We Filipinos love success stories – stories that inspire and make you say to yourself, “if others can do it, why can’t I?” Sometimes, we become so hyperfocused on the finish line, we forget that the journey matters even more. The things we do to get to where we are defines who we are. The choices we made and the shots we never take all contribute to our individuality, character, and legacy.
This is the story of a group that fought for what they believed in. A group that pushed boundaries and carried with them their struggles, hardships, and inspiration. They worked their way to get in the zone to forge what they know they are destined to do – greatness. This… is SB19 breaking the zone.
Most success stories are married to the level of struggles one has to brave. They say the more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in the battle. This adage might be true for SB19. A group of young Filipino artists sharing the same goal of putting P-pop or Pinoy pop on the map.
In the sea of K-pop idols and western-influenced music, Justin, Stell, Pablo, Josh, and Ken chose to bloom where they are planted by upholding their Filipino roots through their talent. A genuinely awe-inspiring dedication, not just to their craft but also to the country they so eagerly want to be seen and heard on the world stage.
“Nangarap nang bukas mga mata. Lumakad nang may bubog sa paa.”
SB19 came together in 2016 when a Korean entertainment company ShowBT held auditions to form a purely Filipino group. Like any other Korean group and idols, SB19 also went through rigorous training before debuting in 2018. They practiced nine hours a day per week with only a day off for a couple of years. All this in the name of their love for music that runs so deeply and their passion to inspire others through their God-given gifts.
When they first came out in 2018, despite all the hard work and preparations, they did not receive the attention they deserved. They have been mocked solely for being different and unconventional. Needless to say, they were not received so well, with people firing comments that could pierce through their embattled hearts and pulverize their hopes and aspirations – threatening to turn their dreams into dust.
But they never faltered. SB19 carried on like it’s just another day and went back to what they love to do, and I dare say what they are good at – to perform. They went under the radar for quite some time until a rehearsal video of their hit song Go Up went viral. It was their last straw, the last of their might to carry on in their journey towards success.
“Maniwala, darating ang mga biyaya. Higit pa sa lahat-lahat ng Nawala.”
SB19: Here for the taking
With nothing but the commitment to their artistic pursuits, they went on to produce more singles that are never short of inspiring and motivational. They created noise. They disrupted the lull, not just in the Filipino music industry but also outside the country – proceeding to become the first Filipino act to be nominated in the Billboard Music Awards, going head-to-head with the likes of BTS, Ariana Grande, and BLACKPINK.
They are making their mark. With a very dedicated and robust fanbase A’tin (pronounced as 18), SB19 is no longer going on its own in its journey. They now carry with them the stories of people who believe in them. What’s truly inspiring with the tale of SB19’s journey is how they manage to keep their feet on the ground while embracing the truest form of art.
It is not unbeknownst to them that people struggle and also go through tough times. Just like them, face mockery, sneering, and intimidation. But they know they have stories to tell, and defeat is not one of them. SB19 chooses to tell the story of grace amidst struggles, humility over pride, and remembering where they came from.
SB19 have finally broken the ceiling – at a pace that suggests they would break even more ceilings and boundaries. They got in the zone. With pure dedication and sheer faith in their passion that others have tried to treat contemptuously, they will never stop. This is not the end of their journey. They are just getting started.
