Rising to stardom in the international music scene, pop sensation SB19 reveals the secret to their success - unwavering dedication and patience.

SB19, composed of Felip, Stell, Justin, Pablo, and Josh Cullen, discussed commitment and goals at the Chicken McDo x SB19 Fan Meet organized by McDonald's Philippines held at Robinsons Manila recently.

"Bukod sa pagsunod, magkaroon sana sila ng goal hindi lang para sa sarili kundi para sa lahat. Huwag silang susuko dahil yun maraming artists 80 or 90 percent pa lang ng paghihirap doon sila sumusuko. So huwag nilang tingnan yung resulta kundi yung proseso," said Josh Cullen, when asked about the group's secret to success, during an interview before the start of the fan meet.

(Besides being good followers, they should have a goal for themselves and everyone. They should not give up because many artists give up after reaching 80 or 90 percent. So they should not look at the result but at the process.)

From the beginning, the group has aimed to make a meaningful contribution to the success of Filipino music, according to Josh Cullen.

"Noong nag-uumpisa pa lang kami tinatanong kami sa interviews paano namin ipapakilala ang P-pop. Pero ngayon hindi na namin siya kailangan pang ipakilala. 

(When we were just starting out, we were asked in interviews how we would introduce P-pop. But now we don't need to introduce it.)

"Kahit saan kami pumunta, marami na ring successful na bago ng P-pop group. Kaya masayang masaya kami at may narating na rin ang P-pop. Iyong pinipilit naming itaguyod nagbunga na

(Everywhere we go, there are many successful new P-pop groups. So we are very happy and P-pop has reached something. What we are trying to promote has already paid off.)

"Gusto talaga namin pataasin ang standard ng musikang Pilipino at makatulong din sa ekonomiya," Josh added.

(Gusto talaga namin pataasin ang standard ng musikang Pilipino at makatulong din sa ekonomiya.)

On investments, Josh said: "Pagdating sa investment siguro ang pinaka-maganda ay nakapagpatayo na kami ng sariling kumpanya para magkaroon din ng safe space yung mga ginagawa namin. Dati kasi tulad ng pandemic pahirapan at may work from home pero ngayon proud po kaming sabihin na may safe space na kami."

(Regarding investment, the best thing is that we have built our own company so that what we do can also have a safe space. It used to be like during the pandemic, we had to work from home, but now we are proud to say that we have a safe space.)

Josh Cullen was referring to 1Z Entertainment, which SB19 launched in October 2023. It is the same company that manages the popular group.

"We are very excited to share a few developments we have with our company 1Z Entertainment," Josh Cullen said on its YouTube Channel.

Justin then added: "Alam niyo naman po na we built our company before. It's called 1Z Entertainment. Finally, tonight po officially magde-debut na si 1Z."

Chicken McDo x SB19 

The group was excited about creating a television ad for the global fast-food franchise.

On dancing while holding a chicken part, Josh said: "Medyo mahirap siya. Pero ang mahirap dun kapag mainit pa matatakam ka pero hindi mo pa pwedeng kainin kasi nga mainit pa. Marami-rami rin kaming chicken na nakain."

Pablo added: "Ang gusto ko talaga sa chicken nila ay malaki. Hindi ka talaga mabibitin at pwede ka pang mag extra rice."

Stell said he loves fried chicken since he was a child.

Since childhood talaga, ine-enjoy na namin ang fried chicken. Lalo na noong bata pa kami. Noon I remember and chicken hinahanda lang kapag special occasions. But now super affordable na ito," Stell added.

It was also thrilling to see them on a billboard for McDonald's Philippines.

"Minsan kapag nag da-drive ako nagugulat ako (at nakikita ko yung mga billboard namin). Pero blessing naman yun dahil mga pogi kami sa billboards," Josh also said.

Ashley Santillan-Delgado, director for marketing and channels McDonald's Philippines, shared the excitement for SB19 who teamed up with McDonald's Philippines, during the fan meet.

"I would like to thank SB19 and their team for partnering with us. I want to thank you, A'Tin community. You inspired us to make this collaboration. 

"It was really because of you, A'Tin, that we were inspired to collaborate with SB19 because they are representatives of the Filipinos. 

"Kaya naman mahal na mahal natin sila. We share the same value as SB19. They are as hardworking and good at their craft. It's all about excellence. 

"So recently, they received the Voices of Asia Award at Billboard K-Power 100 in South Korea. Talaga naman, they are getting bigger and better, just like Chicken McDo," said Ashley.

Happy memories

The members of SB19 also recalled their fond memories of visiting McDonald's while growing up.

Josh Cullen: "Lagi akong pumupunta noon sa playground."

Justin: "Noong training days ko kumain kami sa McDo. Tapos umalis na kami. Naiwan ni Josh yung backpack niya sa McDo. So kailangan namin ma-email yung branch para makuha yung bag. Nakuha naman po."

Stell: "Nagko-collect ako noon ng toys sa mga meal. Baka malaman kasi edad ko kapag sinabi ko yung toy eh. Favorite toy ko talaga noon yung pinaka-iconic is yung bubuuin mo yung boots in Ronald. Yung naka-bike si Ronald. Favorite ko yun. Pero hindi ko siya nabuo kasi kulang ang budget namin."

Ken: "I remember din yung training days namin. Everytime magtatapos kami ng training talagang pupunta kami sa McDo at kakain ng chicken. Hindi ko makakalimutan yun kasi that time grabe ang challenges namin. Parang naging comfort food namin kasi sobrang lapit niya sa dating office namin."

Pablo: "Lagi ako nai-invite sa mga kiddie party. Actually meron akong picture na kasama ko yung mga character. Tapos nakumpleto ko yung laruan na spaceship."