P-pop kings have just made history by becoming the first Filipino act to guest on the renowned Japanese online music show, ‘The First Take’. This show is famous for its unique format, where artists perform in a studio setting with just one rule: they only get one take.

For those who aren’t familiar, ‘The First Take’ is a YouTube channel from Japan that features artists performing live in one uninterrupted take. This show has seen a mix of established and up-and-coming artists from Japan, like LiSA, YOASOBI, Atarashii Gakko!, and Creepy Nuts, and occasionally from overseas, including big names like Stray Kids, Avril Lavigne, Harry Styles, and (G)-IDLE.

On July 1, SB19 graced this prestigious platform, performing a special rendition of “GENTO,” the lead track from their 2023 hit EP ‘PAGTATAG!’. The episode is the 449th in the series and comes right after singer-songwriter noa’s performance of her viral track “Any angle.” The group’s appearance was announced with a teaser video on June 30, creating a buzz of excitement among fans worldwide.

The performance was nothing short of spectacular. SB19’s “GENTO” on ‘The First Take’ was a stripped-down, “naked version” that highlighted their vocal prowess. The minimalistic arrangement, with fewer instrumental fills, allowed their voices to shine brilliantly, making them stand out even more. It was a testament to their incredible talent and versatility as artists.

At the start of the episode, you could feel the excitement and nervous energy from the group. Josh exclaimed, “So this is how it looks like here,” while leader Pablo admitted, “You know, I’m so excited and I’m so nervous at the same time.” One by one, the members introduced themselves, setting the stage for their unforgettable performance.

The First Take summed it up perfectly on their social media, saying, “Enjoy the song, which expresses the message that ‘it is the accumulation of small efforts that leads to success,’ in a special one-shot version exclusively for THE FIRST TAKE.”

This historic appearance on ‘The First Take’ is a massive milestone not just for SB19 but for Filipino music on the global stage. It’s heartwarming to see them break barriers and represent our culture with such pride and talent. Here’s to more milestones and achievements for SB19!