Internationally, the track charted in other Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as other nations globally through Spotify Viral 50.

Inspired by different styles of alt-pop, R&B, and blues, Zack Tabudlo marked the release of his debut full-length studio and visual album, Episode, on October 15, 2021.

[6][7] The album and its tracks topped different charts on Spotify and was certified 2× Platinum by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry, led by the success of the singles "Habang Buhay" and "Binibini".

[2][6] Tabudlo clarified how the track differed from his previous music sonically, wanting a laid-back approach in its production while still providing soulful elements that complement his singing style.

[citation needed] Lyrically, Tabudlo defined how the track is about self-pity, heartbreak, and unrequited love, despite one's efforts.

"[11] In the verses of "Pano", Tabudlo compares himself to the Filipino derogatory terms "uto-uto", "marupok", and "alipin" to depreciate his own worth.

[17] For the pre-chorus, the lines "May nararamdaman din ako / Di kasi manhid na tulad mo" onwards is loudly sung higher than the first verse as a declaration of anguish and pain for an unrequited love.

[31] Nearly a year after its release, the song gained popularity in other Southeast Asian countries through its use in TikTok, drawing 100 million views on the platform.

"[10] Tabudlo added how the song's existence felt "nostalgic", citing the two years difference between its original release in 2021 and its peak internationally.

[15][32] The promotion was met with critical acclaim from the countries for its local accessibility, boosting both the Vietnamese and Thai versions of "Pano" to over 5 million views as of March 8, 2023.

[5][39] Advertised as the first part of a trilogy, it stars Kira Balinger as a frustrated painter coming from a breakup, along with Tabudlo as her friend who helps her move on despite his unrequited feelings for her.

[42] Tabudlo performed "Pano" on several shows in different Ayala Malls throughout March before embarking on a North American joint tour with December Avenue.

[59] After its popularity in TikTok, several international artists posted their covers of the track, helping to reinforce modern Filipino music to a worldwide audience.

[4] British Valorant gamer and Twitch streamer Boaster of Fnatic first sang a snippet of the song in October 2022 before releasing his full cover to his Twitter account on December 10.

[4][62] Thai-British actress Rebecca Patricia Armstrong from Gap: The Series initially covered the song on late December, performing it on her subsequent fan-meets and events.

[4][63] Miss Grand Thailand 2022 third runner-up Nesa Mahmoodi first sang the song on a TikTok Live on late December.

[64] Thai-Belgian singer Violette Wautier released an acoustic cover of the chorus of "Pano" to her TikTok page on January 31, 2023, reaching 2 million views as of March 2023.

[4][65] On June 24, 2022, GMA Network announced "Pano" as the official theme song for the television drama What We Could Be (2022), starring Miguel Tanfelix and Ysabel Ortega.

[66] Quantum Films uploaded a two-minute and 38 second-music video of "Pano" to promote the series featuring scenes of Tanfelix and Ortega on July 15, becoming a trending topic on Twitter.