BREAK⚠️NG INTO THE ZONE 💙
Jul. 11th, 2023 11:58 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
riemaynine⚠️Long post ahead⚠️
This is actually an unusual entry that I am posting in my fangirling blog. I actually started having a blog to express my thoughts as a fangirl focusing on Japanese pop culture, but this time, I am going to dedicate this entry solely for a certain boy group based in our country that is currently raising our flag and aiming to reach worldwide recognition through their music.
I never thought at first that I would be stanning OPM artists (a Ppop group, to be specific) as much as I am stanning Jpop artists, but these fellow Filipinos proved that they are also worthy to be stanned, as they truly have world-class talents that we can be proud of. I actually had some phases in the past when I casually admire some of our local actors/actresses, but I was not really into local singers/performers.
Until I got to know SB19. 🤭💙
(from Rappler)
What is amusing about me being an idol fan is that, I actually start to stan the idols once I got to know their personalities more, rather than their visuals, talents or discography. Grew up in Johnny's (Johnny and Associates, one of Japan's largest entertainment agency) fandom, I truly appreciate the human sides of the idols while watching them grow and improve throughout their idol journey.
I'm not the bandwagon type of fan, to be honest.
I believe that when we unexpectedly meet someone, the feeling of affection towards this someone will last long. In fact, I mainly stan Jpop idol groups NEWS and Bi Shounen for almost 11 years and 4 years as of this writing, respectively.
I hope this feeling of affection will also be applicable for me to SB19 as well...
And I'm now going to start the narrative.
💙 HOW I GOT INTO SB19 💙
I've been hearing about them already during the time when their dance practice video went viral back in 2019, and being a Jpop stan, their leader Pablo, Sejun during that time, had caught my eyes, thinking, "Oh he somewhat looks like Sexy Zone's Nakajima Kento!" sporting his short black hair.
This is not the exact picture I saw during that time. But anyway, Sejun with this hair hits different 😌💕
That was the time when I knew SB19's existence, but not expecting myself to go deeper and eventually fall into the rabbit hole few years after.
During the pandemic, I got hooked into watching collection room tour and unboxing videos on Tiktok and YouTube, and came across a video of an A'TIN, particularly a Pablo stan, sharing their SB19 merch collection. I just couldn't remember the name of this A'TIN, my bad😅. That was the time when I realized, "Ah, Pablo na pala si Sejun". Yeah, among SB19 members, I only knew Pablo.
Also, if I remember correctly, below is the unboxing video that I can consider as the first full video I watched featuring them. I found them funny here!
Then I also came across a music video of them rendering their own version of Dunkin' Donuts Christmas jingle, Merry Munchkins, and I was like, "Ang ganda ng pagkakanta nila rito, parang kanta ng Johnny's idols!"
I weren't still able to recognize other members through those videos yet, though. 😅
Until last quarter of 2022 came - just an unexpected plot twist of my life. That year, especially during its first quarter, was really a stressful year for me (I choose not to elaborate this since it's too personal), but starting to watch them had somehow eased that lingering feeling back then. I guess that's the reason for me to get to know more about them this late. It's fate, after all.
While scrolling through my Tiktok account's FYP, I again encountered these guys mostly showing their funny, chaotic sides through some random clips excerpted from the videos on their official YouTube channel, which I subscribed eventually. I also binge-watched their past interviews, wherein I got to know more about the members' personalities. I even transform my personal Twitter account into SB19 stan account, just to be updated with them! 😆
At first, I got mesmerized by Justin's boy next door visuals (or maybe I also fell for his corny jokes lol) and entertained by Stell's hilarious punchlines, but after late nights of watching several videos featuring them, I completely admire Josh for his mature outlook towards life. Josh's overall personality resonated in me, hence, he became my bias.
I love his visuals here! 😍
Actually, my first impression with Josh was that, he has the "sparkly cute idol aura" that somewhat reminds me of Hey! Say! JUMP's Yamada Ryosuke. He is, indeed, the "charismatic member of SB19"
I can declare that after about two months of observation, I consider November 5 as my anniversary as A'TIN. 😊
I also got the chance to watch WYAT Homecoming concert on December 18 last year via livestream.
I was also able to visit WYAT mural painting dedicated to them, created by a group of artistic A'TIN (ARTSB19).
And just last June 24 this year, I finally got to watch them live! As it is the first concert that I've attended, that moment will forever be engraved in my memory.
