SB19 to embark on North America tour after Philippine Arena concerts

The end of May was apparently earmarked for the much-awaited concert of the country’s top male P-pop group, SB19, which turned into a highly successful two-night show held on May 31 and June 1 at the Philippine Arena.

Non-SB19 fans didn’t initially believe the guys could fill up the largest indoor venue in the world, with a capacity of 55,000. Sure, SB19 successfully staged sold-out concerts at the Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena.

However, only seven hours after the “Simula at Wakas” concert tickets were released, everything sold out. Producers were compelled to add a second show on a Sunday.

To stage a concert at the Philippine Arena was undoubtedly exciting not just for the fans of SB19 called A’tin who trooped to the venue, but even to the five guys — Pablo, Stell, Justin, Ken and Josh — themselves.

A small plane hovered above the drizzle at the Philippine Arena on Saturday afternoon, carrying the banner greeting, “The world is yours, SB19.” That alone was enough to create anticipation among the ones below.

The energy of the crowd was palpable. Even before 7 p.m., the venue was filled to the brim for the kickoff of SB19’s “Simula at Wakas” world tour.

The Arena seemingly trembled with the excitement of the fans. Everyone was ready for action even in their respective tight areas. They shrieked, screamed and shouted the minute they saw the five guys emerge onstage, in the flesh, and render their hits.

While the fans were ecstatic, non-fans were amazed endlessly, shaking their heads to what they witnessed from the time they arrived in the venue in the afternoon to everything that happened.

On the second day, while Ken was performing onstage, he saw a placard from a mom in the audience who requested, “Can you draw something for my son who has autism?”

In a heartbeat, Ken requested the mom to bring him the placard and behind it, he drew a large smiley and wrote, “You are loved.” Everyone in the audience was touched by Ken’s act.

The official merchandise of SB19, especially the unique light stick called Elesbi, was used by fans throughout the show. It also served as a great souvenir of that memorable concert.

Seven years into their journey together, the trailblazing guys continue to push boundaries and consistently redefine what P-pop music could become.

SB19 delivered a world-class live performance filled with stunning choreography done to their especially curated set list highlighted by show-stopping performances.

If you’re not an SB19 believer, it should not take long for you to be converted when you witnessed everything before your eyes.

Thank God, this is one concert that didn’t have guest artists. For two solid hours, the five guys of SB19 performed onstage and only used videos to momentarily regale the audience as they changed their outfits.

With Paolo Valenciano directing, the show was held impressively in a huge venue. That should be added to his impressive list of concerts directed.

Evidently, SB19 made history anew with their “Simula at Wakas” concert, making them the first act to stage a two-night concert at the world-famous Philippine Arena and certifying their enviable position as the undisputed kings of P-pop.

Producers IZ Entertainment, Starmedia Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines were probably smiling their way to the bank with the undeniable success of the shows.

After the two-hour concert, SB19 had a meet-and-greet for lucky fans and visitors. They accommodated everyone and unselfishly shared their time, no matter how tiring the show went.

There was an exodus of fans outside the Arena who watched not all in their vehicles, but there were thousands who also happily walked to commute with a smile on their faces.

There were fans who were waiting at the Arena grounds, hoping to get a close glimpse at the five guys who were probably exiting in their van. But to no avail for the fanatics.

“Kahit dusang-dusa kami sa init sa pagpunta namin sa Philippine Arena para sa concert, tapos nabasa pa ng ulan, sobrang worth it,” said a converted non-fan on Facebook. “All aspects, from the stage design to the lighting design to the set list and the actual performance, walang tapon.

“The concert needs to be seen by more people around the world, so I hope 1Z (Entertainment) decides to package it as a concert special and sell it to a streaming service. It’s too grand and beautiful para manatiti lamang sa memories and fancams ng mga naka-attend.

“At alam naman nating kahit may world tour, hindi nila mare-replicate ang scale ng kick-off na ‘to. I would have missed so so much. Isa sila sa dahilan kung bakit proud akong maging isang Pinoy sa mga panahong ito.”

“Simula at Wakas” world tour had just started. SB19 is set to start the North American tour in July and August, with concerts at Fox Theatre Redwood City, San Francisco on July 11, The Grove of Anaheim in Los Angeles on July 13, and The Arena at Pickering Casino in Toronto, Canada on July 18.

SB19 will be at Grey Eagle Resort Casino in Calgary, Alberta on July 20, The Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia on July 26, Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California on July 27 and Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii on Aug. 1.