Cheyenne Suarez

SB19 calls out 'invisible cages' that restrict Pinoy talents in new single 'Visa'

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771559276282sb 19 embed.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="SB19/Facebook"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>SB19/Facebook </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA -- SB19 has released &quot;Visa,&quot; the Pinoy supergroup&#x27;s first official single for 2026.</p><p>The new track serves as a commentary on access and privilege, and on the disparity between global contribution and mobility.</p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SykT0pos9yM?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><p>In a statement, SB19 called out the &quot;invisible cages&quot; that restrict opportunities, stressing the irony of celebrating people&#x27;s resilience yet burdening them with inefficient systems.</p><p>&quot;This release will really define SB19&#x27;s sound, personality, and the way we present ourselves,&quot; Stell said.</p><p>&quot;We have always been known for being vocal, but this time it is even stronger. We are addressing sensitive and current topics that people can relate to, even if not everyone agrees with us. We are ready to face any reaction. This release is very powerful and a strong way to start the year and introduce this new era,&quot; he added.</p><p>&quot;Visa&quot; was partly inspired by real-world situations around visa denials affecting Filipino talents.</p><p>&quot;We were very affected by visa applications during our tour,&quot; Pablo revealed.</p><p>&quot;SB19 has been active for seven years, and we hope that songs like these can reach officials and encourage laws that make it easier for athletes, artists, and others working overseas to access visas,&quot; he stressed. </p><p>&quot;This could include creative acts, producing content, or receiving rebates for spending related to the arts. This is not just an attempt to produce music, but to push Filipino culture forward. There is little support from the government, so it is important that our work can make an impact not only personally but also on a national level.&quot;</p><p>Josh echoed the same frustration, sharing parallels with the struggles of athletes who train and work hard to compete abroad and make Filipinos proud. </p><p>&quot;I have always had this dream during our tour, as someone who represents the Philippines all over the world. I have also seen the struggles of athletes when they represent the country. They give so much for the Philippines, but it often feels like the country does not give back. There needs to be a change,&quot; he said. </p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU8gcvagSPA/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=594&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A2452037.3000001907%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="924" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Justin highlighted the intentional messaging of the song: &quot;We are highly skilled and hardworking, and we&#x27;ve significantly contributed to raising the morale of Filipinos abroad, as well as impacting the economy in positive ways. But somehow, it often feels like we are at the end of the line.&quot;</p><p>Meanwhile, Ken explained the musicality of &quot;Visa.&quot; </p><p>&quot;This song is very unconventional and unorthodox. The instruments are not the usual ones, especially the melody. It is kind of unusual, but in a good way. The melody is impactful, and the instruments we used in the track are well chosen. The percussions, ad-libs, and other elements are perfectly placed, making it a very pleasing experience for the ears,&quot; he explained.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2026/2/12/sb19-to-drop-new-single-visa-on-feb-20-1438" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SB19 to drop new single &#x27;VISA&#x27; on Feb. 20</a></div><p>&quot;Visa&quot; is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.</p><p>Just last month, SB19 released &quot;Simula At Wakas: Kickoff Concert Album,&quot; a live recording of tracks from their two-day concert at the Philippine Arena in May 2025.</p><p>The group has announced the official conclusion of their landmark world tour with &quot;Wakas At Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale&quot; on April 18 at the SMDC Festival Grounds. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2026/1/2/sb19-to-stage-wakas-at-simula-the-trilogy-concert-finale-in-april-1611" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SB19 to stage &#x27;Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale&#x27; in April</a></div><p>Composed of Stell, Pablo, Josh, Felip, and Justin, SB19 is known for hits such as &quot;Gento,&quot; &quot;Bazinga,&quot; &quot;MAPA,&quot; and &quot;Moonlight.&quot;</p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vqtvhwW_PkY?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ngHuVFk3U7E?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FZnOMPmN21I?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>"Visa" was partly inspired by real-world situations around visa denials affecting Filipino talents.</p>

"Visa" was partly inspired by real-world situations around visa denials affecting Filipino talents.