The Kings of P-Pop are certainly game changers in the Filipino music scene as they never cease to elevate their artistry and produce songs that stand out astoundingly both in message and sounds. 

Known as the third and final installment of their EP trilogy, Simula At Wakas (SAW) makes an impression as SB19’s most notable and exceptional comeback yet as it presents a multi-genre track list that showcases the diverse music styles of each member with full control on concept, narrative, technical, visual, artistry, and quality overall. 

Upon the release of their third EP on April 25th, the tracks instantly garnered buzz across social media and positions on various music platforms around the world.

On iTunes, SB19’s Simula At Wakas (SAW) EP debuted at no.2 on worldwide Albums chart and no.3 on US Albums chart, becoming the highest-charting Filipino album in the history of US and worldwide iTunes. They also dominated the top spots on iTunes PH in songs chart with its Simula At Wakas (SAW) EP landing at no.1 spot in Albums chart. 

Remarkably, they made history with this EP as the first Filipino album to enter the Top 10 Amazon Music Best Sellers in the USA with its lead song, DAM (2025) becoming the first Filipino song to reach no.1 on Billboard‘s World Digital Song Sales. 

In Japan, all songs from the third EP entered the Top 100 World Music chart on LINE MUSIC, the biggest music streaming service in the country. While all songs charted in the Top 200 on Apple Music PH, the EP reached the Top 3 list on Apple Music PH in Albums. The third EP also made it to the chart of Genius Lyrics, landing at no.4 overall, becoming the first Filipino artist to have songs enter and occupy the top list. 

On Spotify worldwide, their songs entered the New Music Friday in the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Hongkong, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand. On Spotify PH, all songs charted upon release of the EP with SB19 returning as the most streamed P-pop group on the platform. They were also chosen as the first Filipino artist to hold a Listening Party, which happened on May 3rd with almost 20,000 attendees. Other famous artists who have hosted Spotify Listening Parties include BLACKPINK Lisa, Billie Ellish, SEVENTEEN, and more. 

Simula At Wakas (SAW) consists of seven (7) tracks written and produced by SB19 members with collaboration of different artists. It was released on April 25, 2025 by its label Sony Music Philippines. Here’s a personal interpretation and overall review of their third extended play (EP): 

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DAM

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DAM (2025) is the lead single of Simula At Wakas (SAW) and reigns supreme as the king of all tracks in this EP as it has reached greater heights, surpassing the global hit tracks GENTO (2023) and MAPA (2021). And it’s no wonder because listening to this song is a masterclass in songwriting and production.

In this song, the P-pop kings portray the bittersweet journey of pursuing dreams and how reaching the heights often accompanies external dark forces and internal struggles that dampen one’s heart. “Dam, anong pakiramdam?” (How does it feel?) is a rallying cry on facing the upsides and downsides of indulgence or ambition. It also illustrates how the unbreakable bond of brotherhood spellbindingly breaks barriers against darkness to pave the way for others to see the light or experience freedom and celebrate the fruit of steadfast pursuits.

When the music video of DAM (2025) was released on February 28, 2025, it instantly made history as the first P-pop song to reach 4M views in 24 hours on YouTube and stayed on no.1 trending video for music for two weeks on YouTube PH, besides the multiple charts it garnered across the globe. It also made history as the first Filipino song to reach no.1 on Billboard‘s World Digital Song Sales. 

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QUIT

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If you are an avid listener of FELIP’s discography, you’d easily grasp the style of the pop rock track, QUIT (2025). Known as the rockstar of the group, FELIP (a.k.a. Ken) writes and produces music with a heavy yet contemplative composition, taking inspiration from his interests in the world of hip-hop, metal, rock, anime, gospel sounds, and insights on human experiences. While his songs STRAYDOGS (2023), FOES (2024), ROCKSTA (2023) and the likes capture swag and fierceness, his tracks KANAKO (2023) and ACHE (2024) tap on unspoken emotions and inner healing. 

What I’ve perceived from QUIT (2025) is a seamless blend of both styles. It starts with electronic rock beats followed by compelling emotive lines that seem to stir and draw something within. While the song contemplates the feeling against the negative pressures that try “to kill the colors in your mind” while choosing to be kind amid the worst of taunts, the lyrics could also mean anything to the listener who carries a different battle but fights the same screams. 

