There is a specific sense of accomplishment and freedom that comes from an artist owning their work. For SB19, that liberation came through their self-established, self-managed company. When Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin established 1Z Entertainment in the years following their international breakout, it was clear the group wanted to ensure they were in control of their destiny and telling their own story.

Wakas At Simula — which translates to “End and Beginning” in Filipino — is the fullest expression of what that independence actually sounds like. Across 24 tracks, the quintet weave together their trilogy of six-song EPs — 2021’s Pagsibol, 2023’s PAGTATAG! and Simula at Wakas from last year — alongside six newly recorded tracks, creating a comprehensive documentation for one of the most remarkable stories in modern Asian pop.

In particular, the Pagsibol material returns in re-recorded forms, with those six songs labeled as new “Wakas At Simula” versions — an official statement noting that the songs’ changes reflect “personal experiences.” But perhaps most importantly, these defining songs are now official releases under SB19’s own label.

While SB19 made major strides throughout these three EPs, the six new tracks including the politically charged single “VISA,” plus cross-cultural collaborations with the likes of Japan Hot 100 chart-toppers BE:FIRST and one of Asia’s top pop divas JOLIN, mark some of the group’s best work yet and indicate a boldness for where they can go in the future.

With SB19’s upcoming festival debut at Lollapalooza (the first P-pop group to earn a spot at the massive Chicago fest) and a slot at Japan’s Summer Sonic (joining a lineup including the Strokes, FKA Twigs and BLACKPINK’s JENNIE), the five stars are actively pushing the Philippines’ pop music to the global stage with this LP acting as an important history marker. Yes, it’s the end of a long-running musical series, but it’s also the beginning of inevitably bigger things.

To celebrate the momentous chapter, here’s Billboard‘s ranking of all 24 tracks from Wakas At Simula.