September 24, 2025

SB19 vs Corruption: From Stage to Streets

SB19 may be known worldwide for their music and artistry, but in September 2025, they showed another side of themselves—fearless voices against corruption. Through performances, posts, and powerful words, the group stood with Filipinos demanding accountability from those in power.

The Issue: Why People Are Protesting

September 2025 saw massive protests like the Trillion Peso March and Baha sa Luneta rallies, triggered by public outrage over alleged corruption in flood-control projects and other government spending. Billions of pesos were reportedly misused while citizens continued to suffer from devastating floods. For many, it was the last straw—and the streets filled with people demanding justice.

September 20: Kapangyarihan

SB19’s collaboration with Ben&Ben, “Kapangyarihan”, became an anthem of the protests. SB19 are in Japan for their Simula at Wakas Tour, but their official social media accounts shared the track as a symbol of support.

Josh posted a video of himself and Pablo singing the song. They shocked fans when they changed a line in the chorus of Kapangyarihan. Instead of the original “Sino ba kayo?” (“Who are you?”), Josh sings “Mga P******** n’yo.” (an expletive hurled as a sign of frustration or anger), with the caption:

“Ninanakawan niyo kami tapos gusto magpigil at maging mabait pa rin?”

VIDEO FROM JOSH CULLEN FB PAGE

It wasn’t just a post or performance—it was protest. No sugarcoating, no polite metaphors. Just raw frustration shared by millions of Filipinos.

At the same time, Stell balanced the fire with compassion. He tweeted:

Together, their messages showed SB19’s dual strength: fierce honesty and genuine care.

September 21: Josh Fires Back

Many praised their courage, but some criticized the group for being “too political.” Unlike in previous controversies, SB19’s Kuya did not stay silent. When critics dismissed his post, mocking him as “lasing” or “sabog,” Josh clapped back with a line that quickly went viral:

“Sa mga nag ccomment na ‘Lasing’? ‘Sabog’? Baka kayo ‘yon.  Tulog ba kayo nitong mga nakaraang linggo? Kung wala kang context, huwag na makisali.

Minsan lang kami magsalita. Pigil pa nga.

Weird niyo. Nasa Pinas na issue dinadala niyo pa rin sa inyo

Don’t mock people who actually care about what’s happening in our country.”

“Apologies if my millions in taxes and one curse word ruined your day. I’ll try to be happier while being robbed.”

This direct clapback became widely shared, reflecting a stronger and more outspoken stance from the group.

September 24: Kapangyarihan in Japan

Just three days later, SB19 took the fight to the stage. During their Simula at Wakas concert in Japan on September 24, 2025, they performed Kapangyarihan for thousands of A’TIN in Tokyo. While the crowd roared, it was clear the performance wasn’t just for entertainment—it was a show of solidarity with Filipinos protesting back home.

Even from abroad, SB19 made sure their voices echoed alongside the people’s.

Why It Matters

SB19 didn’t have to do this. Most idols stay silent on politics to avoid controversy. But instead, they chose to use their platform—and risk backlash—to amplify the frustrations of ordinary Filipinos.

Kapangyarihan is no longer just a song. It’s a protest anthem. It’s the sound of rage, solidarity, and hope. And SB19, whether performing onstage or speaking online, have proven they’re not afraid to stand on the frontlines of that fight.

💥 Music turned into a battle cry. Idols turned into advocates. And a fandom reminded that their heroes are fighting with them, not just for them.

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September 22, 2025

A’TIN vs BLOOM — The Real Losers

Let’s be honest: the endless fanwars between A’TIN (SB19) and BLOOM (BINI) are draining. Every chart update, every award, every concert — somehow it turns into a fight. “My faves > your faves” on repeat. But in this back-and-forth, none of us are really winning. Not SB19. Not BINI. Not even us as fans. The one taking the biggest hit? P-pop as a whole.