At first, I was contemplating whether I would be attending or not, since I didn't know someone who can accompany me during the concert and I was worried about traveling back home after, but my guts had told me to push so I wouldn't regret. Hence, I bought a ticket a little late already. I was aiming for a lower box seat, but seats under that tier were already sold out, so I got the available seat from upper box tier instead.
To more concerts and budols to come. Hello wallet, magpakatatag ka pa lalo! 😆
Here are the reasons why SB19 had captured my heart, knowing myself that I have high standards of stanning idols.
💙 WHY I GOT HOOKED INTO SB19 💙
⚠️Humor/Personality
When it comes to stanning idols, it is always the personality that comes first in my standards. I prefer those who are not afraid to show their true selves as human beings rather than to show a perfect image of what a typical idol should be. Watching their vlogs being funny and chaotic had got me hooked. Their Filipino humor is also relatable since I'm also a Filipino, and aside from that, I don't need any subtitles anymore just to understand their jokes 😁
⚠️Stage presence
They have certain charismatic vibes that exude every time they are performing on stage. I'm actually more into how idols project themselves on stage rather than how synchronized they are while dancing. Of course, there is the synchronization in their performances that is satisfying in my eyes, however, there is uniqueness with how they execute the steps, hence, I can somehow sense the differences in their personalities through their movements.
⚠️Vocals
I admit, I am particular with vocals, even though I am not a singer. Maybe my ears are somewhat sensitive lol just kidding.
Just to share, since I am an idol (Jpop) fan for more than a decade already, I have witnessed several groups who are great at dancing, however, only few of them really have great vocals. So those who have great vocals really stand out to me among those idols.
Hearing SB19 sing their ballad songs, I can easily recognize that there are differences in their vocal ranges, hence, it sounds so harmonious when they sing altogether. Although all members have great vocals, Stell's vocals impressed me the most. His voice is so heavenly and magical, that I keep on hearing it in my mind even after few days (But I'm still sane, don't worry 😆).
Aside from that, each member knows different vocal techniques. As an example, Ken/Felip has a natural deep voice yet he can be flexible with his vocals.
Here's his CRIMINAL live performance to see what I'm talking about:
Also, there is an assurance that we always get live singing from them (I don't like lipsync 🤐). I appreciate live singing from artists even if their voices cracked or they forgot the lyrics in the middle of the performance. SB19's live singing is exceptional.👌
⚠️Discography
Although they are considered as Ppop idols, their diverse discography has proven that they don't only have pop, EDM, or anything danceable as their genre of music. They can also do ballad and R&B as well. Aside from different genres, they also have various themes in their songs as well. Song about honoring our parents? There's MAPA. Song about unrequited love? There's Tilaluha. Song about questioning our self-worth? There's ILAW.
Anyway, just to share, even though my bias has vocally admitted that he doesn't like it, Wag Mong Ikunot Ang Iyong Noo is one of my favorites.
Maybe I got used to Johnny's tonchiki songs (catchy, silly novelty-like songs) 😆
Even though they don't release songs as often as other artists, every song that they release is either catchy or soulful, that it always resonates to someone hearing it. We can always expect quality music from them. Every song is a masterpiece.
As I'm always saying in my tweets, QUALITY BEATS QUANTITY.
⚠️Visuals
Each member has their own charm. Having diverse Filipino features, they are physically attractive in different ways. We can easily distinguish one from another with their visuals, and recently, even by just looking at their hairstyles/colors or their outfits. Following a certain beauty standard is boring, for me.
⚠️Creativity
Typical idols may have their own team who is in charge of composing songs or producing MVs for them, but SB19 is self-produced. The members themselves are in charge of producing most of their own songs, MVs, even the choreography! I really admire Pablo's lyricism, as it is something out of the ordinary. Since I'm also into wordplays and riddles, I enjoy digesting the lyrics while listening to their songs. The MVs, even the album trailers, are also eye-catching! The quality is on par with or even much better than MVs produced from other countries - truly world class!
What is good about SB19 is that, they let fans participate, think deeper and interpret things that they have created. I thought at first that I would only be overthinking about NEWS' creations, until I realized that SB19 also has creative ways of expressing their art where fans would then always come up with their own theories from it. I guess I really have my type - I love those who are true artists rather than just idols, or those I can consider as "storytellers". It's really fun learning something from the idols. 😁
⚠️Fan interaction
Even though we can consider them as popular artists, their humble presence is much like they are our friends. Although I can only observe via fancams, I can feel that they are really accommodating. They can also interact with fans online, randomly replying to fans' tweets. I lowkey wish that I can also experience that kind of fanservice someday, especially from my bias Josh 🤭. I can observe that Josh is often doing the cutest fan service the most, embodying the charismatic idol image.
