Original interview by The Juans
Translated to English for the general public by Black Cat
Original interview upload: April 28, 2021
KwentoJuan Episode 5 with SB19 KEN
Juan Carl: This is what I’m excited to talk about. Because most of those who know you, knew you when you were already famous.. like you were already on top. Me especially, when I encountered you, you were already.. you already went up. Because (sings SB19 “Go Up”) gotta go up. So, up. You were already up.
Juan RJ (interjects): That’s good. That was a good one.
Juan Carl: When I met you, you were already “up.” But not everyone knows the process you went through. And that’s something I’d like to talk about. What are your backstories? What made you decide to be part of SB19? What was your experience before you were able to “go up”? So let’s start with Ken. Pareng Ken (Pare = buddy).
Ken: I stopped.. I stopped studying at that time. When I stopped my studies, I told my parents that I was taking a break, and that I’d resume next year.
Then this opportunity came when Josh sent me a message. He asked, “Do you want me to recommend you to audition in our company?”
I was curious. I was like, what is this thing Josh is saying.. that there’s this group?
Then it happened. I passed. It turned into a virtual audition for me. I sent them a video, then they sent me a message. They said, “Are you okay going over here?”
But my problem then was, I really had no money. I had zero money.
That’s when I told my grandma. I said, “Lola, I might not continue with my studies yet.” She asked, “Why?” I said, “I auditioned, and I was accepted in a company.” She asked again, “Is that real? It could be a scam.” I told her, “If it’s a scam, then I’ll just return home.”
[Laughter]
Pablo (mimicking the scenario): “Right, it’s a scam.”
Ken: I said I’d just return home.
Then she said we really didn’t have money. So I said, “How about we borrow money from auntie?” I said let’s borrow just in the meantime.
It was really just my lola. I didn’t let everyone know because, of course, they didn’t know anything about it. They wouldn’t agree, right?
At that time, the one who handled my plane ticket was Josh. Josh was the one who took care of my plane ticket.
Juans: Josh is awesome!
Ken: The pocket money I had was ₱1,500. I only had ₱1,500. Personally, I was troubled, but then I managed to reach here (Metro Manila). Then I asked how to get to the studio. I took a taxi. How much was that? I think it was around ₱600.
Juan Chael: So you only had ₱900 left.
Ken: So what I went through was intense.
Thankfully, I have an aunt here in Manila. She lives here, so I stayed with them in the meantime. But I was ashamed, super self-conscious. I kept thinking I shouldn’t be a burden to them. So I would wake up at 5 a.m. to cook, wash the dishes, and clean. At least when they woke up, breakfast was ready, so they wouldn’t be annoyed with me. I didn’t want it to be difficult. They might kick me out. You’re living with us, charging your phone, using Wi-Fi, and you’re not paying anything.
I slept on the floor. I wasn’t really used to sleeping on a foam bed because I grew up on a farm. I’m from the farm, so I’m used to banig (a woven mat usually made from dried palm leaves). Are you familiar with banig?
Juans: Yes.
Ken: I lived simply. My family really knows how to play instruments. I got that from them.
So I thought, why not gamble on the audition, even if my lola was worried it was a scam. I said, “Let’s try. Let me audition, and let’s see if I get in.” Then I got in. They were happy with the results.
Even though there were a lot of struggles, many roadblocks, and many naysayers, I reached this point. And it’s fulfilling because I’m happy I’m with these guys (SB19), great individuals that I’m with now, and I’ve improved a lot. Have I really changed? It feels like a lot has changed. This is where I learned to figure myself out and accept myself, because of them.
Pablo – he’s the one who tells me to be proud. For example, about my voice, because I really hate my voice because it’s too deep. I can’t reach high ranges. He tells me, “You don’t need to reach high notes. What you need to do is use your skill – how you execute, how you sing in your own style.” That inspired me to be proud of what I have.
Juan Carl: Ken’s fight was intense. To reach your dreams, it’s not just about, “Are we going to make it?” It’s also about things like, “Where am I going to stay? How do I feed myself?”
Juan Chael: Even the basic needs.
Juan Carl: Yes.
Ken: Actually, at that time, I didn’t tell them (aunt and her family) that I was going to their house. I just showed up and knocked.
Juan Chael: Surprise!
Ken: She was surprised. She was like, “Hey, why are you here?” Then I told them everything. Because if I asked permission beforehand, they wouldn’t agree.
All: So you left them with no choice.
Juan Carl (enacting the scene): “Tita, I’m here. Do we have leftover rice?”
Ken: Of course, it would’ve been awkward if they left me to sleep outside.
Juan Chael: If we visit them, let’s just do that.
Juan RJ: Just show up and knock.
Juan Chael: Then there’s no one inside.
Juan Carl: And check what leftover food we can heat.
Juan Carl: It’s Zamboanga, Ken, right?
Ken: Yes, Zamboanga.
Juan Carl: From a farm in Zamboanga.
Ken: Our place doesn’t even have mobile coverage. There’s no network signal, no phone. It’s not common. I didn’t have a phone there.
Juan Carl: So a simple Juan who dreamed, and when an opportunity came, it wasn’t easy. But he pursued it, he fought for it, and now he’s here. Ken is one example: if Ken can do it, what more for you, especially if you live in Metro Manila or nearby and you’re losing hope. Take Ken’s life as an example. It’s very inspiring.