The Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai was alive with music long before the show even began. As SB19’s songs reverberated through the speakers, their dedicated fans, known as A’Tins, energetically sang along, transforming the pre-show into a vibrant karaoke session. This charged atmosphere set the tone for an unforgettable night of high-energy performances on October 11.
The five-member Filipino boy band Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin delivered a powerful opening with their hit ‘DAM,’ swiftly followed by crowd favourites ‘What?’ and ‘GENTO.’ This marked their third performance in Dubai, a remarkable progression from their debut show, which attracted just over a thousand fans. This time, the Coca-Cola Arena was packed, a testament to their expanding fanbase and the unwavering support of the Filipino community in the region.
Addressing the Riyadh Show Cancellation
Early in the concert, SB19 made sure to acknowledge not only their UAE fans but also those from neighbouring countries like Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan. They also took a moment to address the cancellation of their Riyadh show, an event beyond their control. “We’re really sorry,” they told the crowd, promising to make it up to their fans. The heartfelt apology was met with resounding cheers, a clear sign of the deep bond between SB19 and their A’Tins.
High-Energy Performances
The night continued with an electrifying performance of ‘Golden Hour,’ their collaboration with American singer JVKE, followed by energetic renditions of ‘DUNGKA!’ and ‘Bazinga.’ SB19 ensured the concert wasn’t just about music but also about engaging their audience. The crowd was encouraged to sing and dance along, especially during playful numbers like ‘8TonBall’ and ‘CRIMZONE.’
A Moment of Reflection
Midway through the show, the group paused for a solemn moment, acknowledging the recent devastating earthquake in the Philippines. With heavy hearts, they asked the audience for prayers. “If you want to say something, say it now,” one member remarked, highlighting the fragility of life. The group then dedicated the moving track ‘Time’ to those affected by the disaster. Josh also delivered a powerful message for Filipino overseas workers, saying, “Never let anyone define your true worth,” with ‘Quit’ becoming the anthem of the evening.
Honouring the Filipino Diaspora
SB19 took another emotional moment to honour the thousands of Filipino overseas workers in the region, acknowledging the sacrifices they make for their families. This was followed by a heartfelt rendition of ‘MAPA,’ a song dedicated to parents and family, one of the tracks that played a pivotal role in the group’s rise to fame.
The Grand Finale
The night concluded with a high-energy set, including ‘Shooting for the Stars,’ before wrapping up with ‘SLMT’ (Thank You), a fitting emotional farewell. But as fans began to leave, the lights remained dimmed. Soon, SB19 stormed the stage again for a surprise encore, delivering the full version of ‘DAM’ in a fiery finale that perfectly encapsulated the night’s energy.
SB19’s ‘Simula at Wakas’ tour will now move on to Doha, where the group will perform on October 17 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. This marks another milestone in their growing success across the region.
For those in the UAE, there’s also a chance to experience other notable events, like the live performance of Turkish music legend Ibrahim Tatlises, who will perform in Dubai for the first time.
