“To have global fans boosting our tourism, learning our cultures, studying our languages,” Josh says. “Just like in other countries, I can see our artists being able to evolve our industries, too.”
These are lofty goals for sure, but not at all impossible. In the three years since SB19 debuted, several Filipino idol groups have emerged and are showing great promise such as 1st.One, Alamat, BGYO and Bini among others. Notably, Alamat has members from different Filipino ethnicities who sing and rap in their own languages: Tagalog, Kapampangan, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Waray, and Bisaya.
Like SB19, P-pop boy group 1st.One, whose Filipino-Korean member Jayson was discovered after appearing on “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” was formed by a Korean management agency. They underwent idol training for two years prior to their debut, during which time they also won two international dance competitions and performed alongside the biggest K-pop idols at the 2020 Seoul Music Awards.
One might think this could lead to a toxic rivalry common among entertainment fandoms; refreshingly, on the comments section of 1st.One’s debut single “You Are The One” are messages of encouragement from A’TIN. SB19 has raised the bar so high for P-pop, they say, and this is the result. Others mention how happy “Pinuno” must be that groups like 1st.One are doing well, since this is his vision.
Source: SB19 Gears Up For World Domination | Cover Stories | GMA News Online