SB19 members (from left) Ken, Justin, Josh, Pablo, and Stell during the premiere night of their “Pagtatag!” documentary film. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net
P-pop powerhouse SB19 is set to receive the “Voices of Asia” award at the Billboard K Power 100 event on Tuesday, August 27, a recognition that the group said it is dedicating to Filipino music.
SB19, along with P-pop girl group BINI, will receive the award in Seoul, South Korea after they were chosen by the Philippine branch of the music platform.
The male quintet will also perform their smash hit “Gento,” while the female octet will do a medley of “Cherry on Top” and “Pantropiko” at the event.
Stell, SB19’s main vocalist, said the award validates their efforts to represent Filipino talent and culture on various platforms, when asked about their milestone during a talkback session for their “Pagtatag!” documentary film in Quezon City.
“Kami naman po, as SB19, from the start, talagang ang goal ng group is to not only showcase our skills but also to represent kung anong kayang i-offer ng Filipinos and mismong culture natin. Nangyayari na siya ngayon. Napapansin na ‘yung bansa natin — our culture, music, and sound,” he said.
(From the start, as SB19, our goal as a group is to not only showcase our skills but also to represent what Filipinos can offer in terms of our culture. It’s happening now. Our country, culture, music, and sound are already being noticed.)
Stell said the upcoming event is the “right time” for the Philippines to show what it can offer in terms of “talents and abilities.”
“This is the right time and moment [para sa] Philippines na mas makita pa na hindi lang tayo isang napakagandang bansa kundi marami tayong yaman bukod sa mga natural resources natin, ‘yung mga tao mismo sa Pilipinas ang yaman natin dahil sa ating talento at sa kaya nating gawin,” he said. “But accepting the award na binibigay sa’min ng Billboard, isa lang itong patunay na kayang-kaya ng Pinoy na makipagsabayan.”
(This is the right time and moment for the Philippines to prove that we’re just a beautiful country. Our riches can also be seen in its people because of our talents and abilities. But accepting the award given by Billboard is proof that Filipinos can achieve the same milestone.)
With this in mind, Stell expressed his gratitude to the group’s supporters, family, and loved ones for their new milestone.
“Talagang dapat suportahan, magtulungan, and we’re very blessed and thankful sa lahat ng naniniwala sa’min. Of course, nandyan na ‘yung A’TIN (our fans) pero sa mga taong [nandyan para sa’min] like our family, brands, and our family 1Z [Entertainment], hindi lang ‘to para sa’min, but sa lahat ng nandito sa’tin. Sa Filipino music community, para sa inyo po ito. Salamat sa tiwala. We’re very honored,” he said.
(We must support and help each other. We’re very blessed and thankful to those who believe in us. Of course, our fans A’TIN are there, but to those who were behind us like our family, brands, and our family, 1Z Entertainment, this is not only for us but for those who are there for us. This is for the Filipino music community. Thank you for the trust. We’re very honored.)
The Billboard K Power 100 is an event that celebrates the “influence of Korean music, particularly K-pop, in the global music industry.” It will also be held in commemoration of the launch of Billboard Korea.