P-Pop Kings SB19 is set to release their much-anticipated sophomore album Wakas at Simula on March 27 as they mark a new chapter in their evolving music.
Described as a milestone project, the album captures the group’s growth over the past eight years while embracing a more confident and intentional direction. It also highlights SB19’s expanding presence on the global stage through collaborations with international acts, including Queen of C-Pop Jolin and Japanese boy band BE:FIRST.
During the album’s media launch on March 23, SB19's leader Pablo shared with the media that the album represents both an ending and a beginning.
"It's a milestone na pwede naming balikan yung mga narating namin. At the same time, it's a celebration for the next chapter of SB19," he said.
"Tina-target po talaga namin yung going global para ipakita kung ano 'yung kayang gawin ng mga Filipinos...Itong album na ito, it's a celebration for everything that we have achieved together."
PHOTO: SB19, courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment
With this release, SB19 is also embracing a more fearless approach to their artistry.
“Our years of experience have given us the confidence to create and share what feels true to us, even if we are still growing. At the same time, this marks a new beginning. We hope to express ourselves more openly. explore deeper and more relatable themes, and move forward with clarity, care, and creative freedom, ready to face new challenges together,” the group said in a press release.
Conceptually rooted in duality and transformation, Wakas at Simula brings together the group’s trilogy of EPs — Pagsibol, Pagtatag, and Simula at Wakas — while introducing six new tracks. Among the highlights are “Emoji,” featuring Jolin, and the dance-pop track “Toyfriend” with BE:FIRST, underscoring SB19’s efforts to bridge cultures through music.
During the album’s media launch, Stell also spoke about the significance of these collaborations, emphasizing how they reflect the group’s long-held dreams.
“We are very happy and very blessed na yung mga ganon kalalaking mga international artists, talagang willing to collaborate with us. Nung nags-start kami ang taas na agad ng pangarap namin...mga big artist talaga. Ngayon na dumarating na sila, siyempre sabi namin ‘Ah, ito na pala talaga yun.’ We are very happy na paunti-unti, naaabot namin yung pangarap namin noon. Hanggang ngayon hindi kami makapaniwala na naaabot na namin siya.
“Yun naman talaga yung goal namin, to go global,” he emphasized. “I think it’s not only for us to show ‘yung skills ng SB19 but of course maipakita rin yung collaboration ng cultures together at maipakita yung kayang maitawid ng musika natin to other countries na willing to support our country.”
Beyond its collaborations, the album explores a wide music range from the smooth R&B track “Memories” to the darker, industrial-leaning “Everblack.” It also features reworked songs from their 2021 EP Pagsibol, now re-recorded to reflect the group’s artistic and emotional maturity.
"When we first recorded them, we were coming from a place of hunger and hope, performing based on how we initially understood and absorbed the lyrics," SB19 admitted. "Now, with more experience and perspective, the emotions naturally run deeper, and the lyrics carry greater meaning. It was not about changing the songs completely but allowing them to grow with us."
The album’s release will culminate in the Wakas at Simula concert on April 18 at the SMDC Festival Grounds, serving as the finale of their Simula at Wakas tour. While a full world tour is not planned, SB19 is set to perform across North America, Europe, and the Middle East later this year. The group will also mark another milestone as they are set to perform at major international music festival, Lollapalooza, in Chicago, USA.