
The year 2026 marks new beginnings and opportunities for P-pop powerhouse SB19.
Recently, the five-member boy group officially announced their upcoming full-length album, Wakas at Simula, set for release on March 27.
As reflected in its title, the album marks the closing of one creative era and the beginning of a new chapter.
“Wakas at Simula closes the chapter of proving ourselves,” SB19 shared in a press statement. “In the beginning, we were focused on finding our place, building our identity, and earning people's trust. This album honors that journey while also guiding us into a more grounded and intentional version of SB19.”
As they step onto a larger global stage, the group embraces a bolder direction with grounded trust in their talent and team.
“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,” they added.
Marking a significant milestone, Wakas at Simula unifies their EP trilogy (Pagsibol, Pagtatag, and Simula at Wakas) while introducing six new tracks that push the boundaries of pop music and creativity.
The album also sees SB19 expanding onto the global stage through collaborations with international artists, blending music and culture.
Among the featured global stars are Queen of C-Pop JOLIN on the track “Emoji” and Japanese group BE:FIRST on the dance-pop song “Toyfriend.”
Beyond breaking creative boundaries, SB19 emphasized how these partnerships have contributed to their growth as artists and leaders of their own agency.
“Since SB19 built its own system from the ground up, one that is pro-artist and pro-team, these collaborations helped us see how we can refine and evolve that approach," Stell explained.
"The impact goes beyond music, as it opens opportunities for 1Z to grow and adapt to global practices. At the end of the day, it highlights how a young team can build meaningful connections and continue learning while expanding on a global stage.”
In addition to its collaborations, Wakas at Simula showcases new sides of the group. From the R&B track “Memories” to the industrial textures of “Everblack,” as well as reworked versions of songs from their 2021 EP, Pagsibol.
“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 shared.
"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.”
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Beyond the album, the group is also preparing for the Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale, set on April 18 at the SMDC Festival Grounds.
SB19 is likewise set to represent the Philippines on the global stage, including an appearance at the Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago, USA.
Take a look at the groundbreaking highlights of their anniversary fashion-concert, Fast Zone, in this gallery: