There is one force that continues to give us pride, new hope, and vibrant joy: SB19, the “Kings of P-Pop.” At a time when our people seem so divided, SB19 has the rare power to gather us, unite us, and remind us of who we are through their music.
SB19 is a Filipino group formed in 2018, composed of Pablo (their leader), Stell, Ken, Justin, and Josh. They are the first Southeast Asian act to be nominated at the Billboard Music Awards and the first from the region to break into the Top 10 of the Billboard Social 50. Their rise is not just a win for the band—it is a win for the entire Filipino nation.
I attended their Simula at Wakas World Tour concert here in Sydney on 06 December 2025, produced by AngeLiz Group of Liz Umali-Angeles and E-Talent International. They performed in Melbourne on 05 December and then flew to Sydney for a back-to-back concert the next day. Right after, they went straight to Taiwan for ACON 2025. Just imagining this schedule already shows how much energy, passion, and dedication they pour into their craft.
Seeing thousands of Filipinos—along with people from other cultures—attending the concert with so much excitement, I felt, like many others, an overwhelming sense of pride. They truly make us proud to be Filipino
Interestingly, I spoke to several Kababayan who came as families, and many shared that it was the parents who first became hooked on SB19. This only proves that the group’s appeal cuts across all ages—not just the young ones!
At the concert, I also met Heulupea’u Laume, a Tongan Pacific Islander and a certified A’TIN (“without 18, there is no 19; Sariling Atin”). She will be watching again in Auckland and looks forward to their homecoming concert in the Philippines. Laume is just one of the many non-Filipinos who genuinely love and support SB19. Their reach has truly gone beyond borders.
Simula (Beginning): A story of resilience
Filipinos deeply relate to the humble beginnings of SB19.
Their journey did not begin with fame, but with sacrifice. Five young dreamers—Pablo, Stell, Josh, Ken, and Justin—chose a path filled with uncertainty, training under a Korean-style system that demanded everything from them: time, money, comfort, and at times even hope. There were days they walked long distances to save fare, shared meals just to get by, and questioned whether their dreams were worth all the hardship. But whenever one felt like giving up, someone would always say, “We started this together, so we’ll rise together.”
In one interview, they said that in their early days, they would perform to as few as twenty people. But they were already happy—and despite the small audience, they gave their best.
Worse, during the beginning of their career, they were ridiculed and bullied online. Many dismissed their talent, and others mocked their physical appearances.
From mere dust to shining stars
Their turning point came with Go Up. Before it went viral, it was almost their final attempt—one last shot before disbanding. But destiny met hard work. Their dance practice video spread like wildfire, and suddenly, people understood what they had been fighting for all along: discipline, unity, passion, and heart.
From silence, they found their roar.
Step by step, SB19 broke barriers no Filipino group had ever crossed. They entered Billboard charts, performed on global stages, and won the hearts of A’TIN worldwide. But what inspires people the most is not just their success—it is their resilience. They proved that Filipino artists can dream fearlessly, work tirelessly, and shine on the world stage without changing who they are.
Their songs: Poetic, meaningful and timely
I find the lyrics of their songs truly meaningful and poetic. The way they play with words—GENTO, DUNGKA, DAM, SLMT, MAPA, to name a few—is captivating, almost magical. As a poet, I see their lyrics as works of serious writers and artists. Many lines contain layers of meaning, metaphors, and hidden messages.
For example:
MAPA – From Ma (Nanay) and Pa (Tatay), but also “mapa,” our Philippine map. It honours our parents and our Motherland—both anchors of our lives.
DUNGKA – From “Doon ka,” a message to those who dislike or undermine them. It also echoes “talangka,” calling out the crab mentality present in our society.
GENTO – From “ganito,” meaning “like this,” but also sounds like “ginto,” or gold. It symbolises their journey—refined by struggle, made valuable by hard work.
Because of this gift for creative writing, SB19 has crafted songs that are both entertaining and substantial—music with depth, identity, and purpose.
Wakas (Goal): National pride and global recognition
What matters most is their mission. Their ultimate goal is to inspire Filipinos, to make us proud, and to elevate our music and artistry on the global stage.
It warms our hearts every time they boldly declare, “We are from the Philippines,” especially in international events. In many ways, they are true ambassadors of Filipino culture and talent.
SB19’s journey reminds us that greatness is never built overnight. It is shaped through tears, courage, faith, and the determination to rise after every fall. Their story inspires millions: no matter where you start, with purpose, perseverance, and brotherhood, you can “go up” and create something extraordinary.
Like Pablo, Josh, Ken, Justin, and Stell—may we Filipinos never give up. May we find our purpose, follow our dreams, and always bring pride to our country.
Truly, SB19 is our Sariling Atin.
Tangkilikin natin ang Sariling Atin!
Be a certified A’TIN!