When we fight, our artists pay the price

The sad part is, our idols aren’t even fighting. They respect and support each other. They collaborate when given the chance. They’re already doing their part in uplifting P-pop.

So do we really think SB19 or BINI are happy watching their fans go at each other online? Fanwars don’t sell tickets or boost streams. They don’t land brand deals or open doors internationally. What they do is shift the spotlight away from the music — and sometimes drag the artists into messes they never asked for. That’s not support — it’s just noise. It’s sabotage.

Fanwars don’t sell tickets or boost streams. They don’t land brand deals or open doors internationally. What they do is shift the spotlight away from the music — and sometimes drag the artists into messes they never asked for. That’s not support — it’s just noise. It’s sabotage.

The fandom losses we don’t talk about

Here’s what we lose every time we fight:

  • Reputation. Screenshots travel fast, and outsiders only see toxicity.
  • Community. Instead of feeling like family, we end up split into cliques.
  • Momentum. Hours spent arguing could’ve been hours streaming, trending, or creating projects that actually lift our idols.

If we want P-pop to grow, we need to show the whole industry

Promoting an industry isn’t about spotlighting just one group. We don’t sell Filipino food by serving only adobo. We serve the whole buffet — lumpia, sinigang, sisig, lechon, pancit, halo-halo — and let people discover what they love. Same with tourism: no one can say they’ve “seen the Philippines” by just visiting Boracay. We show Palawan, Bohol, Banaue, Intramuros, BGC — the full picture from Abra to Zamboanga.

P-pop works the same way. SB19 and BINI are leading right now, yes. But the movement gets stronger when A’TIN recommends BINI, when BLOOMs check out SB19, and when all of us support BGYO, Alamat, G22, KAIA, and all the other groups. That’s growing together.

What winning really looks like

The real flex isn’t dragging another fandom — it’s expanding our own. We can trend hashtags that get our faves noticed, not ones that tear others down. We can put our energy into projects, streaming, and creative content. That’s how we win.

Stop the fanwars. Support P-pop as a whole

A’TIN vs BLOOM is an old script. And every time it plays out, our artists, our fandoms, and P-pop’s global reputation all take the hit. If we truly care about our idols, let’s lift them up by lifting the scene as a whole. Because when fanwars overshadow the music, we all lose.

When fanwars overshadow the music, we all lose.

The real victory is quieter: more Filipino music heard, more P-pop artists recognized globally, healthier communities, and an industry that people outside the bubble will want to invest in.

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September 18, 2025

A’TIN Isn’t Perfect: 6 Red Flags We Need to Talk About

As far as dedication goes, A’TIN takes the crown, the sash, and probably the buffet table too when it comes to being invested in SB19. They live up to the name—always present, always involved, always ready to analyze SB19’s (including 1Z Entertainment) every blink.

But let’s be real: no fandom is perfect. I’m a massive SB19 fan, but I don’t exactly call myself A’TIN. Why? Because I don’t like labelling myself (but that’s beside the point) and from the outside looking in, I see some fandom habits that make me go: “Hmm… maybe I’ll just watch quietly from over here.”

So let’s laugh at ourselves a little, shall we?

1. Toxic Fandom Wars

I do believe that most A’TINs are mature enough to stay out of petty fights. But on social media, there are those who have made “defending SB19” their entire content and personality. Whole accounts exist just to reply to every negative comment. While this likely comes from admiration and a protective instinct, the truth is: it accomplishes nothing.

It doesn’t represent SB19 or A’TIN in the best light—it just adds fuel to the fire. SB19 themselves have always risen above negativity without saying much. SB19 already gave us Bazinga and Dungka! as the ultimate clapbacks. Use those like Pokémon cards and move on. Answering every troll only dignifies them. The other fandom started the war? Well, you have the power to end it. Get a life, choose your battles – not all battles are worth fighting for. 