The message could appertain to any form of life challenges such as anxiety, loss, or that voice of helplessness that try to put you down, “They thought I’d cower in fear and break”, “In every battle lost, know they celebrate”, “Praying for my downfall, they thought I would quit”. Meanwhile, “Ayokong mamatay” (I don’t want to die) could figuratively mean or refer to not wanting to lose the battles of life or face the consequences of not trying just because you quit or lost the heart to be kind against a cruel world. 

I liked how the melody slows down in the interlude or instrumental part because it allows some time of connection with the inner being or resting in the quiet moments of surrender to breathe a sense of renewed strength. QUIT (2025) is simply a pop rock song that cuts deep but leaves a strong exhortation not to quit but to keep on going despite the anguish.

According to Ken during an interview, this song was done for a solo release and when it was selected as one of the tracks for the group’s third EP, he made some revisions and co-wrote the lyrics with PABLO. He also co-produced the music with Luke April, a musical artist who’s been working with him for his solo projects. 

Meanwhile, it’s awesome to hear all the members of the group sing a pop rock song for the first time and how thrilling it feels to see them perform this track at the Philippine Arena in their new element as super rockstars who rock your inner world. 

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TIME

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The Kings of P-Pop truly know how to create music about life that tugs at the heartstrings. While their heartfelt songs, MAPA (2021) and LIHAM (2023) speak honor to loved ones, other ballad tracks such as ILAW (2023) and NYEBE (2022) convey the daily battles of life and the renewed strength to press on.

In the third EP, the group shares another beautiful ballad song — raw and momentous — that anyone across the world could relate to. In this timeless track, TIME (2025), SB19 ponders upon the value of time and the hard-hitting reality that life on Earth is but fleeting. The song delightfully rouses and exhorts listeners to cherish meaningful time with relationships or loved ones — moments we often fail to notice or hold in high esteem due to the hurriedness of life. 

Cause one day we’ll run out of time 
Memories, we’ll leave them behind
Many things we can’t control
I hope you know, it’s better to try

The track also showcases the breathtaking vocals of SB19. From the soothing voice of Justin to the unique vocal range of Ken and awesome high pitch of Stell, as well as the cool tones of Josh Cullen and Pablo’s voice that has so much character in it, TIME (2025) is such a musical treat to the ears of our hearts and souls.

PABLO produced the music with Xerxes Bakker, a music producer who worked with Josh Cullen for his track, 1999 (2024). The songwriting was also a combination of lyricists PABLO, Xerxes Bakker, and Samuel Akinbode. 

TIME (2025) instantly reached no.1 on iTunes PH and entered the Top 10 Genius Lyrics chart upon release. The music video also made it to the Top 10 most viewed Filipino music videos within 24 hours on YouTube, landing at no.9 with 1.717M views. 

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8TONBALL

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Break hard! When SB19 released all the tracks of Simula At Wakas (SAW), 8TONBALL (2025) instantaneously got me hooked with its cool vibes, addictive beats, and great rap verses. It’s the kind of song you want to listen to when hiking, driving, jogging, or running. It also sounds perfect for travel, workout, surfing, and other physical activities, giving you that sense of grit and positivity. Swerve! Swerve!

Going through the lyrics of the song, 8TONBALL (2025) talks about the confidence in breaking boundaries to reach the top and the relentless pursuit for progress:

See, we’re breaking all the rules
Going all out with the bang
Breaking lines
The way we change the ways
Ain’t no stopping til it’s real now
Reachin’ for the clouds
So high up in the air
Can you feel the change?
Break hard!

Josh Cullen, the lead rapper of SB19 and known for his iconic rap lines, co-wrote the lyrics with Benji Bae, while he coordinated with Alawn, a multi-platinum producer who has worked with various artists globally such as ITZY, NCT 127, IVE, and more, for the music production. 

