SB19 fans in Dubai promote inclusivity with sign language performance of 'Mapa'

A group of fans made SB19's "Simula at Wakas" concert in Dubai a night of inclusivity and advocacy for the Deaf community. 

On X (formerly Twitter), Dubai-based Irish content creator Loly Burn shared some clips from the concert held on October 11, where some A'TIN (SB19 fans) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) performed "Mapa" in sign language. 

"I had this idea in my head for a while, looking for the right artist who would fit the project. SB19's story, journey, and song lyrics seemed like the perfect fit," Loly wrote in the caption.

In an interview with GMA News Online, the Irish fan said that she wanted to bridge music and inclusivity to the members of the community because of her sister Kim, who has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal and non-mobile. 

"Despite everything, music has always brought her to life; her entire face lights up when she hears it. I grew up witnessing the pure magic that music can create without boundaries," Loly said.

After moving to Dubai from Ireland, she connected with the Deaf community and was deeply moved by their experiences. 

"It made me realize how much more we can do to make music accessible for everyone. From that moment, I knew we had to help make sign language interpreters at concerts a standard, not an exception," she said.

When it came to SB19's performance of "Mapa," Loly said that they wanted to do something truly meaningful and that is to "bridge worlds and allow everyone to feel the music in their own way." 

According to Loly, their team took three months to plan the project and two months of learning the sign language as well as rehearse the movements.

"Every week, we practiced not just to perfect movements, but to truly understand the meaning behind what we were signing," she said.

The fan project also received heartfelt support from 1Z Entertainment's COO, Yani De Dios, whose involvement and guidance played a key role in making the initiative a success.

"When I first reached out, I simply hoped to connect with the producer, but to my surprise, Yani, the COO of 1Z Entertainment, personally stepped in to be involved," she shared.

"From the very beginning, they listened with genuine care, understood our vision, and made sure our safety and support were prioritized at every stage. Their belief in what we were trying to achieve meant the world to us," the long-time A'TIN added.

The UAE A'TIN team also poured their hearts into the project, funding their own sign language lessons and learning directly from members of the Deaf community.

"They personally funded their lessons and learned the basics of sign language directly from members of the Deaf community because we needed to approach this respectfully and correctly," Loly said. 

Loly also gave a shoutout to their teachers, Nikko and Keith, who taught them patiently, as well as to their advocates and interpreters from the Deaf community in Dubai.

"It is so inspiring and made us remember why this awareness is so important," she said. "Learning directly from the community made all the difference. After the concert, I was deeply honored to be gifted my sign name, something that must be given by the community itself."

"It's one of the most meaningful recognitions I've ever received and a reminder that this project was about connection, not performance," she added.

This is not the first time SB19's song has been given a sign language interpretation. Previously, "Unang Hirit" sign language interpreter Bayani Generoso made waves online for his interpretation of SB19's song "Gento" and Pablo's "Butata."

SB19 held a two-night concert at the Philippine Arena in May to kick off their "Simula at Wakas" world tour in support of their EP of the same name.

The world tour also included stops in California, Canada, Hawaii, Singapore, and more. The first international stop was Taiwan last June 29.

SB19 dropped their Simula at Wakas EP in April, which includes the songs "DAM" and "DUNGKA!"

We worked on this project for months learning MAPA in sign language to surprise our Deaf Friends for @SB19Official

I had this idea in my head for a while looking for the right artist that would fit the protect. SB19 story, journey, song lyrics seemed like the perfect fit

I… pic.twitter.com/DvT8BLJb1A

— Loly (@LolyPopReacts) October 12, 2025