2. Toxic shipping

At first, shipping was fun and lighthearted—edits like Stelljun/PabStell or KenTELL gave fans kilig. It was entertaining, harmless, and sometimes even heartwarming. But somewhere along the way, it crossed the line into toxic. What bothers me are the edits taken completely out of context just to fit a delulu narrative.

A clip of Pablo and Stell joking around? That’s genuine friendship and makes my heart warm. Ken calling Stell “the sunshine behind dark clouds”? Beautiful. Josh being an affectionate kuya to Justin while Justin roasts him for his age or height? Hilarious and wholesome.

What’s not amazing? Two-second clips getting stretched into a full-blown BL-drama plot.

Let me give you an example, during the Hong Kong SAW tour, KenTin shippers circulated a clip of Justin and Ken standing side by side, smiling and talking. Narrative: “They have their own world. Ken looks at Jah differently. They only see each other. They are soulmates!” Boom—instant BL drama.

Then came the Kentell edit, just a few seconds later: Ken moves across the stage to stand next to Stell. Narrative: “Ken has to be with his meowoo. He wants to hold Stell’s hand when they take the bow. They belong together. Always.”

Different scene, different ship, same formula—another full-blown delulu BL drama unlocked.

But if you actually watch the full video, reality looks a lot less like a Wattpad fanfic. All five members were smiling, laughing, and thanking fans. Ken and Justin just happened to be beside each other—no secret coded message there. As for Ken moving across the line? He’d taken a marker from a fan during autograph signing and probably just went over to return it. Nothing more, nothing less.

These are normal, everyday interactions that get clipped, edited, and magnified into something they’re not—all to fit a narrative. Editing moments out of context to “prove” relationships is like cutting a Marvel movie into ten TikToks and declaring Iron Man is secretly Thor’s boyfriend. Funny? To some. True? Absolutely not.

And here’s the sad part: from what I’ve observed (and yes, this is an assumption), the members have toned down their natural interactions because of it. Where we once saw wholesome hugs, hand-holding, and spontaneous “I love yous,” now we get a colder, more restrained SB19. They know how intense the shipping can get, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they decided as a group to be more careful on camera. That’s why the hearts and flowers we used to see in TikTok lives have basically disappeared, and why hugs or affectionate moments are rare and far between now.

Why? Because the fandom made it weird.

So yes—toxic shipping ruined cuddly SB19 for all of us. Thanks for that.

Here’s one of my favorite sweet SB19 posts – a reminder of more carefree times. Shippers could edit them into micro moments of  KenTell, Pabstell, JoshTell “bromance” and some people will enjoy it, but I prefer the whole video because it shows the crazy, naughty, unedited SB19 that we all love. 

3. Veteran Fans vs. New Fans

Not many but I’ve heard about long-term A’TINs who like to  flex how they have been with SB19 from the beginning and like to consider themselves the real fans and consider the new A’TINs casuals who are here now because the group had became famous.

Reality check: both veteran and new fans matter. The early A’TIN carried SB19 when no one knew them, when they were performing in half-empty malls, and when “Go Up” barely got views. That loyalty is priceless and will always be the foundation of this fandom. But equally, new fans are the reason SB19 went from “underrated P-pop pioneers” to “global act.” You don’t fill arenas, win international awards, and dominate charts without growth.

Instead of gatekeeping, maybe take pride in the fact that the group you’ve supported since the beginning is finally getting the recognition they deserve. Every fan—whether they joined during “Go Up,” “What?,” “WYAT,” or “GENTO”—is part of the story. If SB19 themselves welcome new A’TIN with open arms, why should anyone else act like a bouncer at the fandom gate?

Veteran fans built the foundation. New fans built the skyscraper. Both are essential.

4. Helicopter Fans

Some A’TINs take the “atin” (ours) part way too literally—getting overly involved in the members’ personal lives. They analyze every silence, every sideways glance, every sneeze.

