Justin (Filipino musician)

Justin
Justin in 2023
Born
Justin de Dios

(1998-07-07) July 7, 1998 (age 26)[1]
Malabon, Philippines
Alma materDe La Salle–College of Saint Benilde
Occupations
  • Singer
  • Dancer
  • Songwriter
  • Creative Director
  • Director
  • CEO (Visar Society)
Years active2018–present
Musical career
GenresP-pop
Labels
Member ofSB19

Justin de Dios (born July 7, 1998), known mononymously as Justin, is a Filipino performer, songwriter, visual artist and creative director. He is the visual and sub-vocalists of the Filipino boy band SB19, which debuted in 2018. The group's initial struggles gave way to sudden success after they went viral in 2019, and their discography includes the album Get in the Zone (2020) and two extended plays (EPs). As SB19's creative director, Justin has directed several of their music videos and spearheaded their 2021 online concert Back in the Zone.

Personal life

[edit]

Justin de Dios was born on July 7, 1998 and grew up in Malabon, Metro Manila. Before SB19 was formed, Justin was in a dance crew with future bandmate Josh.[2] In 2018, he graduated with honors from De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde with a degree in Multimedia Arts.[1][3]

Career

[edit]

2016–2020: Beginnings of SB19

[edit]

ShowBT Philippines, a subsidiary of Korean company ShowBT, was conducting a talent search which would ultimately lead to the formation of SB19.[4] Justin had only been doing a ShowBT dance workshop, but ended up becoming one of their trainees after auditioning for multiple companies.[2][5] The candidates went to a rigorous South Korean-style training camp, which included vocal and dance classes, physical training and "personality development". Justin was simultaneously studying for his college degree. He found it difficult balancing studying and training, and he sometimes had to skip training to work on his thesis and learn the choreography by himself afterwards. At one point, he almost dropped out of college; his brother later said he cried in his room over having to decide.[3][6] In 2016, the five members of SB19, include Justin, were selected.[4]

On October 26, 2018,[2] SB19 debuted with their single "Tilaluha" (lit.'Tearful'). It was followed by their second single "Go Up". Their act was largely influenced by K-pop. Going by his mononym Justin,[6] he is the band's sub-vocalists and creative director. The youngest member of the group,[7][8] he has been dubbed their "visual", or most attractive member.[6] In their first year, the band became disheartened because they received little attention. They were considering giving up on the band before their dance practice video for "Go Up" went viral in 2019, leading their leader Sejun (now Pablo) to call it their "redemption song". SB19 released a third single, "Alab (Burning)",[4][6] before their debut studio album Get in the Zone came out on July 31, 2020. Get in the Zone was highly anticipated by their newfound fanbase, which was dubbed A'TIN (pronounced 'eighteen').[9] Justin wrote and directed the animated music video of "Hanggang sa Huli" (lit.'Until the End'), one of the album's tracks.[7]

2021–2023: Wider success

[edit]

Justin made a cameo appearance in the music video for Filipino rapper Alex Bruce's song "Yakap", released on February 5, 2021, playing Bruce's crush.[10][11] In March 2021, Justin storyboarded and directed the music video for SB19's single "What?".[7][12] The group became the first Filipino act to be nominated for a Billboard Music Award when they became a contender for the fan-voted category Top Social Artist.[4] On July 22, 2021, SB19 released their first extended play (EP), Pagsibol (lit.'Growth' or 'Sprouting').[13] Justin later co-led the EP's merchandise campaign, offering input on artists Irmay Ledesma and Bea Zaragoza's designs.[14] SB19 began August with their online concert Back in the Zone, which was so well-received that it led to a replay. Justin directed the concert and did a solo performance covering Coldplay's song "The Scientist".[7][15]

In May 2022, Justin surpassed one million followers on the social media platform TikTok and shared an unreleased original song titled "Parellel Universe".[16] In July, he and members of his friends and family started Visar Society, a business selling products with a "nature-like aesthetic".[17] He directed the music video for SB19's single "WYAT (Where You At)".[7] The band's first world tour in late 2022 was named after the track.[18] At the 2022 PPOP Awards, Justin was named Pop Main Visual of the Year.[19]

On May 19, 2023, SB19 released "Gento",[20] the lead single off their second EP Pagtatag! (lit.'Establishment').[21] The song was a commercial success,[22] while its popularity on TikTok helped introduce SB19 to viewers in other countries, such as the United States.[23][24] Pagtatag! was released on June 9.[25] That month, SB19 became self-managed after they established the company 1Z Entertainment.[26]

2024–present: Solo debut

[edit]

Justin debuted as a solo artist on February 29, releasing his first single titled "surreal".

Discography

[edit]

Songwriting credits

[edit]
Year Artist(s) Song Album Lyricist Composer
Credited With Credited With
2024 Justin "Kaibigan" Non-album singles Yes Yes
"Surreal" Non-album singles Yes Yes

Videography

[edit]

As director

[edit]
Year Title Length Ref.
2020 "Hanggang sa Huli" 4:50 [27]
2021 "What?" 5:23 [28]
2022 "WYAT (Where You At)" 4:53 [29]

