Fans of SB19, known as A’TIN, have noticed the absence of the group name, leading to speculation about a potential name change for the popular Filipino idol group.
During the promotion of ‘Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival,’ the group’s art card featured the name Mahalima instead of SB19, and even the promo code shared was FUSIONMAHALIMA.
Individual members, including Pablo, Stell, Felip, Justin, and Josh, have removed the SB19 name from their Instagram and TikTok bios. Furthermore, the thank-you message in Felip’s recent music video excluded SB19, using the members’ individual names instead.
The ‘Team Fair 2023’ program flow key art also showcased individual member names rather than the collective group name.
– pablo removing “sb19” from his bio
– ken changing “sb19” to their individual names in his “thanks to”
– tm using their individual names
– fusion code change to “fusionmahalima”
– redesign sb logo section sa 1z xp
– “felip” instead of “ken” sa neon lights used in 1z xpOMG????
— trin (@seoaeries) November 9, 2023
Speculation about the potential name change gained momentum following an emotional message from Josh during the ‘Team Fair 2023’ event in Butuan City. He expressed gratitude to ATIN’s and hinted at an upcoming performance that would convey a message of being together forever, emphasizing the term Mahalima.
through thick and thin, through highs and lows, you can count on us to support you unwaveringly
MAHAL KAYONG LIMA
KABISIG N’YO ANG A’TIN#MAHALIMA@1zentertainment#FUSIONMAHALIMA #FusionFreedom2023#CelebrateFusionFreedom pic.twitter.com/7r4sX2TekY— Janey🌽 (@blissfuljah) November 11, 2023
Mahalima, coined by ATIN’s, translates to “We love you, the five of you.” The group has previously used this term in their song ‘SLMT.’
Fans began speculating that the possible change might be related to the registered trademark status of SB19. The group officially registered the Philippine trademark for SB19 under ShowBT Entertainment Philippines on January 3, 2021, with validity until January 2031.
Earlier this year, SB19 transitioned to being self-managed under 1Z Entertainment, a business founded by the five members.
Despite not securing a GRAMMYs 2024 nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, the acknowledgment of being considered for the prestigious music award is a noteworthy achievement for the group.