Case in point: a clip of Stell and Pablo sitting quietly before what looked like a presscon in Singapore spiraled into a fandom meltdown. “Are they fighting? Is Stelljun/PabStell over? They’ve changed—we miss the old days! This hurts, I wanna cry!”

TRUTH IS, this was just two members sitting still for a moment. Pablo was next to Josh, and they weren’t chatting either. Same with Stell and Ken. Watching the full interview, you can see Pablo and Stell exchanging glances and interacting here and there. In fact, the whole group looked a bit more serious that day, which matched the tone of some of the questions being asked. If anything, they all just seemed tired and not interacting with each other much —understandable after nonstop rehearsals and touring.

Back to my point, sometimes friends just sit. In silence. No drama. No hidden meaning. Sometimes quiet simply equals comfort. They’ve been rehearsing together nonstop and touring for months—of course there will be moments where they sit in peace without talking. Maybe they are just tired or lost in their own thoughts. It happens.

They don’t owe us constant giggles. Sometimes silence is just… silence. The “honmon” will survive two minutes of quiet. Relax.

Even if they do have minor misunderstandings, that’s normal too. Friends fight over mists sometimes. Friends say no to hangouts. Friends get busy and forget to text back. It doesn’t mean the friendship is doomed.

SB19 are human, and they don’t owe us constant explanations or performative closeness. Pablo has said it best: before everything else, they are friends. And friends figure things out. So let them breathe. Give them space to just be human.

5. The Double Standards Stell Faces

This one really frustrates me. The members have often described Stell as the sunshine, the happy pill of the group and it’s easy to see why. But not everyone appreciates that. Some fans have accused him of “stealing attention” for taking the lead most of the time during events and Show Breaks. What people do not seem to understand is that, the members themselves need Stell to be that person for the group because he is naturally good at it and they are proud to be represented by the witty and humurous Stell.

On the other side of the coin, the fandom has become so used to sunshine Stell and expects it all the time. When Stell is being quiet, people claim he has changed and worse, he is having a beef with someone else.

But Stell is human. He has off days. Maybe he wasn’t feeling well while filming that episode of Show Break. Or maybe a three-minute clip (taken from a two-hour concert) of him not talking much doesn’t paint the whole picture.

Fans easily forgive Pablo, Josh, or Justin when they’re quiet, because “they’re introverts.” They celebrate when Ken is being cheerful, and forgive the fact that 80% of the time, he has his hoodie and/or cap on, looks like he was forced to be there, and just want to fade into the background.

But when Stell isn’t bouncing, suddenly it’s a problem?

Stell is not the fandom’s clown. He deserves the same respect and grace we give the others. Even sunshine has cloudy days—so let him be human.

Stell is not the fandom’s clown. He deserves the same respect and grace we give the others. Even sunshine has cloudy days—so let him be human.

6. OT1 Shenanigans

Bias culture? Normal. Bias-wreckers? Also normal. But bias-wrecking to the point of hating the other members? Dungka!

I wasn’t sure about including this one because some A’TINs don’t even consider OT1s as real A’TINs. If that’s the case, then why call themselves OT1s at all? Why not just say they’re fans of the artist (solo)?

From the looks of it, many of them want to elevate their chosen bias within the SB19 context. The negativity comes from comparing how members are perceived to be treated or highlighted in group activities. It’s not that these fans dislike SB19; they just want a version of the group where their bias gets more attention. But the truth is, if you ask the boys themselves, they’re happy and comfortable being part of SB19. They understand their roles in the group and trust each other to fulfill them. Do the OT1s want their bias to suddenly be the leader? More importantly—does he even want that? Do they want their bias to replace Stell as the spokesperson? And honestly—can their bias even do it? The hate doesn’t make sense.

Their solo careers allow them to explore their creativity and do things they can’t always do within the group,if you want to stan them as individuals, do it in their solo career context. If any of them think that SB19 is holding them back, they could have walked away. But they always go back to SB19.

