Word by: Giorgia Ocampo Danga/ Photos by: Paolo Pareno
Andito na si Gloc-9, wala siyang apelyido~
Actually, he does. It’s Pollisco. Aristotle Pollisco, more commonly known as Gloc-9, is a true blacksmith of words and letters. His rapping prowess is undoubtedly unparalleled. What truly captures the hearts of millions of his listeners, though, is how he bravely tackles issues in society through his unique way of storytelling. Indeed, he has become a true icon of nationalism and Filipino pride.
Gloc-9 has been very vocal about looking up to the King of Rap, Francis Magalona; even calling himself the “Alalay ng hari”. When asked how he differentiates from his idol, he shares being a product of Francis M.’s music is already a big difference. “Tingin ko kasi there’s no such thing as ‘the next’, lagi namang nag-iisa. Hindi kasi pwedeng maging magkapareho ang idolo sa umiidolo.”
Gloc-9 discovered his love for rapping when he first heard Dr. Dre’s album “The Chronic”. For him, rapping is both a talent and a skill. “I think hindi rin enough na may talent ka; kailangan mo parin i-improve yung skill mo.”
When asked who he sees as the “alalay ng alalay ng hari”, Gloc-9 was quick to answer. “So far, si Shanti eh. Pero hindi ko siya pwedeng tawaging heir kasi I think na mas mabuting hayaan ko na gumawa ng sariling marka yung bata, and ginagawa niya na sa napakaiksing panahon. Sobrang proud lang kami sa kanya.”
This blacksmith of words and letters has written so many songs for the past two decades in the industry. “Yung mga songs kasi parang mga anak din yan eh. Sabi ni Sir Kiks “kung sino yung bunso, kung sino yung huli, ‘yon yung favorite”. His current favorite is a song he’s made with rapper Al James entitled “Lagi”.
Not many people know this, but after a few years in the entertainment industry, Gloc returned to school and finished his bachelor’s degree in Nursing in 2010. “Hindi pa ako licensed nurse, mabuti na lang. Siguro gusto ko rin naman ipagpatuloy yung pinag-aralan ko na ‘yan, pero sa tamang panahon siguro. His album “Matrikula” was heavily inspired by and was written when he was on duty in public hospitals.
From where he’s from, he has seen and heard different stories from different people. He uses these to write his lyrics. Also, he finds himself to be a natural storyteller. “Ako rin ay natural na chismoso kaya ako’y nakakapagkwento. Mahilig ako mag-kwento ng mga buhay. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet people na may interesting na mga kwento sa buhay. Yun lang yung mga ginamit ko.”
Gloc-9 says he thinks empathy is the best possible gift a writer can possess. “Kung meron man ako sigurong regalo na nakuha, ako ay mahilig mag-empathize sa ibang tao, and I think empathy is the best possible characteristic na pwedeng makuha ng isang writer.”
His message to the Filipinos on Independence day? “For me, ang Independence Day ay tungkol sa pagiging malaya. Sana kung meron man tayong iisipin palagi, eh tayo ay dapat na maging malaya para habulin kung sino tayo sa ating mga panaginip.”
Thank you for reminding us of why we are proud to be Filipinos, Gloc-9. Mabuhay ka!
