Filipino boy band SB19 has never been afraid to show their humanity, but their Netflix documentary “Pagtatag! The Documentary” takes that vulnerability to new depths. In a candid conversation about the film, the five-member group – Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin – reflects on seven years of growth, struggle, and the weight of carrying P-pop’s flag on the international stage.
The documentary, directed by Jed Regala, who previously directed several SB19 music videos, chronicles the group’s journey during their “Pagtatag!” EP era, but what emerges is far more than a typical music industry success story. It’s an unflinching look at five young men navigating mental health challenges, industry pressures, and the profound responsibility of representing an entire musical movement.
“Seeing our journey, the highs and struggles, unfold on screen made us appreciate how far we’ve come together as a group and individuals,” reflects Ken. “For some of us, it was the first time seeing parts of our journey so openly shared, and that vulnerability was scary and also healing.”
The group was deeply involved in shaping the documentary’s final cut, with Justin playing a particularly hands-on role in restructuring the narrative flow. “When I first saw the initial draft, the timeline felt confusing because the clips weren’t arranged chronologically,” he explains. “I suggested that we follow the actual sequence of events. I felt that even with a chronological structure, we could still deliver the emotional impact and storytelling we wanted.”
The decision to address mental health, industry pressure, and personal loss so directly wasn’t taken lightly. “We believe it’s important to be real and honest about the challenges we face day to day,” says Stell. “Opening up about mental health, industry pressure, and personal troubles helps break the stigma and shows that even though we’re artists and performers, we’re still human.”
This transparency extends to their relationship with their fanbase, A’TIN, whose stories are woven throughout the documentary. “The stories of our fans moved us deeply,” Stell continues. “Hearing how our music helped people with grief and dark times, or even gave them a sense of purpose and strength – it is overwhelming in the best way. We’re human too, so sometimes it feels like they saved us in a similar way.”
Their breakthrough came with 2019’s “Go Up,” leading to their historic 2021 Billboard Music Award nomination – the first for a Filipino act. Recent successes include their hit “Gento,” which sparked viral dance challenges across social media platforms and attracted collaborations with K-pop groups like ATEEZ and artists like JVKE.
Their latest release, “Simula at Wakas,” launched with the single “Dam,” which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart, reaching top 20 positions in multiple international markets. The EP’s title, meaning “Beginning and End,” reflects the group’s current transitional moment.
“We are caught between an ending and a new beginning,” Pablo explains. “Creatively, we’re more honest, more in control of our sound. Personally, we’ve grown so much in the years that we’ve been together. I could say that this is the era that we’re the strongest in terms of our bond.”
The success brings its own burdens. “With each milestone comes more pressure,” admits Stell. “The expectations get higher, not just from others but also from ourselves. And the pressure does not stop. It just evolves.”
Justin adds that the group constantly grapples with creative decisions: “We are constantly discussing which direction to take, what ideas still reflect SB19, and what will really connect with people. We do not always follow trends, and sometimes trying something new is a risk, especially when people might not be open to it.”
The Netflix platform represents unprecedented global reach for P-pop. “Having our story streamed on Netflix is a huge step not just for us, but for P-pop as a whole,” says Ken. “It truly validates all the years of hard work and shows that Filipino talent deserves to be seen and heard on the same platform as other global artists.”
Josh sees the documentary as part of a larger mission: “Our goal goes beyond SB19. We want to help P-pop gain global recognition and support our culture, arts, and economy. It is an ambitious dream but everything is connected.”
For Pablo, the documentary offers international audiences a chance to understand the authentic Filipino perspective: “‘Pagtatag! The Documentary’ will let people, especially non-Filipinos, see the heart behind what we do. It’s not just about music or success, but about the struggles, the purpose, and the culture we carry. SB19, or P-pop in general, is not trying to be anyone else. We’re building something rooted in who we are as Filipinos.”
The group remains driven by their original hunger. “As SB19 and as individuals, we always try to think like underdogs,” notes Justin. “This mindset helps us keep growing, pushing ourselves, and achieving more. At the same time, we really appreciate our accomplishments and how much A’TIN looks up to us.”
When asked what message they hope reaches viewers discovering them for the first time, Josh’s response is simple but powerful: “I really hope they see no dream is too big, you just have to keep working and trying. I hope they understand that our story is not just about music, it’s about believing in yourself no matter what.”
The documentary has already deepened the connection between SB19 and their fans. “There was a time when we were very quiet on social media, which was unusual because A’TIN was used to us being very active and engaging,” Stell reveals. “During that quiet period, we were going through personal struggles that they didn’t know about. The documentary helped explain why we were distant, and it deepened the trust between us and A’TIN.”
As they look toward the future, Pablo reflects on what sustains the group through quieter moments. “I hold on to the purpose,” he says. “We’re not here just for attention. We’re here to create something meaningful. When things get messy or quiet, I’m always reminded why we started. That keeps me going.”
For SB19, the documentary’s global reach represents validation of years of dedication. As Ken reflects: “We may not say we deserved everything that came our way, but we know we had to go through it to understand the value of what we have built. We are proud of how far we have come, and we are confident that with resilience and heart, we can keep facing whatever comes next.”
“Pagtatag! The Documentary” streams from July 23.
variety.com
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