SB19 isn’t just a stepping stone, it’s their home—a place of safety, comfort, and strength that they will always prioritize above all else. Group > solo, that’s coming from the members themselves. 

One of the best things about SB19 is how they treat each other as true equals. They respect and value each other’s talents and contributions. They take turns opening songs and sharing choruses, with every choice made to highlight each member’s strengths. The lines aren’t always perfectly divided, but they understand the power of restraint—like Ken’s parts in Time. Because he isn’t heard much throughout the song, the moment his voice comes in, the impact is unforgettable.

As Pablo has said, none of them would be here without SB19. Yes, we can love their solo projects and stan one more than the others, but let’s not forget: they’re stronger together. We love Felip because we first knew Ken, we fully appreciate Pablo’s genius because the others had brought his songs to life, Stell found confidence through the group, and Josh and Justin chose music because of SB19.

Support your bias, but remember— if you hurt one of them, you are hurting all five of them – because they are not just a P-Pop group – they are friends, brothers who have always felt and shared each other’s pain.

PHOTO: MEGA ASIA

Final Thoughts

A’TIN is incredible—your love and support are the reason SB19 has reached these heights. But sometimes that love spirals into… well, full-blown BL-drama energy.

As for toxic fandom wars, STOP. Take a breath, close the app, and just enjoy the music. SB19 has already proven they can rise above the noise; maybe it’s time A’TIN learned how to do the same.

Have the members changed? Are they not that close anymore? Personally, I think they’re as close as ever—off camera. You don’t throw away a bond like that. Their podcasts and Show Break give us glimpses of it (minus the hugs and hand-holding… well, less of it). But they’ve had to adjust—for the fandom’s sake. Because we, the delulus, apparently can’t handle a few seconds of natural closeness without spinning it into a 16-episode BL arc. Maybe the boys are just protecting our fragile hearts (and collective sanity).

At the end of the day, we love them because they’re genuine and human. And if Queen taught us anything, it’s that too much love will kill you—or at least kill the fun. So let’s not smother SB19 with our over-analysis. Let’s just let them breathe, live, and be themselves. No scripts, no overthinking, no constant surveillance, no assumptions, no judgments, no edits, no delulu agenda. Just SB19, being SB19.

So let’s not smother SB19 with our over-analysis. Let’s just let them breathe, live, and be themselves. No scripts, no overthinking, no constant surveillance, no assumptions, no judgments, no edits, no delulu agenda. Just SB19, being SB19.

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September 18, 2025

SB19 and A’TIN’s Triple Crown: 2023 to 2025 Billboard Fan Army Face-Off

Whoever said lightning never strikes the same place twice clearly hasn’t met SB19 and their ever-fearless fandom, A’TIN. For the third year in a row, these P-pop trailblazers and their fans have stormed Billboard’s Fan Army Face-Off like it’s just another item on the to-do list—right after streaming “Gento” on loop and converting new listeners on Twitter. Beating out some of the world’s biggest fandoms (sorry, Selena’s Selenators, maybe next year), A’TIN proved once again that when it comes to dedication, Filipino fans don’t just show up—they show up with receipts, Wi-Fi boosters, and enough voting power to light up the entire archipelago.

SB19’s streak isn’t just a win; it’s a history-making reminder that the P-pop kings and their fandom are rewriting the rulebook—one Billboard triumph at a time.

PHOTO CREDIT: AAA Organizing Committee

SB19’s streak isn’t just a win; it’s a history-making reminder that the P-pop kings and their fandom are rewriting the rulebook—one Billboard triumph at a time.

Three Years, Three Crowns

Let’s rewind for a moment. In 2023, A’TIN pulled off a nail-biter, edging out SEVENTEEN’s CARATs with just over 51% of the votes. The following year, they returned with even more firepower, toppling Rihanna’s Navy at 56%. By 2025, it wasn’t even close—A’TIN bulldozed through round after round, taking down Ariana Grande’s fans with an almost comical 88.6% landslide before clinching the finals against Selena Gomez’s fandom with a decisive 60.1%.

