As a part of SB19’s wonderful fan base named A’TIN, we have enjoyed being a part of spreading positivity and support for our mahalima. From show after show, fans gather and sing in unison, watching our boys grow into the global force that they are steadily becoming. We have seen their struggles from the very start and seen them never give up on their dreams.
Along the way, there have been challenges for the group left and right; from bashers to management, and even an infamous press conference that would have shaken other groups to their core. Unlike them, however, SB19 would rise about it all, regroup, and show the haters, A’TIN, and the world that they would become undeniable. Today, the group is becoming a global phenomenon as fans worldwide chant their name and show their support for the group. They have collected achievements and milestones that past them could only dream of, but that’s the thing. Had they given up so early in their career or gave in to the hate, they wouldn’t have the success that they enjoy today or the legion of adoring A’TIN that showers them with love.
A rough patch in the beginning and an infamous press conference
SB19 would debut on October 26, 2018 under ShowBT Philippines which is a subsidiary of a the South Korean company, ShowBT Group. They would release their song, “Tilaluha,” although the group would see a slow start. It wouldn’t be until their song, “Go Up,” would be released and soon go viral after a video of their dance practice spread online. This sparked the interest of many netizens and their fame would grow. Fans couldn’t get enough of the boys as they would hold a press conference; one that the boys and A’TIN would remember to this day to be a hard pill to swallow.
During this now infamous press conference, SB19 would be harshly criticised by the local media. To them, SB19 were seen as being “more K-pop than P-pop,” despite how the group mentioned how their music then was inspired from other genres as well. The media outlets even went so far as to attempt to ridicule Stell, his movements, and fashion. Despite all of this harsh criticism, the boys held strong and remained professional even if they were hurt. It was a rough period in their life but the boys proved how resilient they were and didn’t shy away from their haters.
SB19 would go on to greater things as they find more success. Behind the bright lights of the stage and their jaw-dropping performances, however, the group would face another challenge as they had to weather another storm. This time, hard times would come in the form of management. Tension and dissatisfaction would arise from how they were managed and promoted so the group decided to leave ShowBT behind and created their own agency now known as 1Z Entertainment. This caused the group to temporarily remove their group name “SB19” from their socials as the rights to their name and their songs were owned by ShowBT.
This would disrupt the group’s plans as it led to the speculation that it was due to this that parts of the “PAGTATAG!” World Tour had to be cancelled or postponed. Luckily, an agreement was reached between 1Z Entertainment and ShowBT Philippines that allowed the group to retain their name, as well as resolve their trademark issues. Despite this setback, SB19 always emphasizes that they are committed to be self-managed artists as they continue to grow their company and their music journey.
SB19 showcased their resilience in maintaining their cool amidst running tensions but more importantly, their ability to adapt to change. They didn’t just sit on their laurels waiting for a new management to come pick them up or to stay when things were becoming too much. They created their own company and took matters into their own hands. They fought for their name and legacy, taking their music back into their hands. The members openly admit handling management tasks along with their artist roles can be exhausting and complex, but it has helped them grow personally and professionally.
As their careers soared, they would reach new heights. They would achieve milestone after milestone, cementing their place in the emerging P-pop scene. Despite the success SB19 would attain, there would be instances where they would face criticism and hate; some targeted at the group while others centered certain individuals. It is no secret that all bands would have bashers and critics no matter how genuinely kind the group is. From certain individuals slinging hate towards the boys because of how they look or sound, to spreading misinformation and slander, the boys fought their battles as a group and individually. When negativity came for the boys, they didn’t give it any more oxygen to burn. Instead, they turned it into a lyrical masterpiece titled “Dungka!” It is a rowdy, Filipino-flavored diss track aimed at their haters. The song would become an instant hit and take them to even further heights. When it comes to those who bash their music, SB19 merely replies, “Kung ‘di mo ‘to gusto, tumabi ka d’yan!” It is a common sentiment to anyone critical of any media. If they don’t like a video online, just don’t watch it and move on. Speaking of “Dungka,” we have a growing list of Justin’s pamalo which you can read in our feature here.
SB19 have always done their best to lead by example, saying to always spread love and positivity, not hate. They would always reiterate the message of always being respectful and civil towards one another and avoiding hate speech. If the boys wanted to make P-pop well-known, they would have to know how to tackle their greatest critics. Time and time again, the group always remains professional. Yes, they boys are still human and may have their moments, but you can’t deny their efforts.
We can learn so much from how SB19 deals with their haters and challenges and apply it to our own lives. We channel their resilience when hard-times come. We learn to adapt and find solutions when our backs are to the wall and need solutions. Lastly, we don’t let haters get to us or fight back aggressively. Instead, we harness that emotion into something positive like creativity and turn it into something beautiful. In this trying time, it can be very tempting to clapback at haters and engage with them. As A’TIN, we must show that we want to follow in the mahalima’s footsteps and be like them. We remain humble and grounded as we reach for our own goals in life just as they have.
Closing thoughts
No matter what stage SB19 are in their illustrious career, there will inevitably come challenges that will test the group and bashers waiting to poke at them. We don’t have to worry, however, as the group are a very resilient and kind-hearted bunch that gladly pushes through anything life throws at them. Even if the world is determined to keep them down, they will always get back up. With A’TIN by their side, they know they can’t falter.
In turn, we learn important life lessons about diligence, respect, and pushing the envelope through SB19 as they have done so multiple times. If they could overcome challenges and thwart negativity, who’s to say that we can do the same? When we become more resilient and adapt to whatever comes our way, we don’t just make the boys proud, but feel a sense of pride in our own accomplishments. Let’s show our support to SB19 and take a listen to “Dungka!” here:
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