Inside the Philippine Arena, the cavernous space full-packed, I was gathering my thoughts as the first night of SB19’s Simula at Wakas Kick Off Concert concluded. Two words played in my mind: Spectacular and world-class.

The concert, directed by Paolo Valenciano with Jim Florendo as musical director, had a grandness to it. The crisp and clear acoustics, eye-catching production design, glitzy special effects and sensational lighting design brought out-of-this-world feels to the whole extravaganza.

A’TIN, with their sea of lights, shouts and shrieks, community chants and singing and that collective force and energy, added more muscle, might and magic to the concert.

Everything on stage screamed expensive. The set, lights and sounds, live band and, of course, the members Pablo Nase, Josh Cullen Santos, Justin de Dios, Stell Ajero and Ken Suson, who gave heart, passion and soul to every song. Synchronized in their dance movements, harmonies were on point, confident, heartfelt and committed to the lyrics and lines of their songs, which made their adoring A’TIN stand up and dance like there was no tomorrow, and be one with the Mahalima.

Surprises

There were so many surprises during the concert, the first being the theatricality of it, shown in how the repertoire was anchored on “Dam,” which served as an opening and closing number.

Banger duo composed of “What” and “Mana” performed from the gut by SB19 started the energetic ball rolling.

The fresh musical twist given to “Moonlight” and “I Want You” gave these power ballads a sensuality that you could not only hear but almost taste and touch.

It was truly an homage to the disco era. “WYAT” or “Where You At” had the groove and mojo that allowed you to bump and pump, and yes, the whole “WYAT” production number made me imagine disco queen Donna Summer and diva Diana Ross, joining in the fun and revelry.

“Bazinga” had the most perfect upgrade as Ajero and De Dios did the rap parts, and the “Kadena Boys” Suson, Santos and Nase slayed the parts originally performed by JahStell.

“Nyebe,” “The Golden Hour,” “Quit” and “Time,” SB19 laced with all the feels and, as expected, “MaPa” pulled all the heart strings and unpacked its emotional wallop that made majority of the A’TIN tear up and yes, cry unabashedly.

New releases “Eton Ball” and “Shooting for the Stars” charmed everyone. Their choreographies were executed with fun and precision.

Top tier part of the repertoire in my book were “CrimZone,” “Dungka” and “Dam.” The first, with its heart-pounding beat and catchy lines, made everyone stand up and dance.

The second, “Dungka,” had a potency and power to it. It was an amusing and delightful modus operandi, especially in terms of where to place bashers, haters and all those consumed by crab mentality.

And, of course, there was the eloquence and gravitas of “Dam,” which SB19 placed with all the superlatives vocally, emotionally, intention, passion and strength. It slayed as an exceptional pop anthem.

After the concert realizations

Traffic going to the Philippine Arena and after the concert was at a bare minimum. Security and traffic enforcers were everywhere and the manner they managed the flow, arrival and leaving of the guests was topnotch.

A’TIN are the sweetest. More than a dozen of them approached and chatted with this DIVA VIEW columnist, as they stated that they regularly watch and are subscribers of DTT Show.

That A’TIN memorized the songs of SB19 to heart, singing them and singing with the Mahalima during the show, was a refreshing sight and aural experience. The demographics of A’TIN include baby boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z with purchasing power.

Good business, buses and other means of transportation also gained from A’TIN.

The congenial vibe and warmth were evident to all the ATIN present before, during and after the concert.

And yes, the Simula at Wakas Kick Off Concert was made in the Philippines by the Kings of PPop, SB19.

John Pablo Nase, Josh Cullen Santos, Justin de Dios, Stell Ajero and Ken Suson, mahusay kayo! Mabuhay kayo! Salamat sa patuloy niyong pagwagayway ng watawat ng Pilipinas!