SLMT

 

Photo from Myx

SB19 is known for its unending appreciation of their fans and those who accompanied them in their journey. They never once forgot to honor the people who inspired them to be what they are right now. How do they show their appreciation? By creating beautiful and heartfelt songs. There's Mapa, a song dedicated to all the parents, guardians, and siblings who took the role of being a parent, and everyone who served as our guide through life.

Then there's SLMT, a simple yet heartfelt song dedicated to every single person who believed in them, especially their fans, A'tin. Everything they do, they always dedicate it to the people around them. The respect they have for their craft and their audiences is apparent and even the simplest songs they created are still meaningful and of quality. SB19 is truly in a league of its own but not because they are the best of the best. It's because, since the day they debuted, they have never once been called problematic. No one called them rude or claimed them to have an attitude. Everyone they worked with praised their characters and personalities, whether as a group or as soloists.

Ako'y nagpapasalamat

Sa lahat ng sumabay sa paglalakbay ko

Papatungo sa 'king pangarap

Lagi ko kayong tanaw sa paglipad

Sabi nila 'di ko raw kaya (hm)

'Lang mapapala wala raw pag-asa

Bukambibig ng madla'y puro panggagaya

Pero salamat sa lahat ng naniwala

The song started with an immediate thank you to all the people who supported them. A sincere appreciation for the love they've received at the time. This particular song is memorable to me, and probably to every A'tin out there, for it was dedicated especially to their fans.

When they debuted, people thought of them as KPOP  wannabes who wouldn't last long. To be honest, people still see them that way until now despite all their contributions to the music industry. Tony Gonzaga interviewed them and talked about the hate they've received. She told them that people who hate, especially those who hate successful people, are disappointed with themselves. They are so sad and frustrated with their own lives that they project their feelings on other people.

Naniwala nawala lahat ng pangamba

Nagsimula magmula nu'ng makasama ka

'Di ko na kailangan pa ng iba

Halika may sikreto ako atin-atin lang (sing it)

'Lam mo ba 'di makakaya nang wala ka yeah

Walang makakatumbas sa atin kahit ano pa mang halaga

Throughout their career, A'tin, most specifically Aurum, had been their stronghold. People who were there for them, lifting them up and giving them the courage to go on. The people around them became their driving force and source of inspiration SB19 has always been vocal about how their fans have helped them since they started. The heart and dedication they pour into their craft is what makes us respect them so much more. They've always said that there's no SB19 if there's no A'tin but what they don't know is that many A'tin wouldn't have probably been here today if not because of them.

This fandom and its relationship with these five amazing gentlemen is a two-way street. Fans give them the love and support they need to succeed and SB19 gives their fans inspiration and strength to keep going. Through the years, many A'tin have confessed how SB19 saved them through their music. Many admitted to having had thoughts of ending their lives because of how awful their lives had been, but because of MAHALIMA's songs, they managed to survive life. Being a part of the fandom, learning how five people who seemed too far to reach had touched the lives of many people is a wonderful experience. Something I will treasure for the rest of my life.