⚠️Advocacy
Ever since they debuted, they have been very vocal about aiming to bring Filipino music into the global scene, incorporating Filipino language and culture in every song that they have. Who would have thought of referencing Filipino mythological creature manananggal in a song, other than them?
With that goal, no doubt they deserve to be chosen as NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) Youth Ambassadors.
⚠️Idol Journey
I am mostly invested in idols' success stories with a plot twist. I am not romanticizing adversities though, but rather, getting inspiration from them.
Knowing how they were mocked for being Kpop copycats at first but later gained respect from the public for building their own identity as Ppop representatives, we can learn that instead of being easily swayed by criticisms, try taking risks while considering these criticisms as motivation to reach for greater heights.
As the saying by Zig Ziglar goes, "Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations".
⚠️Member Love
I can feel the strong bond among SB19 members, and as what I can observe, they truly care for each other much like friends, or much deeper, like family. Skinship may be an uncommon culture here (although I get used to it since I'm a Jpop fan), but they prove that there is nothing wrong about male idols showing how close they are with one another by being touchy, holding hands, hugging.
By the way, I find JoshTin and PabStell pairings cute, though any pairing is fine with me. 🤭🚢
With all those reasons that I have mentioned, there is no doubt that they truly deserve what they are achieving nowadays. More opportunities, more recognitions, and having large and continuously growing fanbase are just products of their unwavering passion towards their craft and determination to pursue their goals not just for themselves but for the local industry as well. Truly Pinoy Pride. 🇵🇭
I'm glad I finally got into this zone, and hopefully, will stay here for more years to come. I wish the same for SB19: longevity. 💙
This is actually an unusual entry that I am posting in my fangirling blog. I actually started having a blog to express my thoughts as a fangirl focusing on Japanese pop culture, but this time, I am going to dedicate this entry solely for a certain boy group based in our country that is currently raising our flag and aiming to reach worldwide recognition through their music.
I never thought at first that I would be stanning OPM artists (a Ppop group, to be specific) as much as I am stanning Jpop artists, but these fellow Filipinos proved that they are also worthy to be stanned, as they truly have world-class talents that we can be proud of. I actually had some phases in the past when I casually admire some of our local actors/actresses, but I was not really into local singers/performers.
Until I got to know SB19. 🤭💙
(from Rappler)
What is amusing about me being an idol fan is that, I actually start to stan the idols once I got to know their personalities more, rather than their visuals, talents or discography. Grew up in Johnny's (Johnny and Associates, one of Japan's largest entertainment agency) fandom, I truly appreciate the human sides of the idols while watching them grow and improve throughout their idol journey.
I'm not the bandwagon type of fan, to be honest.
I believe that when we unexpectedly meet someone, the feeling of affection towards this someone will last long. In fact, I mainly stan Jpop idol groups NEWS and Bi Shounen for almost 11 years and 4 years as of this writing, respectively.
I hope this feeling of affection will also be applicable for me to SB19 as well...
And I'm now going to start the narrative.
💙 HOW I GOT INTO SB19 💙
I've been hearing about them already during the time when their dance practice video went viral back in 2019, and being a Jpop stan, their leader Pablo, Sejun during that time, had caught my eyes, thinking, "Oh he somewhat looks like Sexy Zone's Nakajima Kento!" sporting his short black hair.
This is not the exact picture I saw during that time. But anyway, Sejun with this hair hits different 😌💕
Nacurious ako dun sa SB19, tas pagkakita ko sa lider nilang si Sejun, woooow...
— リエ ₍ᐢ⑅•ᴗ•⑅ᐢ₎🤍✨ #NEWS20th #NEWS_EXPO (@riemaynine) September 23, 2019
NakaKen, ikaw ba yan? Hawig ni Kenty e. 😮😮😮
That was the time when I knew SB19's existence, but not expecting myself to go deeper and eventually fall into the rabbit hole few years after.
During the pandemic, I got hooked into watching collection room tour and unboxing videos on Tiktok and YouTube, and came across a video of an A'TIN, particularly a Pablo stan, sharing their SB19 merch collection. I just couldn't remember the name of this A'TIN, my bad😅. That was the time when I realized, "Ah, Pablo na pala si Sejun". Yeah, among SB19 members, I only knew Pablo.
Also, if I remember correctly, below is the unboxing video that I can consider as the first full video I watched featuring them. I found them funny here!
