A’TIN goes all out for SB19’s ‘Simula At Wakas’ world tour kickoff

SB19 once again proved that they are indeed the Kings of P-pop with their groundbreaking “Simula At Wakas World Tour Kickoff” concert at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The quintet, composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin, did not fail to amaze A’TIN with a wide range of performances during the two-day concert last May 31 and June 1. This is the group’s comeback in the concert tour scene following their “Pagtatag! World Tour” in 2023.

SB19 sold out the show’s first day in less than seven hours after ticket sales opened, filling 55,000 seats of the largest indoor arena in the world. Comedian-TV host Vice Ganda, who is known as SB19’s close celebrity friend, joined the mosh pit crowd to show his support for them. Vice also appeared in the group’s Dungka! music video last April.

For the first-ever show of their tour, the group started strong with an electrifying performance of Dam, one of their songs from their latest EP released last February. Wearing long cloaks that hid their faces, Mahalima blended among the dancers and slowly made their mysterious grand entrance, which brewed a thrilling anticipation from the crowd. SB19 started the song with an angsty chanting of “Dam, anong pakiramdam,” as the stone statues of them rose in the LED background.

The stage was transformed into a rocky, mountainous terrain resembling a fantasy realm of the song’s music video. Mingled with red strobe lights and smoke, they completely encapsulated the mystical vibe of the track.

“After seven years, finally we are able to fill up the Philippine Arena,” Justin said. He recalled the times when they even struggled to pack the Araneta Coliseum during their early years.

“Kanina nung VIP soundcheck, kaunti pa lang ‘yung tao pero hindi na agad kami makapaniwala kasi after like a year or two, nagsama-sama ulit kami para mag-concert. Hindi lang isang araw, kung ‘di dalawang araw sa pinakamalaking indoor arena sa buong mundo!” Pablo shared, expressing how he was in “a pinch-me” moment.

Aside from marking the official beginning of their latest world tour, the Bulacan show was a proud moment for the group as it was the first time they headlined solo in the Philippine Arena.

A plane carrying a banner “The world is yours, SB19” flew around the concert grounds ahead of the show, affirming the special milestone in the P-pop boyband’s growth. The fans, also known as A’TIN, didn’t just show up in full force but went all out by wearing Dam-inspired outfits and other unique looks from the boy’s music videos. Their efforts weren’t in vain as Ken took time to give them a shoutout on stage.

“Hindi namin makakalimutan ‘yung mga fan projects na ginawa ninyo, ‘yung mga buses, ‘The world is yours’ streamer na lumilipad, mga outfits ninyo,” Ken shared, expressing their appreciation for all the fan efforts.

Noting that it’s been a long time since they’ve been with fans, Stell suggested a house roll call, with A’TIN screaming their hearts out as their bias called their individual fandom name. Josh led the pack, greeting his fans from the “nagliliyab na hiyawan.” Pablo urged the “hotdogs” to join the good-natured clamor, followed by Stell looking for his fans he affectionately called “berries.” Ken stans were summoned as he searched for the “sisiws.” And last but not least, Justin complimented his fans as very good-looking, creative and kind; and addressed them as his beloved “mais.”

“Tonight is not just about the five of us, kasama kayo A’TIN. This is our story. The beginning of the end,” Pablo added. True enough, SB19 walked down memory lane and revisited their humble beginnings before their now massive success through songs from their different eras.

After their remarkable entrance, the arena pulsed with non-stop high energy with their hit songs What, Mana and Gento, flaunting their top-notch vocals and swag dance moves.

SB19 showcased versatility from soulful singles such as Time, Nyebe, to sultry vibes with I Want You and Moonlight, to edgy energetic beats with Crimzone, Bazinga and Shoot for the Stars. They also serenaded the crowd with their passionate rendition of JVKE’s Golden Hour.

The boys literally soared and reached for heaven as they rode a raising platform during their Freedom performance. Apart from enjoying their graceful singing from the sky, the swarm of A’TIN unlocked their inner child as they messed around with gigantic inflatable balls, bouncing it from different sections and rows.

Before singing their hit track MAPA, Josh couldn’t help but turn emotional as he revealed that this would be the first time his father would witness him perform on stage.

“Gusto ko lang i-share, kasi andito po ang aking Nanay ngayon… Pero for the first time, mapapanood na ako ng aking Papa finally,” he said, sharing a personal piece of himself with their fans.

“Sa totoo lang hindi ko po alam kung paano ko i-pe-perform ‘to sa harap niya. Pero dahil andito siya ngayon, tra-try ko pong mas tatagan. Gusto ko lang po sabihin na kung kayo din broken family, I hope hindi pa huli para sa inyo; para kahit papaano mabuo ang mga missing piece sa buhay niyo,” Josh added.

MAPA is a song that delivers a message of children giving back the love and support they received from their parents and parental figures. It was released in 2021 under their “Pagsibol” album.

After the tear-jerking moment, Stell amused fans with his usual funny quips and antics. “Ready ba kayo hanggang sa dulo? Kahit ano pang pagdaanan natin? Aww, that’s so sweet,” he teased as fans replied yes in unison.

“Alam niyo A’TIN, sa dami dami nang pangarap namin isa pa talaga ‘yung gusto namin ma-achieve. Alam niyo kung ano ‘yun? ‘Yung tumalon si Pablo sa crowd,” Stell joked, earning hearty laughs.

Fans online raved about how their experience was “SAWlit,” a wordplay from the concert’s initials, since SB19 sang 20 songs in the almost three-hour concert.

“‘Yan ang dapat pinagmamalaki ng Pinoy! Hindi tayo mahihiya at mapapahiya sa mga ‘to dahil hindi lang talento meron sila kung ‘di puso,” a fan said.

Pablo, the group’s pinuno, conveyed a heartfelt message to A’TIN saying, “Gusto ko lang palagi sabihin na kaming SB19, every time na tutungtong kami sa entablado, every time na ipapakita namin ang sarili namin sa inyo, know na everything is true, genuine and full of heart.”

SB19 proved that good things take time, as the “Simula At Wakas” reminisced about their struggles from officially debuting in 2018 to now receiving global recognition and gaining international fans. After the two-day event in Bulacan, they are set to bring their songs and stories to 18 more cities across Asia, the Middle East and North America.

SB19’s Manila leg was produced by Live Nation Philippines, 1Z Entertainment and Starmedia Entertainment.