SB19
Review

SB19 hit the city of Anaheim last week for the last California stop of their Pagtatag! World Tour before continuing the North American leg of the tour across the east coast and Canada. The Filipino P-pop group–composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin–delivered a show that not only showcased their musical prowess but also solidified their bond with their dedicated fanbase, A'TIN.

As one of the most influential P-pop groups in the industry, SB19's journey to international fame has been on a consistent rise. In the fall of last year, the group embarked on their first ever world tour in support of their EP, Pagsibol, which featured stops across the Philippines, United Arab Emirates, United States, and Singapore. Since then they’ve won several awards, including 7 from the 2022 Awit Awards in the Philippines, and released “GENTO,” their latest hit single which debuted at number eight on the World Digital Song Sales chart (a first for any Filipino group to earn), and at number 17 on the Philippines Songs chart. Suffice to say, SB19 is winning over the hearts of fans at home and across the globe.

As the venue lights dimmed and the stage came alive with a golden hue, SB19 made a grand entrance as each member entered the stage, dressed in an elegant all white attire which perfectly matched their respective personalities. From the very start, it was clear that the group's energy was contagious, as they kicked off the night with their high-energy tracks "GENTO" and "Mana". The crowd, feeling the group’s energy, couldn't help but scream the lyrics back and dance along with unbridled excitement.

The show continued with the boy band taking the audience on a journey through their entire career and their aspirations for the future. Ballads like "Hangang sa Huli" and "MAPA" showcased the group's impeccable vocal harmonies, while their performance of "MAPA" turned into a touching tribute to their parents and all those who supported them on their artistic journey.

One of the most memorable moments of the night came during the solo performances of each member which featured covers from Stell and Justin, and performances of original songs from Josh, Ken and Pablo. Each performance included an outfit change and a moment on the stage for each members’ musical strength and personality to shine through.

Personally, Justin’s solo was my favorite of the group. He performed a cover of One Direction’s “Little Things” and his interaction with the crowd was unmatched. He started at the back of the stage with the mic in hand, showing off his vocal abilities. As the song continued, he gradually made his way to the front, moving from side to side, making sure each person in the audience was seen and heard. Eventually, he sat down at the edge of the stage and hopped into the crowd to finish the song which had the entire venue in a frenzy. Thinking back to this moment still gives me goosebumps.

Soon enough, the group reached the last song of the night, "SLMT," where they expressed their gratitude to A'TIN and everyone present. As the song played, each member would complete their verse while the others took time to engage with the audience by signing merch and taking selfies with fans’ phones. As the song came to an end, the members repeatedly thanked their fans and promised to return again next year with new music and another world tour.

SB19's Pagtatag! World Tour in Anaheim was a resounding success, proving that they have firmly secured their place as a globally recognized group. With their unique sound, captivating performances, and genuine connection with fans, SB19 has set a new standard for P-pop groups. As the concert came to a close, it was evident that the future belongs to SB19 and their devoted A'TIN, united by a shared passion for music and an unbreakable bond.