I’m studying and working hard so ARMY could think it’s really high quality,” explained V.
Last month, the group announced during their FESTA 2022 that they would be having a break to focus on their solo activities.
“I have so many things I want to try. So many things I made a list. If I do everything on my list, I have to shoot eight music videos. I was like ‘Huh? How did this happen?’ So I narrowed it down to that I have this thing. When I listen to the whole album it has to be ‘Good, good, good,’ ‘Ooh, that’s good’ ‘Whoa!’” he continued
“So I organized the references and had meetings with some of the directors and who’ll shoot the video. But this is the problem. There’s only a demo version of the song. I have to start the actual recording but I keep feeling like something’s missing so was like ‘later, later.’ I can’t present this kind of music to ARMY. I can’t. I thought of the photoshoot concept too. Please look forward to it,” he added.
“Sorry” is under Paolo’s debut EP, ‘Purple Afternoon’ released in 2020, and can be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, and other digital stores worldwide.
You may also watch BTS V’s Drive Vlog on BangtangTV YouTube channel.