Who is your favorite SB19 member?

SB19 is a Filipino boy band formed in 2018, consisting of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin. They are recognized as one of the biggest names in Pinoy pop. They are managed by 1Z Entertainment and have their music distributed by Sony Music Philippines. In 2021, they became the first Southeast Asian act to be nominated for a Billboard Music Award in the Top Social Artist category and the first from the region to appear in the top 10 of the Billboard Social 50. In 2016, ShowBT Philippines, a subsidiary of the Korean company ShowBT Group, held a talent search aimed at localizing K-pop in other Asian countries. Candidates underwent rigorous training inspired by the South Korean model, including physical preparation and “personality development.” Trainees who didn’t meet the standards were dismissed until the final seven members were chosen. Training continued with workdays of over nine hours a day; of the seven members, Stell remained with ShowBT, three dropped out, and Pablo, Josh, and Justin left, but changed their minds and returned. Ken, a previous candidate, also joined the group. These five became the current members of SB19. Pablo—initially with the stage name Sejun—is the band’s leader.

SB19 debuted on October 26, 2018, with the single “Tilaluha,” a sentimental ballad. They subsequently released their second single, “Go Up,” on July 19, 2019. The group received little attention after this restructuring, and its members began to lose heart. They were on the verge of disbanding, but a few months after the song’s release, the dance rehearsal video for “Go Up” went viral on Twitter and Facebook, allowing SB19 to gain prominence on Philippine television and radio. This new opportunity led the group to use social media as a strategy to gain recognition and begin planning a tour.

Let’s learn a little more about each SB19 member below:

Josh was born on October 22, 1993, in Las Piñas, Metro Manila, Philippines. He revealed in a YouTube vlog that he was raised by a single mother and that he never knew his biological father. In the same vlog, Josh revealed that he was a victim of domestic violence by his nanny while his mother was at work. Josh and his family struggled financially, leading to his intermittent schooling, and he graduated high school late. After graduating, Josh worked as a computer technician and call center agent before auditioning as a talent. He has an older sister.

John Paulo Bagnas Nase (Pablo) (born September 14, 1994) is a Filipino singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer, and record producer. He is a member of the Filipino boy band SB19 and the CEO of 1Z Entertainment, a company created and managed by SB19 members.

Stellvester Ajero (Stell) (born June 16, 1995) is a Filipino singer, dancer, and choreographer. Known for his wide vocal range and talent, he is the lead vocalist, lead dancer, and main choreographer of the Filipino boy band SB19, signed to 1Z Entertainment.

Felip Jhon Suson (Ken) (born January 12, 1997) is a Filipino rapper, singer, songwriter, dancer, and producer. He is the lead dancer, lead rapper, and lead vocalist of the Filipino boy band SB19. The group debuted in October 2018. They initially struggled to gain public attention, but rose to fame after their song went viral the following year. Their discography includes the album “Get in the Zone” (2020) and two EPs. Felip possesses a wide vocal range and is known for his deep, distinctive voice.

Justin de Dios (Justin) (born July 7, 1998) is a Filipino recording artist, songwriter, visual artist, director, and actor. He is the main visual artist and lead singer of the Filipino boy band SB19, which debuted in 2018. The group’s initial struggles gave way to overnight success after going viral in 2019, and their discography includes the album Get in the Zone (2020) and two extended plays (EPs). As SB19’s creative director, Justin has directed several of their music videos and headlined the 2021 online concert Back in the Zone. He also directed the music videos for his solo songs “Kaibigan” (translated as “Friend”) and “Surreal”, as well as “Misteryoso” (translated as “Mysterious”) by Cup of Joe.