Live performances

[edit]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Name of the award ceremony, year presented, award category, nominee(s) of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee(s)/work(s) Result Ref.
PPOP Awards 2022 Best Visual of the Year Justin Won [19]
Village Pipol Choice Award 2023 Male TikTok Face of the Year Justin Nominated [30]
TAG Awards Chicago 2023 TAG 25 Under 25, Batch of 2023 Honorary Inductee Justin(Justin de Dios) Won [31]
The Netizens Report 2022 Top 20 Most Significant and Influential Asian Celebrities Justin 3rd [32]
2023 The Most Handsome Filipino in 2023 Justin Won [33]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Tuazon, Nikko (February 2, 2020). "SB19: The future of P-pop is here". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c Bergania, Twila (December 29, 2019). "Cosmo.ph Exclusive: SB19 On Their K-Pop Influences And Filipino Roots". Cosmopolitan Philippines. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Fernando, Jeff (December 13, 2022). "From obscurity to SB19 stardom: Justin's 'panalo' story". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d Raj, Tanu I. (August 2, 2021). "SB19: P-pop leading lights determined to do their fans proud and "live with a purpose"". NME. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  5. ^ Estrebello, Fern (February 20, 2020). "Meet SB19 Justin, the adorable bunso of the group". Village Pipol. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d Vila, Alixandra Caole (March 15, 2020). "The phenomenal rise of SB19, Philippine answer to K-pop groups, who beat the odds to become home-grown idols". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on March 15, 2020. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  7. ^ a b c d e Alumno, Lyn (September 7, 2022). "Justin De Dios Is P-Pop's Rising New Visionary As Proven By These Music Videos". Nylon Manila. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  8. ^ "SB19 to attend Asia Artist Awards 2023". GMA Entertainment. September 19, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  9. ^ Panaligan, Jojo (July 31, 2020). "This is the day: SB19 finally drops debut album 'Get in the Zone'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  10. ^ Llemit, Kathleen A. (February 5, 2021). "WATCH: SB19 Justin debuts as music video actor in pre-Valentine treat 'Yakap'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  11. ^ Zinampan, Tristan (February 5, 2021). "WATCH: SB19's Justin De Dios is Alex Bruce's dream guy in 'Yakap' music video". Rappler. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  12. ^ "SB19 begins a new era with 'What?' music video". CNN Philippines. March 9, 2021. Archived from the original on October 15, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  13. ^ Singh, Surej (July 22, 2021). "Listen to SB19's highly anticipated six-track EP 'Pagsibol'". NME. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  14. ^ Severo, Jan Milo (January 15, 2022). "SB19 launches merchandise". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  15. ^ Bodegon-Hikino, Kara (August 2, 2021). "SB19 take fans BACK IN THE ZONE with second major online concert – gig report". Bandwagon. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  16. ^ Robles, Renzneil (May 26, 2022). "SB19 Justin mesmerizes fans with an original unreleased composition". Village Pipol. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  17. ^ Bautista, Rafael (July 7, 2023). "SB19 Justin Just Launched His Own Business, Which Lets Your Inner Artist Shine". Nylon Manila. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  18. ^ "LOOK: SB19 Announces WYAT World Tour Dates". Rappler. September 5, 2022. Archived from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  19. ^ a b Garcia, Nick (December 15, 2022). "SB19, 4th Impact lead PPOP Awards 2022. Here are other big winners in TV, radio, public service". Philstar Life. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  20. ^ Basbas, Franchesca Judine (May 19, 2023). "SB19 Find Gold in New Single 'Gento'". Bandwagon. Archived from the original on June 14, 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  21. ^ "SB19 to Release New Single 'Gento' This May". Bandwagon. May 10, 2023. Archived from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  22. ^ Policarpio, Allan (July 18, 2023). "Stell on SB19's 'Nerve-wracking' Leap to Self-manage Career: If Not Now, When?". Inquirer. Archived from the original on August 5, 2023. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  23. ^ Bautista, Rafael (May 31, 2023). "SB19's 'Gento' Is Taking over TikTok—as It Should". Nylon Manila. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  24. ^ Violata, Annalyn (July 2, 2023). "Trending Ngayon: SB19's 'Gento', Taylor Swift's the Eras Tour, Team Australia's 59 Medals at Special Olympics". SBS Filipino (Podcast) (in Tagalog). Special Broadcasting Service. Event occurs at 1:35. Archived from the original on August 5, 2023. Retrieved August 5, 2023. Trending ang 'Gento' dance challenge sa TikTok, hindi lamang para sa mga kapwang Pinoy at Pilipino celebrity, ganon din sa iba't ibang bahagi ng mundo. Alam niyo ba na umabot na ito sa Amerika at iba't ibang bahagi ng Asya at maging sa Aprika? [The 'Gento' dance challenge is trending on TikTok, not only for fellow Filipinos and Filipino celebrities but also in different parts of the world. Did you know it has reached America, parts of Asia, and even Africa?]
  25. ^ Cruz, Jashley Ann (June 13, 2023). "How SB19 ushered in a new era of music during 'PAGTATAG!' launch". GMA Entertainment. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  26. ^ Cruz, Jashley Ann (June 13, 2023). "SB19 unveils 1Z Entertainment's plans for the future". GMA Entertainment. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  27. ^ "[MV] SB19 - Hanggang Sa Huli". SB19 Official. October 9, 2020. Retrieved April 21, 2021 – via YouTube.
  28. ^ "SB19 'What?' Official MV". SB19 Official. March 9, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021 – via YouTube.
  29. ^ "SB19 'WYAT (Where You At)' Official Music Video". SB19 Official. September 2, 2022. Retrieved April 21, 2021 – via YouTube.
  30. ^ Robles, Renziel (March 20, 2023). "4th VP Choice Awards 2022: Complete lists".
  31. ^ "Full List Of Winners #TAGAwardsChicago2023". Retrieved December 25, 2023 – via website.
  32. ^ Cua, Aric John Sy (December 1, 2022). "SB19's Justin de Dios 3rd in online poll". The Manila Times. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  33. ^ "Justin de Dios Is The Most Handsome Filipino in 2023 (Top 3)". The Netizens Report. December 31, 2023.