Ready for ‘Wakas at Simula’ concert: SB19’s Pablo on launching group for 'cool kids'
MANILA, Philippines — SB19’s Pablo knows how difficult it is to find one’s path in showbiz, thus he found a way to make room for himself and fellow talented artists by establishing a group for “cool kids.”
Pablo, the acknowledged pinuno, or leader, of the highly successful P-pop band SB19, speaks from experience, drawing from the band’s early struggles in the Filipino music industry.
The singer-songwriter recalled a time when he was disheartened after seeking help from known music personalities.
“Sobrang sensitive po niyan kasi na-break ‘yung heart ko kasi as a bago sa industry, ini-expect mo na ‘yung mga matatagal na iga-guide ka pero parang dina-discriminate ka pa. Pero ako nanininiwala ako na 'yung passion may mapupuntahan and so we just kept pushing forward,” Pablo told reporters at the launch of Sony Music Publishing Philippines.
He did not name the personalities, but said that despite this, there were still more renowned musicians who helped them. These include South Border’s Jay Durias and OPM legend Gary V.
Durias was a collaborator on SB19’s hit song “Mapa.” The band appeared at Gary V’s “One More Time” concert in 2024, where they sang Gary’s “Babalik Ka Rin” and SB19’s “Gento.”
Pablo agreed with a reporter who asked if he was motivated by challenges.
“Definitely ako po 'pag pinagsaraduhan ng pinto, babasagin ko ang pinto. I really love music, I really love songwriting, and so I will never stop until siguro ma-achieve namin ang gusto namin,” Pablo quipped.
Building RadKidz
His love for songwriting is his primary driving force in continuing with the group and providing an alternative way of expressing his thoughts and music without giving in to pressure.
Pablo said this was the reason he put up RadKidz with his brother Josue. Together, they write some of SB19’s hits and are credited under the duo name using their real names.
“Kaya po ako nag-tayo ng grupo called RadKidz, ang ibig sabihin po niyan ay 'cool kids.' Lahat bata, matanda pwede kang makagawa ng ideya. Hindi ka dapat pinagsasaraduhan ng pinto. ‘Yun po ‘yung role ng RadKidz talaga. Hone at house lahat ng magagaling. I believe Filipinos are talented. Kailangan lang ng proper education, proper guidance sa mga tao na mas matataas, mas may experience,” Pablo explained.
What fans can expect
SB19 has soared high, having just finished its world tour for “Simula at Wakas,” since it broke into the mainstream with the 2019 hit “Go Up.”
They are continuing to reach new milestones, including becoming the first Filipino act at this year’s Lollapalooza in the United States, one of SB19’s career highlights. For now, SB19 is gearing up for the “Wakas at Simula” concert on April 18 at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City.
What can their loyal fans, called A’TIN, expect from another hometown concert?
“Siguro, a whole new world. Hindi kasi hindi lang kami nagpe-perform. It’s not just visual. It's not just the songs, but it's a whole experience. Siguro kung na-experience na nila ‘yung previous ‘Simula at Wakas’ na tour namin, it’s better than that — way, way better than that. It's the best concert that they're ever going to watch,” Pablo teased.
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