At this point, you’d think A’TIN were training for the Olympics of clicking “Vote” instead of a music fan poll. But here we are—three straight Billboard Fan Army Face-Off wins.

A Historic Club of Two

SB19 and A’TIN now stand in rare company. Before them, only one other fandom—T-ara’s Queens—had ever pulled off the coveted three-peat, back in 2015 to 2017. That means A’TIN didn’t just win; they entered an exclusive club of consistency, loyalty, and sheer online stamina. If trophies were awarded for Wi-Fi endurance, A’TIN would have a cabinet full by now.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about bragging rights (though let’s be honest, the bragging rights are delicious). It’s about what SB19 and A’TIN represent: P-pop proving it can go toe-to-toe with the world’s biggest fandoms and come out on top. Each win is a signal flare to the global music industry—Filipino artists aren’t just participating; they’re dominating.

And it’s funny, too. Because for A’TIN, it’s not enough to say “We support SB19.” No, they will literally organize digital campaigns like military operations, fuel entire Twitter threads with motivational hashtags, and somehow make voting feel like a patriotic duty. If that’s not next-level fandom dedication, what is?

The Takeawy?

SB19 isn’t just making music; they’re making history. And A’TIN isn’t just a fandom; they’re a movement armed with routers, passion, and maybe a few too many cups of coffee. Three wins down, and if history tells us anything, the lightning storm is far from over.

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September 17, 2025

SB19 to Perform at the Asia Artist Awards 2025 in Taiwan

SB19 are set to light up the international stage once again as they have officially been booked to perform at the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2025. The highly anticipated event will be held on December 7, 2025, at the Kaohsiung National Stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, marking the award show’s 10th anniversary celebration.

PHOTO CREDIT: AAA Organizing Committee

A Milestone Performance

This year’s AAA promises to be one of the grandest yet, marking a decade of honoring Asia’s brightest stars. SB19 will take part in the ACON Fest segment of the ceremony, performing alongside big names like NEXZ, xikers, CRAVITY, KiiiKiii, and KickFlip.

It won’t be the group’s first time on the AAA stage. Back in 2023, when the event was held in Bulacan, Philippines, SB19 delivered a powerful performance and brought home awards including the AAA Hot Trend Award and AAA Best Artist (Singer).

In the Midst of a World Tour

The announcement comes while SB19 is busy with their Simula at Wakas World Tour, which continues to showcase their music to fans around the globe. Their participation in AAA 2025 only strengthens their foothold as a global P-pop act representing Filipino talent on an international platform.

PHOTO CREDIT: SB19 FACEBOOK PAGE

Nominated for AAA 2025 Popularity Award

In addition to their scheduled performance, SB19 has also been nominated for the AAA 2025 Popularity Award (Boy Group)—a recognition driven by fan votes. A’TINs will play a vital role in helping the group secure the title through the following voting schedule:

📌 Voting Schedule

  • Early Voting: STARPOLL (Sept. 9–18)

  • Preliminary Round: Idol Champ (Sept. 24–Oct. 13)

  • Final Round: Idol Champ (Oct. 16–Nov. 5)

This nomination highlights SB19’s strong influence and dedicated fanbase across Asia.

A Win for P-Pop Representation

For A’TINs and P-pop supporters, SB19’s participation at AAA 2025 is more than just another performance—it’s a celebration of Filipino talent being recognized on the global stage. With their world-class artistry and unwavering passion, the group continues to push boundaries and inspire pride back home.

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September 8, 2025

SB19’s “Simula at Wakas” (SAW) World Tour

The “Simula at Wakas” World Tour—commonly referred to as the SAW Tour—is SB19’s third world tour, launched in support of their third EP Simula at Wakas (which translates to Beginning and End). The shows are directed by Paolo Valenciano, one of the Philippines’ most prominent concert directors, ensuring a world-class production that blends storytelling, stagecraft, and SB19’s signature artistry.