Then I also came across a music video of them rendering their own version of Dunkin' Donuts Christmas jingle, Merry Munchkins, and I was like, "Ang ganda ng pagkakanta nila rito, parang kanta ng Johnny's idols!"
I weren't still able to recognize other members through those videos yet, though. 😅
Until last quarter of 2022 came - just an unexpected plot twist of my life. That year, especially during its first quarter, was really a stressful year for me (I choose not to elaborate this since it's too personal), but starting to watch them had somehow eased that lingering feeling back then. I guess that's the reason for me to get to know more about them this late. It's fate, after all.
While scrolling through my Tiktok account's FYP, I again encountered these guys mostly showing their funny, chaotic sides through some random clips excerpted from the videos on their official YouTube channel, which I subscribed eventually. I also binge-watched their past interviews, wherein I got to know more about the members' personalities. I even transform my personal Twitter account into SB19 stan account, just to be updated with them! 😆
Grabe, ganyan kalakas saken tong #SB19, yung personal account ko ginawa ko nang fan account huehue jusme. It's been two months since nagstart akong obserbahan sila tas eto nahuhook hanggang ngayon hahaha. 🥹💙
— エス美 (esubi) ⚠️💙 (@esubisukisugi) November 26, 2022
At first, I got mesmerized by Justin's boy next door visuals (or maybe I also fell for his corny jokes lol) and entertained by Stell's hilarious punchlines, but after late nights of watching several videos featuring them, I completely admire Josh for his mature outlook towards life. Josh's overall personality resonated in me, hence, he became my bias.
I love his visuals here! 😍
Actually, my first impression with Josh was that, he has the "sparkly cute idol aura" that somewhat reminds me of Hey! Say! JUMP's Yamada Ryosuke. He is, indeed, the "charismatic member of SB19"
Yamada vibes si Josh ng SB19 huehue 😁🤭🍢
— エス美 (esubi) ⚠️💙 (@esubisukisugi) October 3, 2022
I can declare that after about two months of observation, I consider November 5 as my anniversary as A'TIN. 😊
Anyway, just to divert my attention away from what is happening in Jpop world now, I think I am slowly starting to immerse myself into Ppop. Lately, I've been observing SB19 (it's been a month already!), and I think I'm getting hooked into it.
— リエ ₍ᐢ⑅•ᴗ•⑅ᐢ₎🤍✨ #NEWS20th #NEWS_EXPO (@riemaynine) November 5, 2022
I also got the chance to watch WYAT Homecoming concert on December 18 last year via livestream.
I was also able to visit WYAT mural painting dedicated to them, created by a group of artistic A'TIN (ARTSB19).
And just last June 24 this year, I finally got to watch them live! As it is the first concert that I've attended, that moment will forever be engraved in my memory.
At first, I was contemplating whether I would be attending or not, since I didn't know someone who can accompany me during the concert and I was worried about traveling back home after, but my guts had told me to push so I wouldn't regret. Hence, I bought a ticket a little late already. I was aiming for a lower box seat, but seats under that tier were already sold out, so I got the available seat from upper box tier instead.
To more concerts and budols to come. Hello wallet, magpakatatag ka pa lalo! 😆
Here are the reasons why SB19 had captured my heart, knowing myself that I have high standards of stanning idols.
💙 WHY I GOT HOOKED INTO SB19 💙
⚠️Humor/Personality
When it comes to stanning idols, it is always the personality that comes first in my standards. I prefer those who are not afraid to show their true selves as human beings rather than to show a perfect image of what a typical idol should be. Watching their vlogs being funny and chaotic had got me hooked. Their Filipino humor is also relatable since I'm also a Filipino, and aside from that, I don't need any subtitles anymore just to understand their jokes 😁
⚠️Stage presence
They have certain charismatic vibes that exude every time they are performing on stage. I'm actually more into how idols project themselves on stage rather than how synchronized they are while dancing. Of course, there is the synchronization in their performances that is satisfying in my eyes, however, there is uniqueness with how they execute the steps, hence, I can somehow sense the differences in their personalities through their movements.
⚠️Vocals
I admit, I am particular with vocals, even though I am not a singer. Maybe my ears are somewhat sensitive lol just kidding.
Just to share, since I am an idol (Jpop) fan for more than a decade already, I have witnessed several groups who are great at dancing, however, only few of them really have great vocals. So those who have great vocals really stand out to me among those idols.
Hearing SB19 sing their ballad songs, I can easily recognize that there are differences in their vocal ranges, hence, it sounds so harmonious when they sing altogether. Although all members have great vocals, Stell's vocals impressed me the most. His voice is so heavenly and magical, that I keep on hearing it in my mind even after few days (But I'm still sane, don't worry 😆).
