SB19 members (from left) Josh, Stell, Pablo, Ken, and Justin at the 2024 MEGA Ball at Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig last June 12. Image: Courtesy of The MEGA Ball
The 12th of June, or Independence Day, was a night to remember for SB19, who commemorated the country’s independence through music at the MEGA Ball in Taguig City.
The P-pop powerhouse, consisting of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin, graced the annual ball at Shangri-La The Fort on June 12, among other celebrities. This comes after they were chosen as the cover stars of the lifestyle magazine.
But the highlight of the quintet’s appearance was their own rendition of “O Bayan Ko,” a classic composition by the national artist Ryan Cayabyab, to cap off the event. The song’s structure originally contains lines from the national anthem “Lupang Hinirang.”
After singing their respective parts, SB19 was joined by a hundred-member chorale.
WATCH: SB19, accompanied by a choir, performed a rendition of “O Bayan Ko,” an original composition by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, at the Mega Ball 2024. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/F8buSbXDYi
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) June 12, 2024
In a chance interview with reporters, the group said the opportunity to breathe new life into the classic song was an “honor.” This led to Pablo and Josh to say that their performance was dedicated to fellow Filipinos as they thank Cayabyab for the trust.
“Kinakabahan po kaming lahat, it’s also our first time to perform a song like this. Talagang kailangan naming galingan and ilabas ang emosyon na kailangan (We were nervous, it’s also our first time to perform a song like this. We have to do well and bring out the needed emotions),” Justin added.
Meanwhile, Stell said their performance allowed the group to show their skills.
“Sobrang laking pasasalamat na binigyan kami ng ganitong klaseng opportunidad para ipakita namin ang suporta sa bansa in this event, and to also show our skills. Nakakatuwa na may tiwala sa’min to sing this kind of song, laking bagay n’un for us,” he said.
(We’re very thankful that we’re given this opportunity to show our support to the country in this event. And to also show our skills. It makes us happy knowing that we’re trusted to sing this kind of song. It’s a big thing for us.)
The ball, which followed the theme “Fashion + Food” this year, also showcased what the country can offer in fashion and food. Among the highlights was a multiple-course dinner featuring meals created by award-winning chefs Walter Manzke, Margie Lorenzana Manzke, Chele Gonzalez, Margarita Forés, Miko Calo, Joris Rycken, Josh Boutwood, Stephen Duhesme, and barman Lee Watson.
Also invited to the event were Heart Evangelista, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Nadine Lustre, Michelle Dee, R’Bonney Gabriel, Sarah Lahbati, P-pop girl group G22, and Chelsea Manalo, to name a few.