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SHOOTING FOR THE STARS

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Of all the tracks in the third EP, SHOOTING FOR THE STARS (2025) serves to be the dreamy and most calming one, offering motivational support for the positive thinkers, visionaries, and radicals. Listening to this song somehow makes you feel young and inspires you to join the ride of aiming for the greater heights:

I’ve been shooting for the stars
Aiming high
The universe is ours
Yours and mine
Hop up on this rocket
Nothing’s gonna stop it
High, ready, aim, fire, shoot

While this song is somehow meant for the younger audiences, it also resonates with the general audiences as it brings you back to the days when you were most passionate about your life pursuits, re-thinking the unfinished goals. SB19’s MAPA (2021) is commonly performed by students during graduation ceremonies, and it looks like SHOOTING FOR THE STARS (2025) will serve as another inspirational piece for the graduates.

August Rigo, a music producer who has worked with SB19 for their R&B track, I WANT YOU (2023), wrote and produced SHOOTING FOR THE STARS (2025) for the group. PABLO shared during the Spotify Listening Party that this song was supposed to be part of the second EP, which is Pagtatag! (2023), but they decided to include it in this year’s EP to bring something light and dreamy that fits the narrative of Simula At Wakas (2025). The song reached no.1 on iTunes PH chart and entered the Top 50 Genius Lyrics chart.

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DUNGKA!

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DUNGKA! (2025) is that naughty party track that screams very Filipino from lyrics to music video with its concept described as loud, stubborn, revolting, and electric, “drawing inspiration from the unapologetic spirit of the protests in the Philippines”. Known for their musical angst and strong beats, duo RADKIDZ or brothers PABLO and Josue, produced another catchy music combined with a fun and dynamic dance choreography that’s currently trending on TikTok. 

When SB19 surprisingly released the official music video of DUNGKA! (2025), it instantly became the talk of the town for its high-quality output and creative illustration of Filipino street lifestyle and culture — showcasing the iconic jeepney, zumba dance workout, basketball, street games, karaoke, street food, loud speakers, street party, dirty ice cream, protests, and election campaigns. The mindset of crab mentality was even illustrated in the video in a clever way. 

Genius songwriter PABLO, who is known for his wordplay and lyrics that convey deep meanings, pertains to the song DUNGKA! (2025) as a playful yet brilliant wake-up call or movement against negativity. It simply screams the message that if you don’t like something, then don’t engage with it.

The witty phrases such as “Tumabi ka diyan!” (Move out of the way!), “Tabi!” (Step aside!), “Palo! Palo!” (Whooping! Whooping!), and “Dun ka na! Dun! Dun ka na! Huy!” (Go away! Go! Go away! Hey!) are currently trending online used as expressions against any form of social hatred, criticism, and mockery. 

The special appearances of star-studded television, music, and social media influencers added flavor to the video, representing people from all walks of life who rally the same message of transformational change and empowerment. Some posters and placards in various vivid colors also echo throughout the video such as “Sining ang sandata sa kulturang mapagpalaya”, “Kultura pangalagaan”, and “Ipagbunyi ang kultura!”. It’s a timely reminder for the upcoming national election to preserve, elevate, and celebrate our culture rather than pursue self-interest. 

The music video of DUNGKA! (2025) was released on April 25th and became the no.1 trending video for music on YouTube Philippines with above 2 million views after two days of release. It also reached no.1 on iTunes PH chart and entered the Top 50 Genius Lyrics chart.

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Conclusion

Simula At Wakas (SAW) is an expertly crafted extended play (EP) by the genius SB19 artists that conveys raw emotions and authentic messages, taking inspiration from personal and group experiences. Each song is distinct in style, sound, and narrative purposefully put together to tell a story. Although multi-genre, all tracks are equally riveting and captivating to listen to that once you learn them, it’s hard to forget.

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Simula At Wakas (SAW) is that extended play (EP) that creates a high standard and immersive listening experience with all elements perfectly unified from songwriting to storytelling and musicianship, added the striking visuals, jaw-dropping vocals, engaging dance choreography, and high quality production overall.

It’s a superb work of art that offers a unique yet fresh perspective to OPM and P-pop music and one that leaves a lasting effect on you. DAMn! It stands out as SB19’s best EP or album release by far — a complete masterpiece from start to finish!

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What’s your favorite track from Simula At Wakas (SAW) and why?

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Research and review by: KORB Blog |Sources: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7| Images/Videos: SB19 via X | Stream the songs on Spotify | SAW Kickoff Concert Day 2 (June 1) tickets are still available via SM Tickets.