Aside from that, each member knows different vocal techniques. As an example, Ken/Felip has a natural deep voice yet he can be flexible with his vocals.
Here's his CRIMINAL live performance to see what I'm talking about:
Also, there is an assurance that we always get live singing from them (I don't like lipsync 🤐). I appreciate live singing from artists even if their voices cracked or they forgot the lyrics in the middle of the performance. SB19's live singing is exceptional.👌
⚠️Discography
Although they are considered as Ppop idols, their diverse discography has proven that they don't only have pop, EDM, or anything danceable as their genre of music. They can also do ballad and R&B as well. Aside from different genres, they also have various themes in their songs as well. Song about honoring our parents? There's MAPA. Song about unrequited love? There's Tilaluha. Song about questioning our self-worth? There's ILAW.
Anyway, just to share, even though my bias has vocally admitted that he doesn't like it, Wag Mong Ikunot Ang Iyong Noo is one of my favorites.
Maybe I got used to Johnny's tonchiki songs (catchy, silly novelty-like songs) 😆
Even though they don't release songs as often as other artists, every song that they release is either catchy or soulful, that it always resonates to someone hearing it. We can always expect quality music from them. Every song is a masterpiece.
As I'm always saying in my tweets, QUALITY BEATS QUANTITY.
⚠️Visuals
Each member has their own charm. Having diverse Filipino features, they are physically attractive in different ways. We can easily distinguish one from another with their visuals, and recently, even by just looking at their hairstyles/colors or their outfits. Following a certain beauty standard is boring, for me.
⚠️Creativity
Typical idols may have their own team who is in charge of composing songs or producing MVs for them, but SB19 is self-produced. The members themselves are in charge of producing most of their own songs, MVs, even the choreography! I really admire Pablo's lyricism, as it is something out of the ordinary. Since I'm also into wordplays and riddles, I enjoy digesting the lyrics while listening to their songs. The MVs, even the album trailers, are also eye-catching! The quality is on par with or even much better than MVs produced from other countries - truly world class!
What is good about SB19 is that, they let fans participate, think deeper and interpret things that they have created. I thought at first that I would only be overthinking about NEWS' creations, until I realized that SB19 also has creative ways of expressing their art where fans would then always come up with their own theories from it. I guess I really have my type - I love those who are true artists rather than just idols, or those I can consider as "storytellers". It's really fun learning something from the idols. 😁
⚠️Fan interaction
Even though we can consider them as popular artists, their humble presence is much like they are our friends. Although I can only observe via fancams, I can feel that they are really accommodating. They can also interact with fans online, randomly replying to fans' tweets. I lowkey wish that I can also experience that kind of fanservice someday, especially from my bias Josh 🤭. I can observe that Josh is often doing the cutest fan service the most, embodying the charismatic idol image.
⚠️Advocacy
Ever since they debuted, they have been very vocal about aiming to bring Filipino music into the global scene, incorporating Filipino language and culture in every song that they have. Who would have thought of referencing Filipino mythological creature manananggal in a song, other than them?
With that goal, no doubt they deserve to be chosen as NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) Youth Ambassadors.
⚠️Idol Journey
I am mostly invested in idols' success stories with a plot twist. I am not romanticizing adversities though, but rather, getting inspiration from them.
Knowing how they were mocked for being Kpop copycats at first but later gained respect from the public for building their own identity as Ppop representatives, we can learn that instead of being easily swayed by criticisms, try taking risks while considering these criticisms as motivation to reach for greater heights.
As the saying by Zig Ziglar goes, "Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations".
⚠️Member Love
I can feel the strong bond among SB19 members, and as what I can observe, they truly care for each other much like friends, or much deeper, like family. Skinship may be an uncommon culture here (although I get used to it since I'm a Jpop fan), but they prove that there is nothing wrong about male idols showing how close they are with one another by being touchy, holding hands, hugging.
By the way, I find JoshTin and PabStell pairings cute, though any pairing is fine with me. 🤭🚢
With all those reasons that I have mentioned, there is no doubt that they truly deserve what they are achieving nowadays. More opportunities, more recognitions, and having large and continuously growing fanbase are just products of their unwavering passion towards their craft and determination to pursue their goals not just for themselves but for the local industry as well. Truly Pinoy Pride. 🇵🇭
I'm glad I finally got into this zone, and hopefully, will stay here for more years to come. I wish the same for SB19: longevity. 💙
