If TikTok and other sites haven’t reminded you yet, this is your sign to listen to Gento and Stan SB19. The group once again proved their charm to the masses with their “PAGTATAG!” era and their newest single, “Gento.”
No wonder it’s such a hit—from dance crazes, tutorials, trending videos, and even unlocking its meaning, the single has really the power to captivate not only fellow A’TINs but also fans in and outside the Philippines.
If we were to debunk anything from its title, it’s basically just Gento. The song effortlessly flips between the catchy words ganito (like this), ginto (gold), and gento, the Cavite word for ganito. After years of refinement, just like gold, it conveys a potent message about their collective growth. Basically, the group just focuses on transformation—how these little acts can bring you change. According to Pablo (the composer of the song), this song is an attempt to document their journey as a group, which has endured an outburst of criticism, particularly the criticism they have faced for their appearance and for being accused of copying K-pop acts since their debut.
We can never deny the fact that since the rise of K-pop here in the Philippines, artists have solely improved themselves, giving birth to the rise of P-pop. A lot of P-pop artists are making their way to the international scene, and Filipino fans recognize their passion and dedication to music.
GENTO’S CHARM
Truly enigmatic, the song is more than its virality, and music lovers can attest to that. SB19 is on a different level with its choreography and visuals. The story of ‘GENTO’ delivers a profound message. We all aspire to find treasure, yet the arduous journey to attain it often goes unnoticed. The music video kicks off in an aged Filipino household, and what’s remarkable is that they never venture beyond its confines. Through successive scenes, they remain rooted there. They painstakingly extract gold ore, symbolizing a treasure that has always resided within and alongside them.
While the world chases after wealth, only a handful are willing to roll up their sleeves and engage in the challenging pursuit required. Moreover, only a select few dare to confront the refining process, akin to enduring the trials that transform raw materials into precious treasures. SB19 has invested in the effort and confronted these trials head-on. They’ve emerged stronger, prepared to embrace whatever challenges come their way.
CONCLUSION
In an inspiring feat, SB19 has seemingly clinched the title of the first Filipino band to grace the World Digital Song Sales chart with their track “Gento.” This achievement takes on even greater significance when considering that this chart is typically ruled by K-pop sensations or African musical luminaries, who tend to secure a lion’s share of positions on this prestigious roster.
Last year, the Filipino boy band first tasted the sweet fruit of Billboard chart triumph as they made their debut on the Hot Trending Songs chart. This innovative ranking was conceived to mirror the songs that were buzzing and creating waves across social media platforms.
