A third-generation Filipino-American based in the US shared how SB19’s “DUNKA” music video helped him reconnect with his Pinoy roots and care more deeply about the Philippines.
In a lengthy post on X, JMP admitted that most of the cultural references in the video flew over his head since he grew up in the US.
But the music pulled him in, piquing his interest about everything on screen—from the Chinese garter to the videoke machine, and led him to ask his family about the everyday symbols of Filipino life.
“DUNKA isn’t just a song. It’s a living, breathing cultural scrapbook,” he wrote. “None of it’s random. It’s intentional. It’s layered like a halo-halo — Sweet. Messy. Full of surprises if you dig deep enough,” he added.
He also shared that SB19’s music managed to bridge that generational gap that he and his mom struggled with. “It handed me back pieces of myself I didn’t even know were missing,” he said.
Confession of an outsider!!!
Not gonna lie, (Dungka) wasn’t even on my radar at first.
As an outsider, I’ll admit — it didn’t hit me right away. I was tuned into the vibe but I was confused 🤔 It’s like when you walk into a party late and everyone’s already deep in their… pic.twitter.com/cb3P0ANEKN
— JMP (@jponze24) April 28, 2025
A’TINs, who have long been supporting SB19’s music, were quick to welcome him into the fold, saying that this was the same reason they have been so proud of their Mahalima in the first place.
This is a nice post! Reintegrating with one's culture when you've been away for so long is hard and SB19 bridging that gap with this song is truly remarkable!
— A'TIN Philippines 🍎 SB19 (@SB19_ATINph) April 29, 2025
Hope you can share this too on reddit or on facebook! This is such a good read 🥹Makes me even more proud of SB19’s work 🥹
— Jorge🪬 (@jorgesnic) April 28, 2025
What a good read! So proud of you for digging deeper to your roots and appreciating Filipino culture🥹
— JC 🍎 (@SisiwBerry28) April 28, 2025
