Who is ‘Hari ng Sablay’? Ebe Dancel tells story behind 6 of his most iconic songs

Do you still know the words to old Sugarfree songs like “Burnout” and “Hari ng Sablay”?

Ebe Dancel is responsible for many songs that have become OPM anthems of our heartbreaks and happy moments in love.

Making us feel a little bit senti, the former Sugarfree frontman revealed some stories behind some of his most iconic songs during an interview on “Quarantined with Howie Severino.”

1. “Hari ng Sablay”

Despite its fun, Pinoy vibe, the song with lyrics like “Isang tama sampung mali, ganyan ako pumili” cuts deep.

According to Ebe, he was actually “making fun” of himself when he wrote it.

“How it became such a big hit is both a blessing and parang kamot-ulo moment for me kasi pinagtawanan ko ’yong sarili ko tapos nakilala ako ng ... For a time, tinatawag ako ng mga tao na Hari ng Sablay. So hindi masyadong masayang pakinggan,” he said.

2. “Prom”

Ebe said this song is a nod to an episode of a TV show that didn’t end so well.

“It's a really old TV show. Tungkol sa porma, tapos kung paano ’yong pagkakaintindi ko, hindi nagkatuluyan ’yong dalawa, eh. So sa ‘Prom,’ sa kanta ko, nagkatuluyan sila. May happy ending.”

3. “Bawat Daan”

This song was especially written for the musical “Sa Wakas,” which is based on Sugarfree songs.

In a previous interview, Ebe said it took him much longer to write “Bawat Daan” compared with his other compositions.

4. “Burnout”

This song is about a relationship losing its flame and the agony of trying to make it work.

“Marami na kasi akong relationships na pinagdaanan. Hindi necessarily romantic. You know na, at some point, talaga parang minsan it’s familiarity builds contempt, I guess,” Ebe said.

“We're all unique. Magkakaiba tayo ng personalidad, magkakaiba tayo ng preferences. So hindi maiiwasan ’yong conflict so thus ‘Burnout’ kasi may sense of pagod. Pero kung papakinggan n’yo ’yong chorus, ‘Tinatawag kita, sinusuyo kita, ’di mo man marinig, ’di mo man madama. Oh, kay tagal din kitang mamahalin.’ So it’s really at the end of the day trying to make things work. I think that’s what the song all about. Kasi 1999 ko pa sinulat ’yan eh. Medyo matagal na.”

5.  “Paalam Kahapon”

It’s been nine years since Ebe left Sugarfree, and this song was his “apology” to their fans.

“’Yon ’yong apology ko letter ko sa fans ng Sugarfree noong umalis ako ng banda kasi may mga sumama ang loob sa akin. Pakiramdam nila pinatay ko ang banda pero kailangan ko ipaintindi sa kanila na wala akong lugar doon sa mundong ’yon so we all have to move on nga.”

6. “Hanggang Kailan Kita Mahihintay”

Speaking of moving on, this track talks about stopping the whole world just to wait for one person.

These powerful lyrics about love and relationships popped into Ebe’s head while he was trying to install a software on his computer.

“Nag-simula akong alas siete ng gabi at natapos ng alas siete ng (umaga). As in ang bagal. Kailangan ng internet connection para ma-install ’yong software. ’Yon talaga ’yon. At some point , tinanong ko talaga ’yong computer, ‘hanggang kailan ba kita mahihintay?’” he said. – RC, GMA News