I heard about #SB19 in the early 2019. I admit I was part of the population that trivialized their existence. Probably 'coz I wasn't into KPop music to begin with. I thought their image as a group was a 'lil stretched. @SB19Official

Also, with lesser success found in group acts here in the Philippines, I assumed they didn't stand a chance. So, what made me change my mind?

Here are just some of the many reasons why I PASSIONATELY STAN & RESPECT #SB19:

1. #SB19 is managed by ShowBT Ph under SBT Group of Companies, Seoul, South Korea. It is extremely HARD to qualify & get in -- we're talking about one per many thousand applicants -- and HARD to stay as well due to intensive trainings & weekly assessements.

2. Unlike most groups in the Phils., #SB19 didn't come from a TV talent show w/c usually banks on public voting & lacks of one defining characteristic, DISCIPLINE.

On the contrary, ShowBT Ph strictly implements its Korean training system & drops aspirants who don't make the cut.

3. Training periods vary immensely. It took #SB19 4 years to train before finally debuting in 2018 & finding fame in 2019 w/ 2nd single, GO UP! The SYNCHRONIZED dance practice video went VIRAL on Twitter after a netizen took notice & posted it. As of writing, it has 1.66M views.

https://twitter.com/BAE_Sodu/status/1168508692171386880?s=194

4. Once they overcame the debut jitters, #SB19 continuously EARNED PRAISES from Filipinos & supporters abroad.

The group was HUMBLED by the acclaim, and stressed that their FIGHT for music still has a long way to go considering that Western & KPop tunes dominate the industry.

5. #SB19 or Sound Break 19 consists of 5 TALENTED members:

SEJUN , STELL , JOSH , KEN , & JUSTIN

FUN FACT: 19 is the number that separates the area codes of Philippines & South Korea - revealing the COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS & the STRONG BOND between the two countries.

6. Even while handled by a Korean agency, #SB19 need not to adhere to the Korean conventional standard: pale & glass skin, pointed nose, small face, etc.

They were UPSKILLED to learn how to groom, apply makeup, & style themselves independently.

7. #SB19 possesses ENDURANCE & STAMINA. They go through hours & hours of rigorous trainings everyday. The pop industry is definitely NOT for QUITTERS.

Only those who have true patience, dedication, & inner strength can ever hope to actually become one.

FYI. #SB19 practiced the choreography for Go Up 1000x. They did 30 runs a day, 6x a week & took almost 4 months to complete before releasing the practice video. You can really see their level of work ethics & professionalism in every performance.

Motivational Mantra:
"PRACTICE WILL NEVER BETRAY YOU."

8. Contributory to #SB19's success is the management's active & reputable involvement in the group's career.

CEO Robin Geong is always seen present in every concert/event. Also, Adie Hong, their professional trainer, has been guiding them from trainee days up to this day.

9. #SB19 doesn't identify as KPop. Just as their name suggests, they hope to BREAK into the music scene w/ their FRESH SOUND, infused ceremoniously w/ Korean flare. Not to mention the songs they put out are composed in (part English) & FILIPINO, a language that's proudly our own.

10. #SB19 understands that it would take more than just a viral social media post to achieve MAINSTREAM POPULARITY from a dance-pop banger.

Ultimately, they want their MUSIC to be CELEBRATED while bringing their FILIPINO sensibilities into the songs they make.

11. #SB19 aims to BREAK BARRIERS & SMASH EXPECTATIONS on how a domestic pop group should be perceived esp. in a country enamored by KPop.

With TENACITY and their PERFECTIONIST MINDSET, they have taken PPOP MUSIC to INFLUENTIAL HEIGHTS, amassing recognitions locally & globally.

12. #SB19 continues to break into the mainstream conversation w/ its growing attention.

W/ their UNDENIABLE TALENT & CATCHY TRACKS, people have propelled them into the @billboardcharts, making the group the 1st Southeast Asian act to debut in #Social50 among other charts.

Ok. Not this Edsa Billboard, but it was worth including. This was for their upcoming concert in Araneta Coleseum w/c, as of writing, was deferred until the Covid19 outbreak is over/ until further notice.

This BILLBOARD PRESTIGE, which has consistently been dominated by big K-pop groups. Social 50 list is a 'weekly ranking of the most active artists on the world’s leading social network sites’. https://twitter.com/PressATIN/status/1257710660709801985?s=19

13. #SB19's fandom, affectionately known as 'A'TIN' equally serves as the BACKBONE of the group's success. They constantly prove their DEDICATION in major ways. Whether that means streaming songs & videos, purchasing merch, attending cncerts, sharing stories & fanarts, etc

FUN FACT: The name was a smart play of words and meanings. #SB19

A'tin is about banding together around a higher CAUSE. Everyone demonstrates this UNDYING LOVE & forms CAMARADERIE to SUPPORT #SB19. A good part of that intensity comes from a SENSE of COMMUNITY where RESPECT & KINDNESS are core. https://twitter.com/SB19Official/status/1223832931325468672?s=19

There are a few groups whose musical reputation are lovingly curated by fans. And A'tin, known to be a CREATIVE bunch, don't only produce quality fan cam performances & photographs of #SB19 -- they also make AMAZING FANARTS for the boys.

Ctto

14. Now that we've passingly discussed a few important facets of #SB19 -- the company, the accolades, the fandom -- let us now talk about the main reason where these all started: the DREAMS of FIVE, YOUNG MEN. We owe it to the group for NOT GIVING UP when hope seemed obscure.

There came a time when #SB19 almost split up due to the freight of expectations & protracted career progress. But they knew they were letting themselves down by giving up on their dreams.

"Yeah, we gonna GO UP” appears to be prophetic as they found fame on their 2nd comeback.

#SB19 genuinely expressed they're still far from reaching their dreams. With the successes they're receiving, the group never ceased to remember how they started. HUMILITY is one of their shining attributes as a unit.

Video from Shine Bright SB19
Link:

Most people fear failure. It can chew you up & spit you out. #SB19 took HUGE RISKS to get to where they are now. There may have been bumps in the process, but they learned to experience & endure the pain.

While the world is full of adversities, it is also full of CONQUERING it.

#SB19 was not only made out of sheer luck. Their career was reinforced w/ a lot of PATIENCE & HARDWORK. And their music, for one, could be the CATALYST of a creative shift that revolutionizes the entertainment industry. https://twitter.com/jahllergies/status/1209093373975384064?s=19