SB19 Takes on New Heights With Their Superb 2021 Releases — ‘Bazinga’ and ‘Ligaya’
(Note: The Editor-in-Chief only uploads contributors’ work and does not claim authorship or ownership of this piece. This article appears in Banwa’s May-June 2022 issue.)
Filipino super pop group SB19 proves once again that they are absolutely in the zone and breaking walls with their new releases: a fiery ‘Bazinga’ music video, and a heartening Christmas melody — ‘Ligaya’.
While hate and hostility are recurring themes in the entertainment industry, the group manages to rise above the adversity by calling out BAZINGA to their skeptics who continue to bash them with detesting speech in the course of their three-year-old career. The fusion of trap pop, reggaeton, and hip-hop complements the powerful lyrics of the song — effectively echoing a thundering roar to all the listeners. This bop is a three-minute note to
everyone that they have the power to turn hate into career boosters to amp up their game. As they say in their song, ‘BAZINGA! Hate niyo’y gasolina!’
In November 2021, SB19 flung the long-awaited music video to their EP single ‘Bazinga’ from the album ‘Pagsibol’ (that also homes the bops ‘What?’ and ‘MAPA’) and has been topping the Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart for 13 weeks now (as of February 07, 2022).
It’s safe to say that our boys got the last laugh!
The explosive and ferocious MV is directed by Jonathan Tal Placido with the help of the production house, Chapters, the same team behind their ‘What?’ music video. SB19 is also heavily involved in the concept, as Justin contributed to the hefty blend of the superhero trope, graffiti, and gaming that gave it a DC comics meets Mortal Kombat and Tomb Raider feel.
Its dark and heavy tone has notable references to popular animes. For instance, Ken’s part at the beginning of the track, when he lifts his head to reveal an eye patch and a red eye, mirrors Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul. Stell also sports a hand accessory similar to Hunter x Hunter’s Kurapika’s chain, and Justin’s Attack on Titan-esque fit.
They never left a stone unturned as they referenced their own journey in the music industry by showing significant dates of their career throughout their MV. It ended with a digital clock-looking gadget displaying the numbers ‘18:19’, pertaining to SB19 and their fans called A’TIN. A strong (and touching) end to a ferocious cyberpunk theme by showing that the bond between the group and their fans will always be stronger than any cynical comments they receive.
Contrasting the fierceness of Bazinga is the group’s yuletide gift to their fans, a new track and music video ‘Ligaya’. Shining with the warmth of its bright rhythms, charming hints of piano and violin, and a lively overlay of vocals, it truly feels like a thick blanket on a chilly Christmas day.
Directed by Rose Lope, the MV was released on December 18, 2021. It follows the band spending a gleeful time in a bright and colorful Christmas town, adorned with twinkly curtain lights and life-size decors. A complete reminiscence of amusement parks everyone loves to visit
during the holiday season as kids.
The group who’s rocking flamboyant kid core fits plays in the snowy park while serenading their loved ones and listeners with a sweet: “Maligayang pasko sa mga kaibigang totoo… Maligayang
pasko sa pamilya ko na laging suportado… Maligayang pasko sa mga mahal ko, mahal mo…”
Pablo, Josh, Stell, Justin, and Ken highlight the importance of peace, love, and kindness in the December track that adds richness to their (and everyone’s) year and kickstarts a serene holiday season to a reflective and stupendous 2021 journey.
The group’s versatility is one to admire — from the fierce Bazinga, they ended the year with a warm Ligaya, wishing everyone a warm Happy Holidays!
SB19 is a five-member Filipino pop group that debuted in 2018 and has a lot to show in the music industry. Currently, they have one studio album, six singles, two promotional singles, and nine music videos.
21-year-old Erica Chloe Mañalac hails from Bacoor, Cavite. She is recovering from her full year of creative and writer’s block and rekindling her love for creating and sharing stories with the help of her trusty companions — Spotify, peanut butter and honey toast, and workout routines! This Tagalog gal is set to graduate from college this 2022, and garnering all courage and confidence the Earth has to offer to finally put herself out to the world as a content creator.
