Daily TribuneWhile ‘Wala Ng Iba’ is undeniably a love song, its message has grown beyond its romantic roots.
1ST.ONE continues to push boundaries in the music scene by blending nostalgia and modernity with ‘Wala Ng Iba.’
Filipino boy band 1st.ONE, formed and trained by FirstOne Entertainment, has dropped their highly anticipated single, “Wala Ng Iba,” on 7 December, accompanied by a vibrant music video. The track, with its upbeat and distinctly Filipino sound, blends heartfelt storytelling with infectious pop beats, showcasing the group’s charm, talent and versatility.
Seven years in the making
Written by the group’s leader and main vocalist, Ace, “Wala Ng Iba” is a song years in the making.
“I wrote this seven years ago on a rainy day,” Ace shares. “It was a personal moment for me — my ex and I had just fought, and I found myself thinking, ‘Even if we argue, I still love you.’ That was the spark for the song, but it didn’t feel like the right time to release it back then. It’s amazing how it has evolved into something much bigger than I could have imagined.”
The song’s journey reflects the group’s collaborative dynamic. Over time, Ace and the other members — Max, Alpha, J, Jayson and Joker — added their own creative inputs.
“We really worked as a team,” says Max. “We’d throw ideas around, brainstorm, and decide together. It’s what makes this song so special — it’s truly ours.”
Nostalgic yet contemporary
The music video for “Wala Ng Iba” pays homage to the golden era of early 2000s MTV hits, reminiscent of iconic boy bands like Backstreet Boys and NSYNC, whom the group admires.
“We wanted it to feel like the music videos we grew up watching,” says Ace. “Those videos had this simple yet unforgettable vibe, and we wanted to recreate that — but with a fresh twist that represents who we are as 1st.ONE.”
The video captures the group’s synchronized choreography, vibrant energy, and approachable, boy-next-door charm. “It’s all about showing who we are — unpretentious, fun and passionate about music,” shares Max. “We hope people feel that when they watch it.”
Love song with a deeper message
While “Wala Ng Iba” is undeniably a love song, its message has grown beyond its romantic roots. Over the years, the group reimagined the track to explore different facets of love. “We asked ourselves, ‘What does love mean to us now?’” Ace explains. “It’s not just about romance anymore — it’s about family, friendship, and the things that keep us going.”
This reflection inspired the group to create an 18-part docuseries ahead of the single’s release, featuring personal stories and insights into their lives. “We wanted to show our background and where we’re coming from,” says Ace. “That way, when people listen to the song, they can connect it to their own stories.”
Contributing to the P-pop movement
1st.ONE continues to push the boundaries of P-pop with their unique blend of nostalgia and modernity. “Wala Ng Iba” stands out not just for its catchy melody but for the group’s heartfelt approach to storytelling. “P-pop is growing, and we’re proud to be part of that,” says Ace. “Our goal is to bring something fresh to the table while staying true to who we are as artists.”
With its catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics and nostalgic yet fresh music video, “Wala Ng Iba” solidifies 1st.ONE’s place as one of the most exciting acts in the Filipino music scene.
