P-Pop group SB19—composed of Ken, Josh, Pablo, Justin, and Stell—has undergone a tremendous transformation, not only in terms of their musical abilities but also in their physical appearance.
But prior to the members' inspiring transformation, they faced unwarranted criticism and unfair judgment, with some netizens imposing society's narrow beauty standards upon them and making negative comments about their appearance.
Nevertheless, the group is deeply grateful to have a supportive and reliable circle of individuals who guide them on their journey of self-improvement and self-care.
SB19's leader Pablo acknowledges their humble beginnings, and expresses their appreciation for the many people who have helped them grow, not only in their performances but also in personal development.
He also recalled the challenges of navigating social media, which was initially a perilous space for them, as it was filled with harsh criticisms and bashing.
"If the people here know our story, talagang we came from nothing, talagang walang-wala po," Pablo said during their press conference with Avignon Clinic on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
"We're blessed na maraming tao nakapaligid sa amin, na talagang tinutulungan kami, parang na-improve yung sarili namin, even sa performing, sa sarili namin.
"Kasi, sa totoo lang, nung nag-i-start kami, social media is a very dangerous place to be in for us. Sobrang daming pangungutya, and sobrang daming bashing na nangyayari."
But instead of being stumped by the negativity, they chose to focus on the positive advice and feedback from the kind-hearted people around them.
This shift in perspective prompted them to become more conscious of how they present themselves, leading to a strong connection with their fans.
Pablo said, "Pero, kasi pag negativity, natatanggap mo in a very, very negative way, parang mas lalong nilalabanan, or shina-shun mo, hindi mo sinusunod.
"Pero, when people, the kind people that surround you, give you advice na, 'Oy, puwede mo nga siya...'
"Nire-relay nila in a positive way na, 'Oy, gawin mo nga ito, kasi mag-improve, para i-improve yung sarili mo.'
"So ayon po yung nagsimula. Doon nagsimula kung bakit talagang naging conscious kami sa kung paano namin ipe-present sa sarili namin.
"Kaya rin siguro nagustuhan ng mga fans yung mga ginagawa namin."
SB19'S GLOW-UP
SB19's visuals in the early stages may have been perceived as "cringey" by some.
However, it's important to note that like any other newbie, the group then was still finding its artistic footing and collective aesthetic.
Justin said, "Parang during that time... parang hindi naman siya as bad as how we see it now.
"Kasi siyempre, nagbabago yung trends, naninibago tayo sa itsura natin, nagbabago yung paano tayo manamit, how we present ourselves."
The youngest member of SB19 added, "And, another thing is that, from before, siyempre nagsisimula pa lang po kami.
"Meron nga rin nagjo-joke, madalas sa social media, na parang, 'Hindi ka pangit, wala ka lang pera...'
"It might be real for others. I mean, not for everyone, but it is also true for others... na siyempre, from before, you work hard, you earn something for yourself."
Justin also emphasized that their understanding of self-care and self-improvement grew alongside their experience in the music scene.
"So, through our experiences, we encounter people, we learn from them, and katulad nga po nun, nalalaman namin na, 'Ah, kailangan pala natin mag-sunblock, even though we're not going outside, even the lights can affect your skin,' ganyan.
"We encounter, and yun nga po, right now, katulad nga iyan, we are with Avignon, so, parang, through our experiences, we learn, we try to improve ourselves.
"And then, imagine po na ngayon, yung appearance namin right now, after ten years or five years, most likely, magki-cringe din kami sa itsura namin ngayon, kasi nag-improve na ulit kami, lalo na kasama na namin si Avignon."
SELF-CARE AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT
Individually, the members of SB19 have embraced a simple self-care routine, resulting in enhanced visuals and a notable boost in their confidence.
Josh highlighted that their commitment and dedication were instrumental in making their self-care practices effective.
He said, "Tayo kasi normally busy, busy tayo. As a normal person or a normal person na nagtatrabaho, 9-to-5 jobs, di ba parang napaka-stressful talaga ng araw?
"Pero if you would like to improve, di ba, parang you would at least do something or efforts para, siyempre, ma-improve lahat ng appearances...
"And you take care of yourself [like] skincare."
He added, "Kailangan talaga, important na yung taking care of yourself. Dun magsisimula yung glow up."
Read: How to be the best version of yourself
Stell, for his part, expressed his happiness in witnessing an increasing number of people, particularly men, being more open to self-care and skincare treatments.
"Sa totoo lang po, yung generation ngayon, natutuwa po ako. Kasi, super open na po natin sa lahat ng bagay.
"Parang yung pagpunta sa derma, parang yung iba, yung pag-enhance ng facial features nila, talagang super open na.
"Like, laganap na rin sa mga vlogs na tina-try nila yung mga ganun kasing bagay."
Stell recalled feeling initially insecure about engaging in such self-care practices when he was starting out.
He said, "Kasi before, parang, na-experience ko ito, parang gusto ko i-improve yung sarili ko. Pero nandun yung maliit na bagay na iniisip mo na baka ma-judge ako, parang ganun.
"Like yung, kahit yung simple step o yung first step na magpunta sa derma para magpapa-facial, parang dati natatakot ako kasi baka mamaya ma-judge ako so sasabihin, 'Bakit ka nagpapaganyan, e, mahal niyan? Kaya ba ng budget mo? Kaya mo bang i-maintain yung ganyan?'
"So dati pa lang, iniisip ko iyan... parang hindi ko kaya.
"So yung gusto kong gawing first step for myself, hindi ko masimulan dahil sa mga iniisip ko at dahil sa iniisip kong sasabihin ng ibang tao sa akin."
Nevertheless, Stell is delighted by the current generation's openness and willingness to not only improve themselves but also educate others.
He explained, "Kasi alam mo yun, hindi lang sa willing sila na mag-step up and i-improve yung sarili nila.
"Also willing din sila para i-educate yung mga tao. And yung i-educate and parang tulungan yung ibang tao na may concern din sa sarili nila.
"Na parang you should visit your derma para malaman niyo kung ano yung kailangan niyo sa skin niyo, para ma-guide kayo kung ano dapat niyo gawin para sa sarili niyo, ma-improve yung anything.
"Tapos, starting from that small step, kahit may konting improvement, improvement pa rin siya na nakaka-proud.
"Kasi before, hindi ko siya magawa for myself. Pero ngayon, knowing na may mga tao and big company na talaga sinusuportahan kami, parang sabi ko, ang saya sa pakiramdam.
"Kasi yung step na gusto kong gawin before, nagiging possible na siya ngayon."
Ultimately, Stell emphasized that men's grooming is not merely about vanity, but rather a means of self-improvement and boosting one's confidence.
"Yung men's grooming, sobrang importanteng pag-usapan. Dahil hindi lang po ito kaartehan. Ito ay tungkol din po sa pagpa-improve ng sarili.
"Para maging confident at presentable ka sa kung ano gusto mo ipakita yung sarili mo sa mga tao sa paligid mo."
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