Pablo: The mastermind at the helm
SB19’s leader has always worn many hats, rapper, vocalist, composer, producer, but in his solo journey, John Paulo Bagnas Nase (born September 14, 1994) known professionally as Pablo, has proven himself to be the architect of not just sound, but vision. His debut solo track La Luna was an introspective, almost philosophical take on self-duality, wrapped in fierce rap verses and minimalist production. It was raw, self-aware, and brimming with intent.
Then came Determinado, his second single—a track that traded subtlety for swagger, with distorted guitars and a rock-infused beat that declared he was no longer just a leader, but a force of nature.
Outside the booth, Pablo is the co-founder and CEO of 1Z Entertainment, the group’s independent label—a bold move that places him among a rare breed of idols-turned-industry-builders. Every SB19 hit bears his creative fingerprint. Now, he’s also helping write the blueprint for others.
Josh: The unapologetic showman
If Pablo is the strategist, Josh Cullen Santos (born October 22, 1993) is the risk-taker, the member who jumped into solo stardom with the flash of a neon-lit afterparty. His debut single Wild Tonight wasn’t just a song, it was a statement. With trap beats, confident bars, and a cinematic MV that screamed “this is me now,” Josh embraced the freedom of solo artistry with open arms.
His debut album Lost & Found followed shortly after a surprisingly vulnerable look into heartbreak, resilience, and rediscovery. Songs like Get Right and Yoko Na leaned into his urban sensibilities, but also peeled back the layers of his personality: yes, there’s swagger, but there’s also soul.
Outside music, he’s a favorite among fashion editors and streetwear brands, a stylish symbol of the modern Pinoy pop star. He’s bold. He’s loud. And he’s just getting started.
Justin: The quiet visionary
Behind some of SB19’s most iconic visuals is Justin de Dios (born July 7, 1998), the group’s youngest member and its creative director-in-residence. He’s directed multiple music videos, including “What?”, “Nyebe,” and “Where You At,” often infusing them with cinematic storytelling and emotional depth.
But Justin isn’t just behind the camera anymore. In 2023, he made his acting debut in Senior High, and by 2024, he was cast in Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, a major fantasy TV series that proved he’s more than just a visual artist, he’s a rising screen presence.
A graduate in Multimedia Arts, Justin blends intellect and instinct. His creative DNA runs through every pixel of SB19’s brand—and now, he’s exploring how to express that through acting, design, and possibly, original solo content.
Solo stars, one constellation
What sets SB19 apart isn’t just that they’ve gone solo—it’s how they’ve done it. No member is lost to ego. No project feels like a breakaway. Each journey feeds back into the group’s larger narrative: that Filipino artists can be everything, singers, songwriters, directors, entrepreneurs, icons.
Their individual ventures reflect their maturity, their ambition, and their belief in artistry beyond borders. And as they continue to conquer new terrains, together and apart, SB19 is showing the world that you don’t have to break up to break through.
SB19 isn’t just a boy band—they’re trailblazers shaping P-pop’s global story with relentless dedication, creative control, and authentic storytelling.
Now global tour headliners and solo stars in their own right, SB19 stands as a powerful symbol of Filipino pride, talent, and limitless potential.
Their Dubai show on the Simula at Wakas World Tour marks a landmark moment—not just for A’TIN in the region, but for everyone who’s witnessed their journey from viral sensation to world-class performers.
With every release and every stage, SB19 continues to redefine Filipino music’s future, proving that language, geography, and tradition are no barriers to global impact.
On October 11, 2025, they bring all that energy to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena for one unforgettable night. For OFWs and fans across the Middle East, this isn’t just a concert—it’s a homecoming. A celebration of roots, resilience, and rising above.
Five stories, One legacy. Don’t miss SB19 live in Dubai.
· Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
· Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
· Presented by: Live Nation Middle East
· Expect: Explosive performances, emotional moments and soaring high notes.
· Tickets are available from coca-cola-arena.com
Manuel has been with Gulf News for 24 years, currently serving as a Senior News Editor and a vital member of the team. From managing social media platforms and crafting viral content to shooting and editing videos on various topics such as weather, gold prices, and traffic updates, Manuel ensures news is not just timely but engaging. He also moderates reader comments and keeps the digital space respectful and impactful.
Formerly the Community Editor for the Readers section, Manuel helped residents resolve issues with banks, telecom providers, utilities, and government agencies—giving people a voice and driving accountability. “I’m proud that, with the cooperation of companies, I was able to help people get the answers they needed,” he says.
Beyond the newsroom, Manuel is driven by a passion for human interest stories—amplifying voices that often go unheard. “From rags-to-riches journeys to the quiet resilience of people with special needs, I believe these stories restore hope in humanity,” he added.
“In every story I tell,” Manuel says, “my goal is simple: to inspire hearts, inform minds, and make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s a viral video, a quiet act of resilience, or a voice that needs to be heard, I believe every story has the power to connect us—and sometimes, even change us.”
Manuel’s impact goes far beyond the newsroom—he’s been honored as one of the 300 most influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition 2020 by Illustrado. His dedication to telling powerful stories, along with his influence in community, culture, and human interest, has earned him a well-deserved place on this prestigious list.
