SB19 captures new era on ‘Simula At Wakas: Kickoff’

February 5 ------ “Kings of P-pop” SB19 has turned its massive two-day Philippine Arena concert into a permanent release with “Simula At Wakas: Kickoff Concert Album,” a live set that highlights the group’s world-class stage presence and marks the beginning of a new chapter in its career.

“Simula At Wakas: Kickoff Concert Album” features 19 tracks recorded during the group’s two-night concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on May 31 and June 1, 2025. The performances marked the opening of SB19’s “Simula At Wakas” world tour and showcased the group at a new peak of scale, confidence, and artistic focus.

Mixed and mastered by Radkidz with live arrangements by Jem Florendo, the album pulls material from three eras of SB19’s catalog: “Simula At Wakas” (2025), “Pagtatag!” (2023), and “Pagsibol” (2021). It also includes a concert version of the fan favorite “Moonlight.”

Originally released with U.S.-based producer and DJ Ian Asher and Chinese electronic producer Terry Zhong, “Moonlight” takes on a different tone in its live form. The stripped-back arrangement places the group’s vocals at the forefront, giving the song a warmer and more intimate feel. “The live version of ‘Moonlight’ is absolutely one of our favorites from the new record,” the group said. “By keeping the production minimal and letting our voices lead, we found something more honest and human. Sometimes, less is more.”

Recorded during the opening stops of the tour, the album reflects SB19’s growth both artistically and emotionally. The Philippine Arena concerts set the stage for a 21-show world tour that spans the United States, Canada, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and other territories. “These versions reveal who we are now,” the group added. “Everything was done with intention, but also with openness, allowing the moment to shape the performance. This album represents years of hard work, discipline, and belief, and we wanted it to feel alive and heartfelt.”

The track list includes live renditions of “What?,” “Mana,” “Gento,” “Moonlight,” “I Want You,” “WYAT,” “Dungka!,” “Bazinga,” “8TonBall,” “Crimzone,” “Nyebe,” “Time,” “Ilaw,” “Quit,” “Mapa,” “Shooting for the Stars,” “Freedom,” “SLMT,” and “DAM.”

Alongside the album release, SB19 announced the official end of its world tour with “Wakas At Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale,” scheduled for April 18 at the SMDC Festival Grounds. Tickets are expected to go on sale in February 2026. “Simula At Wakas: Kickoff Concert Album” is now available on all major digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Source: manilatimes.net