This tour underscores SB19’s rise in the global music scene, giving A’TIN worldwide the chance to experience their artistry live on stage.

Launch Date & Major Milestones

  • Kickoff: The tour officially began on May 31, 2025, with a historic performance at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
  • Second Night Added: A second date (June 1) was added after the first sold out in less than seven hours.
  • Historic Feat: SB19 became the first Filipino act to sell out two consecutive shows at the Philippine Arena, with a combined attendance of around 110,000 fans.

PHOTO FROM MSN.COM

Tour Stops: Finished & Upcoming Shows

Completed Shows (Sold Out):

  • Philippines (Bulacan) – May 31 & June 1, 2025
  • Taipei, Taiwan – June 29, 2025
  • San Francisco, USA – July 11, 2025
  • Los Angeles, USA – July 13, 2025
  • Toronto, Canada – July 18, 2025
  • Calgary, Canada – July 20, 2025
  • Vancouver, Canada – July 26, 2025
  • Temecula, USA – July 27, 2025
  • Honolulu, Hawaii – August 1, 2025
  • Singapore – August 24, 2025
  • Hong Kong – September 13 & 14, 2025
  • Tokyo, Japan – September 24, 2025

Upcoming Shows:

  • Dubai – October 11, 2025
  • Doha – October 17, 2025
  • Riyadh – TBA
  • Jeddah – TBA
  • Bangkok – November 2, 2025
  • Australia:
    • Melbourne – December 5, 2025
    • Sydney  – December 6, 2025
    • Perth – December 14, 2025

Rumored:

  • A possible European leg has been circulating among fans, though nothing has been officially confirmed.

Trivia & Highlights

  • Trailblazers at the Arena: SB19 broke records previously held by Coldplay, cementing their status as global trailblazers from the Philippines.
  • EP & Tour Synergy: Their EP Simula at Wakas (released April 25, 2025) is the heart of the tour. Its lead single “Dam” played a huge role in the tour’s hype.
  • Special Guest Moments: At the Singapore stop, Benjamin Kheng performed “I Want You” with SB19, while Aruma joined for a Bahasa Indonesia version of “Mapa.”
  • Setlist Energy: Songs like “What?”, “Mana,” “Gento,” “Dungka!”, “Mapa,” and “Dam” kept audiences on their feet with a mix of powerhouse choreography and emotional resonance.

PHOTO FROM PHILIPPINE-EMBASSY.ORG

Final Thoughts

SB19’s Simula at Wakas World Tour is more than a concert series—it’s a landmark for P-pop. With record-breaking shows, international acclaim, and Paolo Valenciano’s masterful direction, the tour highlights the group’s artistry and resilience. Fans worldwide are not just watching a concert; they’re witnessing history in the making.

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September 8, 2025

The Sound of P-Pop: Taglish, Filipino, and Beyond

One of the things about P-Pop that fascinated international fans isn’t just the polished choreography or the catchy beats—it’s the way language lives in the music. P-Pop songs can be in Filipino, English, Taglish, or even regional languages, reflecting the Philippines’ incredible diversity. For international fans, it sounds playful and dynamic. For Filipinos, it simply feels authentic.

Taglish: More Than Just a Trend

Taglish—the fluid switching between Tagalog and English—is one of the most recognizable features of P-Pop lyrics. Some might assume it’s just a marketing tactic to sound modern or global, but the reality is far more organic.

In the Philippines, Taglish is everyday life. Friends casually mix English and Tagalog in conversation: “Wait lang, I’ll call you later” or “Grabe, that’s so traffic kanina.” It’s how Filipinos text, chat, and talk in classrooms, offices, and online spaces. Instead of being forced, it’s an instinctive rhythm of communication that reflects a bilingual society.

