P-pop royalty SB19, composed of Justin, Pablo, Stell, Josh, and Ken, have embarked on a new chapter by bringing their “PAGTATAG!” journey to the silver screen. Directed by Jed Regala, this groundbreaking documentary captures the essence of their world tour, showcasing the highs, lows, and invaluable lessons learned along the way.

For a group that initially gained fame through new media platforms, transitioning to traditional cinema might seem unconventional. However, with over 100 cinemas screening “PAGTATAG!” across the nation, this move proves to be a perfect fit. The documentary provides an in-depth look at SB19’s journey, emphasizing their growth and challenges since kicking off their tour in 2023.

Director Jed Regala aimed to create a long-form piece that stands out amidst today’s trend of short, bite-sized content. He noted that a story’s depth is often lost without sufficient time to develop fully. Regala believes SB19’s story deserved this comprehensive approach to encapsulate more than just their tour, but the emotional and personal growth of each member.

Experiencing the documentary in a theater setting adds a unique dimension. According to Pablo, watching the film with an audience makes it feel special and different. “We want people to understand our story, feel the sound, and see our emotions on screen,” he said, emphasizing that the theatrical presentation was chosen to enhance the viewer’s experience.

“PAGTATAG!” marks the second chapter in their EP trilogy, which began with “PAGSIBOL.” This installment reflects SB19’s evolution into a solid and steadfast group ready to navigate new challenges. A year ago, during an interview, Pablo shared that staying in their comfort zone would hinder their growth. As CEO of their self-established company 1Z Entertainment, he stressed the importance of stepping out of familiar territories to achieve personal and professional development.

The documentary reveals how the members faced critical moments that almost jeopardized their right to use the name SB19. The cancellation of shows abroad added another layer of uncertainty. While specifics were kept confidential, Director Jed Regala acknowledged this unexpected plot twist that challenged both the band and the documentary’s narrative.

Justin explained that during these turbulent times, they didn’t document everything due to the stress and urgency of the situation. However, they managed to convey the emotional gravity and resolution of these struggles in “PAGTATAG!” The film illustrates not only their public charisma but also their private vulnerabilities, showing why they command one of the most passionate fanbases in Filipino music.

Jed Regala decided to document SB19 after working on a music video with them. He was captivated by their charisma and felt compelled to follow their journey. The resulting documentary is an unprecedented endeavor in the P-pop genre.

“PAGTATAG!” also includes intimate, behind-the-scenes moments where the members are most unguarded. Despite being accustomed to vlogging, being followed by cameras without posing was a new experience for them. They aimed for authenticity over staged interactions.

Josh remarked on how detailed the documentary turned out to be, capturing both their triumphs and struggles. Pablo shared his battle with anxiety before performances, highlighting the mental and physical challenges they face as touring artists.

Ken hopes viewers will see them as real people with imperfections and hardships. The documentary serves as a bridge between SB19 and their fans, offering an unfiltered look into their lives and strengthening their connection.

SB19 aspires for “PAGTATAG!” to inspire audiences to chase their dreams against all odds. Josh emphasized that despite their diverse backgrounds and beliefs, they’ve achieved what once seemed impossible. He hopes the film motivates not just aspiring artists but anyone feeling lost or striving for success.

Lastly, “PAGTATAG!” hints at future endeavors for SB19, leaving fans eager for what’s next in the journey of these P-pop kings.