David Bridges
The Filipino boy band SB19 has consistently embraced their humanity and authenticity, and their groundbreaking Netflix documentary, “Pagtatag! The Documentary”, dives even deeper into their emotional journeys. In a heartfelt discussion about the film, the five talented members – Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin – reflect on their remarkable seven-year evolution, the challenges they’ve faced, and the immense responsibility they bear as representatives of P-pop on a global platform.
Directed by Jed Regala, who has previously worked on several of SB19’s music videos, the documentary follows the group during their “Pagtatag!” EP era, yet it transcends a simple narrative of music industry success. Instead, it provides an unfiltered lens into the lives of these five young men as they navigate mental health challenges, face commercial pressures, and grapple with the profound responsibility of leading a whole musical movement.
“Watching our journey, both the highs and lows, play out on screen made us appreciate how far we have come together as a group and as individuals,” Ken shares. “For some of us, it was the first time we saw aspects of our journey so openly shared, and that level of vulnerability was both frightening and healing.” Their reflections reveal the personal growth and camaraderie that have defined their path.
The group’s active involvement in shaping the final cut of the documentary is evident, with Justin taking a particularly engaged role in reorganizing the narrative flow. “When I first viewed the initial draft, the timeline felt confusing because the clips weren’t arranged in chronological order,” he elaborates. “I suggested we follow the actual sequence of events. I felt that even with a chronological structure, we would still deliver the emotional impact and storytelling we desired.” This attention to detail showcases their commitment to authenticity.
The decision to candidly address mental health, industry stress, and personal loss was not made lightly. “We believe it’s crucial to be real and honest about the challenges we face daily,” Stell explains. “By discussing mental health, industry pressures, and personal struggles, we aim to break the stigma and demonstrate that even though we are artists and performers, we are still very much human.” Their openness fosters a deeper connection with their audience.
This honesty extends into their relationship with their devoted fanbase, A’TIN, whose personal stories are intricately woven throughout the documentary. “Hearing the stories of our fans deeply moved us,” Stell continues. “Listening to how our music has supported people through grief, dark times, and even provided them with a sense of purpose and strength – it’s overwhelmingly uplifting. We are human too, and at times, it feels like they’ve saved us in a similar way.” This reciprocal relationship highlights the powerful bond between the group and their fans.
SB19’s ascent to fame began with their 2019 hit “Go Up,” which led to their historic nomination for a Billboard Music Award in 2021 – a groundbreaking achievement for a Filipino act. More recently, their popular track “Gento” has ignited viral dance challenges across various social media platforms and has facilitated collaborations with renowned K-pop groups such as ATEEZ and artists like JVKE. Their influence continues to expand in the global music landscape.
Their latest release, “Simula at Wakas,” features the single “Dam,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart and reached top 20 positions in multiple international markets. The EP’s title, which translates to “Beginning and End,” symbolizes the group’s current transitional phase as they evolve artistically and personally.
“We find ourselves caught between an ending and a new beginning,” Pablo explains. “Creatively, we feel more sincere and more in control of our sound. Personally, we’ve developed significantly over the years that we’ve been together. I believe this period marks our strongest bond yet.” Their journey reflects both artistic maturation and personal growth.
However, with success comes its own set of challenges. “Every milestone brings additional pressure,” admits Stell. “The expectations rise, not just from others but also from ourselves. And the pressure never truly dissipates; it merely evolves.” This perspective underscores the continual balancing act they face as they navigate their careers.
Justin adds that the group is in a constant state of reflection regarding their creative direction: “We are always discussing which paths to pursue, which ideas still resonate with SB19, and what will genuinely connect with people. We don’t always follow trends, and sometimes trying something new is a risk, especially when audiences might not be receptive.” Their commitment to authenticity drives their creative choices.
The Netflix platform offers unprecedented global exposure for P-pop. “Having our story streamed on Netflix is a monumental step not just for us, but for the entire P-pop genre,” says Ken. “It truly validates all the years of hard work and emphasizes that Filipino talent deserves recognition on the same platform as other international artists.” This visibility highlights the growing influence of Filipino music.
Josh views the documentary as part of a larger mission: “Our aim extends beyond SB19. We aspire to help P-pop gain international recognition and support our culture, arts, and economy. It’s an ambitious dream, but everything is interconnected.” Their vision embodies a broader cultural ambition that resonates with their mission.
For Pablo, the documentary offers global audiences a chance to understand the authentic Filipino experience: “‘Pagtatag! The Documentary’ will allow people, particularly those who are not Filipino, to see the heart behind what we do. It’s not just about music or success; it’s about the struggles, the purpose, and the culture we embody. SB19, and P-pop in general, are not trying to emulate anyone else. We are constructing something deeply rooted in our identity as Filipinos.” This message of authenticity is key to their narrative.
The group remains motivated by their original aspirations. “As SB19 and as individuals, we always strive to think like underdogs,” Justin notes. “This mindset drives us to keep evolving, pushing our limits, and achieving more. Simultaneously, we genuinely appreciate our achievements and the admiration A’TIN has for us.” Their humility is a cornerstone of their identity.
When asked what message they hope to convey to viewers discovering them for the first time, Josh offers a simple yet profound statement: “I genuinely hope they realize that no dream is too big; you just have to keep working and trying. I hope they understand that our story isn’t just about music; it’s about believing in yourself, no matter what challenges arise.” This inspirational message resonates with audiences everywhere.
The documentary has already strengthened the bond between SB19 and their fans. “There was a time when we were quite silent on social media, which was unusual because A’TIN was accustomed to us being very active and engaging,” Stell reveals. “During that quiet period, we were dealing with personal struggles that they were unaware of. The documentary helped clarify why we were distant, and it deepened the trust between us and A’TIN.” This transparency has reinforced their connection with supporters.
As they look toward the future, Pablo reflects on what sustains the group during quieter times. “I hold on to the purpose,” he states. “We’re not here simply for attention; we’re here to create something meaningful. When things get chaotic or quiet, I’m always reminded of why we started. That motivation keeps me going.” Their focus on purpose drives their artistry.
For SB19, the documentary’s global reach signifies validation of years of hard work and dedication. As Ken reflects: “We may not claim we deserve everything that has come our way, but we understand that we had to endure challenges to appreciate the value of what we’ve built. We are proud of how far we’ve come, and we are confident that with resilience and passion, we can face whatever comes next.” Their optimistic outlook is a testament to their journey.
“Pagtatag! The Documentary” began streaming on July 23.
Troy Sanders
Clara Hastings
