In an exclusive interview with MEGA Entertainment, SB19’s very own Josh and Stell shared what fans should expect from the group in this new era, as well as their gratitude towards those who continue to believe in them
When SB19 emerged in the music scene, many had a preconceived notion of the boys guised as K-Pop idols from the Philippines. But four years on, their presence as today’s faces of P-Pop continues to inspire newcomers. The boys themselves have done solo work on the side, proving they can also showcase their individualities.
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A mature and braver SB19
After their Get in the Zone album, Pagsibol EP, and singles like “Ligaya,” “WYAT,” and “Nyebe,” the boys are set to show a different flavor via the upcoming PAGTATAG! EP. Josh and Stell even assured fans it’s a different SB19 sound. “We’ve learned so much in the past years,” Josh said. “From individual skills and talents and of course the vision, so we’re taking it to the next level and it would be a mature version of SB19 when it comes to music.”
“I guess hindi natin maalis na strong kasi ‘PAGTATAG,’” Stell, the group’s main vocalist, piped in. “Pero hindi lang ‘yung pagiging strong ni SB19 ‘yung makikita at maririnig, kung hindi buong transformation ni SB19. Dapat din nila i-expect from this EP is good music. PAGTATAG! is definitely a rollercoaster ride kasi this is different from our previous releases.”
An impact on Filipino identity and music
The group has never been shy about promoting OPM. With their songs “Bazinga,” “WYAT,” and “MAPA” played not just by Filipino fans, but also foreigners, their influence has become a ripple effect, encouraging more artists to pursue their dreams. It also shows how their sound has molded and expressed their experiences as Filipinos.
“It’s all about authenticity. You don’t need to limit your craft to something. There are no specific limitations para sa kahit anong gusto mong gawin,” Josh pointed out. “Ang daming pinakikitang OPM artists na sobrang ibang attack nila sa mga binibigay nilang sound.”
Additionally, Josh says that P-Pop groups and singers should not be boxed out regardless of sound, genre, or looks. “They are all Filipinos just trying to express their creativity and craft. So walang masama sa pag-try ng mga bago as long as authentic. It comes from you, it comes from so many experiences, and I think being a Filipino is naturally there.”
Stell also said they are happy that more Filipino artists are now inspired to try different things. “Napapansin ko ngayon na ang dami ng mga kabataan na tina-try nila ‘yung best nila na makapag-release ng something sa sarili nila like music,” he observed. “‘Yung mga simpleng bagay na pini-preach namin or [‘yung] iba nagiging big thing kasi sinuportahan ng [mga] tao.”
In past interviews, the group has expressed that one of their main goals is to put the Philippines on the map, and judging from the rise of P-Pop music, foreigners have started to notice. Many of them fly to SB19’s concerts, and some have even started coming to the Philippines to get to know more about other P-Pop groups.
Thank you for the music
Having gone through their own struggles, the boys would not be here if it weren’t for A’TIN. And although they’ve received tons of thank you’s and messages of support, they still do get overwhelmed when they receive messages that their songs are being studied, sung in schools and events, or simply saving a person’s life when at their lowest point.
“Nakakatuwa kasi nakakapagbigay na kami ng inspiration, [and] at the same time, na-iinspire kami whenever they [thank us for our music],” Josh muses. Meanwhile, Stell said that the group will forever be grateful for the people who believe in them.
“Sa mga taong nagsasabi na na-save namin sila, maraming salamat din kasi sila rin ang nag-save sa amin nu’ng time na muntik na kaming bumitaw. Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi kami nakakagawa ng music namin hanggang ngayon.”
Looking at the boys’ hunger, it’s very clear they still have a lot to show to people not just in the Philippines, but also worldwide. P-Pop definitely continues to rise thanks to their leadership.
Text ALEXA VILLANO
Photography RENZO NAVARRO
Creative Direction JONES PALTENG
Fashion Direction RYUJI SHIOMITSU
Beauty Direction MIA CASTRO
Styling RAIN DAGALA and EM MILAN, assited by RIOLIZA CAMANTIGUE, ELAINE VILLAPANDO, and JAY ANNE AGUIRRE of TEAM RAINxEM
Makeup OWEN SARMIENTO
Hair MARK FAMILARA
Fashion Assistant BITHIA REYES
Videography KIERAN PUNAY
Video Production AUDREY SISON
