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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Music and Concerts devider What OPM icon Zack Tabudlo would be doing if he weren't a musician

What OPM icon Zack Tabudlo would be doing if he weren't a musician

Published Aug 8, 2025 12:12 pm
Zack Tabudlo
Zack Tabudlo
OPM artist Zack Tabudlo has released his latest single entitled “Naguguluhan” (confused), which talks about confusion and distance between two inseparable people.

But before anyone else gets suspicious, Zack clarified that the song is not about him and his girlfriend.

"It's about the different experiences I went through throughout the years — stories from my friends. So it's like a summary on unrequited love," Zack said during a Zoom call recently. "It sums up all the emotions."

When asked how difficult it was to compose a heartbreaking song, Zack said: In a way (it was difficult) because my relationship with my girlfriend is healthy. But my girlfriend (Abby) is very supportive and vice versa. And it made my job easier. She's very open about this because she grew up in the US. When she heard it, she said, "Ang ganda ng song' and 'Ang ganda ng art."

Zack, 23, recalled that her girlfriend was in the same room studying when he composed "Naguguluhan."

He added, "She supports my music and my craft. Every time I write songs like this one, she knows it; it's for art. With 'Naguguluhan,' she was happy with the sound and direction of the song."

On his latest song, Zack said, "Naguguluhan" is a raw and heartfelt anthem about the slow, painful unraveling of a long-term love. It captures the emotional weight of confusion and distance creeping in between two once inseparable people. 

"As days go by, the cracks grow deeper, not just felt between them, but noticed by everyone around. The song paints the inner turmoil of someone trying to hold on, yet slowly realizing they’re falling out of love, with haunting melodies and vulnerable lyrics.

"Naguguluhan (under UMG Philippines) is a reflection of that silent breaking point where love lingers, but clarity slips further away," Zack said.

Zack also mentioned that he is now more confident in writing songs than he was three years ago.

"Before, when I wrote, it wasn't deep because I was young. I never knew about unrequited love in a deep aspect compared to now. So it took a lot of time for me to understand things," he said.

In 2024, Zack revealed he was in a relationship with Abby. During an exclusive interview for the Manila Bulletin at that time, Zack had just returned from the US, where he attended his girlfriend's graduation. Abby's graduation with summa cum laude honors has filled Zack with immense pride.

With billions of music streams, Zack also shared his other interests, including what he would do if he weren't a musician.

"I feel like I would be in the film industry. I took up film production in college. Almost every day, I love directing and editing. I love doing short films. I enjoy being in the background, not as an actor. But I also love script writing and checking the equipment. It was fun," he said.

Zack mentioned that he was considering pursuing film production if he wasn't busy with music.

"I was thinking of that. But right now it is not doable because of the schedule. Halos sabay-sabay," he added. 

Aside from music, Zack enjoys being a health buff as he frequents the gym when not busy.

Describing his journey in music, Zack said, "Definitely, it's a rollercoaster. There are a lot of ups and downs. People come and go. I've met some inspiring people."

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