SB19 and BINI are two of the biggest names in Philippine pop or P-pop. Due to their fame, Billboard PH sat down with the two groups to discuss the genre’s rapid growth nationally and internationally. 

Billboard magazine’s Philippines newest Volumes episode showcases the top two P-pop groups in the country. In the episode, they talked about their success, support, fans, and how the genre could dominate the world. 

When interviewer Bret Jackson asked them what the genre means, SB19’s Justin said that it’s music coming from the heart of Filipino artists. 

“Ito’y galing sa puso ng isang Pilipino. Filipino musicians, artists just like us,” Justin said.

“Napaloob na rin sa understanding ng marami na P-pop is a sing and dance music. Usually kumkanta sa group. But basically, it’s just pop na gawa o galing sa puso ng Pilipino,” he continued.

Also Read: SB19 HitFM Taiwan Interview Highlights

Additionally, the groups also tackled the topic of integrating other Filipino languages into their music. SB19, in particular, has several songs with Bisaya lyrics from member Ken Suson. 

He says, “I’m so proud of being a Bisaya. Proud ako kung saan ako nanggaling and to me, because sobrang proud ko. I think it’s about time because (the) Bisaya language is so beautiful, and sobrang sarap niyang pakinggan. Especially pag-gumawa ako ng kanta na Bisaya.”

They also discussed the importance of representation in Filipino songs. Moreover, Bret commended another group, ALAMAT, for representing different national ethnicities.

Stell also shared how the genre set the bar for Original Pinoy Music or OPM. This resulted in other aspiring idols from other countries auditioning to become members of future P-pop groups.

“For the longest time lagi lang tayong nakatingin sa labas ng bansa natin. Na parang sila ‘yung may chance. But now, binigyan na tayo ng tamang platform, and binigyan na tayo ng napakaraming inspiration from other artists pa,” says Stell.

When discussing when P-pop changed for the better, BINI Aiah says, “The time did a tour in Canada. And then we were very nervous and scared because it’s our first time to have our own concert outside the Philippines. So, we don’t know what the reception would be, how they would take us and accept us. So, that time we were very grateful and blessed.”

Furthermore, the groups shared how international fans attended concerts outside the country. The Kings of P-pop have had several international tours, and BINI has had very successful concerts in Canada.

When it comes to appreciating each other’s groups, BINI shared how SB19 opened the doors for the genre. They even tackled how harshly they were received by the media and masses during their debut. 

Also Read: Trailer for BINI Docuseries ‘Chapter 2: Here With You’ Is Out

Colet says, “Tinake nila lahat ng negative muna bago, para safe naman ‘yung iba. Parang ganon po ‘yun, parang ganun ‘yung nangyari. So, thankful kami na sila talaga ‘yung nagstart. Sinet talaga nila ang standard, na ganito ang excellence na ipinapakita ng P-pop.”

When it came to what they appreciate about BINI, Justin and Josh said they appreciate how true they are. Justin said, “The way they present themselves, parang totoo parin. So, feeling ko isa rin to– syempre bukod sa how talented they are. We know how disciplined (they are) pag nagpeperform sila. Pero isa ‘yun sa naging key, ‘yung pagiging tao ng isang artist.”

And Josh added, “I think that’s basically how you call P-pop. That’s how you define P-pop, kasi authenticity namin ‘yun at tsaka personality ‘yun as Filipinos. Hindi ‘yun katulad ng ibang countries na marereplicate. Hindi sila makakarelate eh, ‘yung humor, everything, original. Diba? And that’s P-pop.”

When it came to support, Sheena shared that Filipino support is vital to reach the global population. “Ayaw naman naming direcho U.S., direcho Korea. Pero mismong kababayan hindi kami mahal. What’s the point diba? Wala kaming support, wala kaming pinanghahawakan, wala kaming pinangkukuhanan ng emotional support.”

Catch Billboard’s full interview on P-pop global domination here:

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