MANILA, Philippines — The country’s “Kings of P-pop” SB19 is closing one chapter and opening another with “Wakas at Simula,” the group’s sophomore album that reflects its evolution from rising act to one of the Philippines’ leading pop exports.
Set for release Friday on digital platforms worldwide, the album arrives at a pivotal moment for the five-member group composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin, following the success of its global tour and ahead of a highly anticipated performance at the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago later this year.
The project builds on the group’s trilogy of EPs — “Pagsibol,” “Pagtatag,” and “Simula at Wakas” — while introducing six new tracks that expand their sound and thematic depth. The new songs are “Visa,” “Memories,” “Toyfriend,” “Everblack,” “Emoji” and “Wakas.”
SB19 described the album as a transition point shaped by years of growth.
“In the beginning, we were focused on finding our place, building our identity, and earning people’s trust. This album honors that journey while also guiding us into a more grounded and intentional version of SB19,” the group said.
Among the album’s highlights are collaborations with Taiwanese pop star Jolin Tsai on the track “Emoji” and Japanese group BE:FIRST on “Toyfriend,” signaling a deliberate push toward international audiences.
In a press conference, Stell said the collaborations reflect both the group’s growth and its long-term ambitions.
“We’re very happy and we’re very blessed that such a big international artist is willing to collaborate with SB19. Because, as you said, we’re starting and our dream is already high. So we’re very happy that, little by little, we’re reaching our dreams. Until now, we still can’t believe that we’re reaching it,” shared Stell.
“And with the album, I think it’s the perfect timing that somehow, this is the cement of what we’ve reached in our lifetime. Because our goal is to go global. We’re very happy and excited to share the tracks that we’ve made with them, because I think it’s not only for us to show the skills of SB19, but also to show the collaboration of cultures together, and to show that we can bring our music to other countries that are willing to support our country,” he added.
The release will culminate in a concert on April 18 at the SMDC Festival Grounds, serving as the finale of the group’s recent tour cycle.
Beyond the album, SB19 is preparing for one of its biggest international stages yet.
“We’re really getting excited. I mean, we have an upcoming concert on April 18, but we’re anticipating this performance a lot. Ever since we started our career as artists, this is what we’ve been waiting for — this moment, to perform and show them how talented Filipinos are,” said member Pablo, referring to their upcoming Lollapalooza appearance.
“I can’t imagine or explain yet what we’re going to do, but for sure it’s something that all Filipinos will be proud of. When it comes to the music we’re going to perform, definitely the arrangements, the production — we want to show them how talented we are,” he added.
For Josh, the group’s ambitions remain grounded despite its expanding global reach.
“Well, we’re just very excited to show everyone what we’re capable of. For Grammys, of course, we’ve always been dreaming about it. But we’re still humble people that we don’t expect that it will come. We need to work hard. That’s what we’re trying every day when it comes to us, especially with our preparations,” he said.
“Everything will come eventually. We believe that the small amount of work that we do slowly, we’ll get there. We don’t need a viral moment. What’s most important is that we’re steady going there,” he ended.
