SB19 on reaching international fans through ‘Pagtatag!’ docu, being relatable

SB19. Image: Courtesy of Sony Music Philippines

With their success in the music scene, SB19 is dedicated to being a good influence to fans (known as A’TIN) and peers — which can be seen through their “Pagtatag!” documentary and other activities showing their relatability.

The documentary of SB19 will be screened in select theaters in Hong Kong and Dubai, weeks after its screening in their home country the Philippines. The Jed Regala-helmed docu-film revolves around the entirety of their “Pagtatag!” EP, concerts and world tours, as well as gaining ownership of their group name and logo.

“Pinakaexcited [kami] makita nila ‘yung hirap namin doing the tours. ‘Yung mga tao na hindi kami nakikita working behind the camera, feeling nila na, ‘Masaya maging artist na nagto-tour’ pero hindi nila nakikita ang stress, pagod, puyat and every hardship na hindi lang naeexperience namin, but also the whole team,” Stell said while SB19 was being interviewed on the sidelines of their fan meet organized by a fast-food chain.

(We’re most excited about letting people see our hardships doing the tour. The people who don’t see us behind the camera think that being an artist on tour is all about the joy and glamor of it. But they don’t see the stress, exhaustion, sleepless nights and every hardship we and our team go through.)

The “Room” singer also noted that the docu-film’s English subtitles would allow more international fans to understand their story, while Pablo, Josh, Ken and Justin nodded in agreement.

“Gusto namin na makita nila na tinatackle namin ang recent issues na talagang masasabi namin na (We also want them to see us tackling our recent issues that we can really say were a) big challenge for SB19,” he added.

Meanwhile, Josh said they’re “happy” that many international fans are interested to know more about the group through the docu-film.

“Nakakatuwa na umaabot ‘to sa iba’t ibang bansa ang ‘Pagtatag.’ Hopefully, mas ma-inspire [ang A’TIN] and mabigyan sila ng motivation lalo na sa ating OFWs and non-Filipino fans,” he said. “Nakakabusog ng puso. Natutuwa kami na umaabot sa ganitong level ang P-pop at SB19. Ipagpapatuloy namin ‘yun, at ime-make sure na mas lalaki ito para [ma-promote] ang tourism natin.”

(We’re happy that the “Pagtatag!” docu-film will reach different countries. Hopefully, this will inspire and motivate A’TIN, especially our OFWs and non-Filipino fans. Our hearts are full. We’re happy that SB19 and P-pop are reaching this level. We’ll continue doing what we do, so we can help in promoting our country’s tourism.)

On continued blessings

One of the blessings of SB19 is being among the faces of a fast-food chain, which is establishing itself as a brand darling. Josh admitted that the group used to joke about this possibility in their earlier days, and it turned out to be a prelude to their present milestone.

“Wala na kaming hihilingin pa kundi magkaroon ng ganitong endorsements. Dati pa lang, nagbibiruan kami na sakali in the future, magiging endorsers like BTS and other big artists. And masaya kami na merong nagtiwala sa’min, hindi kami bibiguin,” he said, joking that SB19 “will eat chicken all the time.”

(We can’t ask for anything more than to be considered to be endorsers. We used to joke about being chosen to be endorsers like BTS and other big artists. We’re happy that we’re trusted and we won’t break their trust.)

Stell agreed with the “1999” singer, saying it’s also a responsibility for the group to be a good influence while being relatable. “SB19 is a relatable group. There’s nothing wrong with showing the true SB19. ‘Yun naman ang kailangan, maging totoo in front of the camera (That is what we really should be, to be real in front of the camera).”

“Sana ‘yun ang makita ng tao and the Philippines this time (I hope this is what people will see). We’re doing this because we love our craft and we love what we’re doing, so sana mahalin nila kami (we hope they’ll love us),” he continued.

SB19 during a brief chat with reporters on the sidelines of a fast-food chain fan meet. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net

At the time of the interview, Pablo was celebrating his 30th birthday. He admitted that wishing “good health” for himself and the people around him is cliché, but he said it’s something that shouldn’t be overlooked.

“Masyadong gasgas na pero ‘yun talaga [ang wish ko]. Lahat tayo may mga pangarap pero gusto ko na in good health ang mga tao sa paligid natin para sa gan’on, sabay-sabay nating maaabot ang pangarap natin,” he said.

(It’s too cliché, but it’s really my birthday wish. We all have dreams in life, but I hope that the people around us will be blessed with good health. That way, we can reach our dreams together.)