When P-Pop groups like SB19 or BGYO weave Taglish into their songs, it doesn’t feel like a gimmick—it feels like a mirror. Take SB19’s “Gento”, where punchy Tagalog phrases sit naturally alongside English expressions, creating a flow that fans immediately recognize from daily speech. This blending resonates deeply with local listeners because it feels authentic, relatable, and unpretentious.

For global audiences, Taglish adds a unique charm. The switch between languages creates texture, a kind of linguistic remix that stands out in the broader pop scene. Just as K-Pop sometimes mixes Korean with English, P-Pop’s Taglish is both a cultural marker and an artistic choice—but here, it’s also a reflection of how Filipinos truly speak.

In short, Taglish in P-Pop isn’t about trying to be trendy—it’s about being real. It captures the dual identity of Filipinos: rooted in local culture yet open to global influence.

In the Philippines, Taglish is everyday life. It’s how Filipinos text, chat, and talk in classrooms, offices, and online spaces. Instead of being forced, it’s an instinctive rhythm of communication that reflects a bilingual society.

Filipino: The Heartbeat of P-Pop

Filipino lyrics ground P-Pop in national identity. Groups like BINI use Filipino to emphasize emotion and storytelling, while others tap into the language to spark pride.

Take SB19’s “What?”—an anthem of self-identity and resilience. It uses Filipino not only as lyrics but as a statement: P-Pop isn’t trying to erase its roots, it’s elevating them.

English: The Global Bridge

English has always been part of the Filipino music scene, and in P-Pop it helps songs reach an international audience. Entire tracks like BGYO’s “The Light” use English to connect globally, but it’s often mixed with Filipino or Taglish to retain authenticity.

English in P-Pop isn’t about erasing local culture—it’s about widening the reach without losing the Filipino voice.

Other Languages: A Celebration of Diversity

Here’s where P-Pop becomes even more powerful. The Philippines is home to over 180 languages, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. These aren’t just dialects—they’re full languages with their own rhythm, identity, and history.

Some of the most widely spoken include:

  • Cebuano (Bisaya) – spoken by over 20 million people across Cebu, the Visayas, and parts of Mindanao. Cebuano lyrics often sound bold and punchy, making them perfect for rap and hip-hop stylings. Felip’s “Kanako” showcases this strength beautifully.
  • Ilocano – used by around 9 million in Northern Luzon, Ilocano often carries a poetic and grounded tone, great for heartfelt and storytelling-driven music.
  • Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – common in Western Visayas, known for its sweet, melodic sound, making it ideal for ballads and romantic tracks.
  • Kapampangan – spoken in Central Luzon, with a rich, rhythmic quality that blends well with dance-pop and energetic beats.
  • Waray-Waray – found in Eastern Visayas, known for its direct and expressive character, fitting well with powerful, emotional performances.

P-Pop artists are starting to embrace this multilingual heritage:

  • ALAMAT regularly uses multiple languages in one song—mixing Ilocano, Kapampangan, Cebuano, Bikolano, Waray, and Hiligaynon—to highlight unity in diversity.
  • SB19’s Ken Suson (Felip) integrates Cebuano in songs like “Kalakal” and “Kanako,” giving Bisaya speakers national representation while showing global audiences the raw power of regional music.

By weaving these languages into mainstream pop, P-Pop isn’t just about catchy tunes—it’s about cultural pride, proving that every Filipino language can find a home on the world stage.

The Bigger Picture

P-Pop isn’t just about catchy beats or flashy stages—it’s about identity. By blending Taglish, Filipino, English, and regional languages from a pool of 180+ spoken in the Philippines, it mirrors the way Filipinos truly communicate and express themselves.

So when you hear SB19 switch between Tagalog and English in “Gento”, or when Felip drops Cebuano lines in “Kalakal” and sings “Kanako” with pride, remember: it’s not a marketing strategy. It’s real Filipino expression, turned into music the whole world can enjoy.

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