Excitement is building for concert director Paolo Valenciano as he leads the production of SB19’s highly anticipated Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale, a show poised to bring together thousands of fans for a grand musical experience. He also shared his admiration for the boy group members, whom he says are very dedicated to their craft.
As the concert draws near, Paolo spoke to PUSH ABS-CBN and shared how the energy within the team continues to intensify, with rehearsals and preparations running at full speed.
He described the atmosphere as a mix of hype and nerves, reflecting just how much is at stake for everyone involved in the production.
“Di na ako makatulog to be honest. I think this is the biggest stage that I'm working with. We've been rehearsing every day. And the boys are really... may hype na may halong kaba. The dancers have been dancing every day. Th/ey've been dancing every day, I think, for the past two weeks. The lighting guys, the visual guys, everyone's really on double time na kasi we know na ilang araw nalang... Medyo may pressure ng very very slight,” he said.
READ: SB19 marks new era with ‘Wakas at Simula’, highlighting growth and global reach
Set to take place at the SMDC Festival Grounds on April 18, the open-air venue is expected to host a massive crowd of A’TIN, further raising anticipation for what is shaping up to be one of SB19’s biggest performances to date.
Despite the excitement, Paolo acknowledged the realities of mounting a large-scale outdoor concert, particularly under the summer heat. Still, he remained optimistic, sharing gratitude as they navigate these challenges.
“Weather is one of the biggest challenges that we have. Thank God, na hindi natuloy yung storm... So we're really thankful na hindi siya dito pumunta. But because the storm is not here, sobrang init naman. Yun yung nagiging challenge namain everytime we’re at the site.”
He also said that safety remains a priority during preparations, especially as the team works under intense conditions at the venue. These considerations, he noted, add to the responsibility of ensuring a successful and safe event.
“Medyo ‘di na kami makatulog,” he continued.
Marking their fourth grand collaboration, Paolo’s partnership with SB19 continues to grow stronger. Just last 2025, they were recognized with the Concert of the Year Award for the Simula At Wakas World Tour Kickoff at the Philippine Arena during the first-ever Filipino Music Awards.
Over the years, Paolo has developed deep admiration for the group, particularly for their dedication and openness to creative collaboration, which are qualities he says elevate not only their performances but the entire production team.
“The great thing about SB19 is you're always learning something new from them. And then, sobrang open sila to other ideas.”
“It really feels like a collaboration, rather than me telling them what to do or vice versa. I'm very vocal about how yung work ethic nila, just their dedication to their craft, it's a contagious habit. Parang yung energy na yun nakakahawa siya so because they are so passionate about what they do, they're so meticulous and they care about the details,” Paolo added. “Pati kami, we're forced to level up, we're forced to give it extra kasi deserve nila and ng A'Tin. Deserve din ng A’tin. They deserve to get a good, fantastic show.”
For this finale concert, SB19 is set to end an era and perform songs from their sophomore album Wakas at Simula, which includes collaborations with international artists such as the Queen of C-Pop Jolin Tsai and Japanese boy band BE:FIRST.