Filipino boy band SB19 performed at Expo 2020 Dubai on March 16, 2022. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
Filipino boy band SB19 performed at Expo 2020 Dubai on March 16, 2022. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
The band, which consists of members Josh, Pablo, Stell, Ken and Justin, arrived in Dubai on Wednesday morning.
The band, which consists of members Josh, Pablo, Stell, Ken and Justin, arrived in Dubai on Wednesday morning.
The band put on a high-energy performance at the DEC Arena but fans reported technical difficulties on the night.
The band put on a high-energy performance at the DEC Arena but fans reported technical difficulties on the night.
Expo 2020 Dubai apologised for 'technical issues during the SB19 concert'.
Expo 2020 Dubai apologised for 'technical issues during the SB19 concert'.
Dedicated fans turned out to see their favourite band perform live.
Dedicated fans turned out to see their favourite band perform live.
The group are known by the nickname Mahalima by fans.
The group are known by the nickname Mahalima by fans.
Ahead of the concert, they tweeted: 'SB19 at EXPO 2020 Dubai. Mahalima says hi as they get ready for their performance.'
Ahead of the concert, they tweeted: 'SB19 at EXPO 2020 Dubai. Mahalima says hi as they get ready for their performance.'
#MarhabaSB19inDubai was trending on Twitter as the band made their arrival in the UAE.
#MarhabaSB19inDubai was trending on Twitter as the band made their arrival in the UAE.
SB19 made their debut in 2018 and are known for hits 'Bazinga' and 'Mapa'.
SB19 made their debut in 2018 and are known for hits 'Bazinga' and 'Mapa'.
SB19 were the first Filipino and South-East Asian act to be nominated in the Billboard Music Awards.
SB19 were the first Filipino and South-East Asian act to be nominated in the Billboard Music Awards.
SB19 have a global OPM fanbase; OPM stands for original Pinoy music.
SB19 have a global OPM fanbase; OPM stands for original Pinoy music.
Loyal SB19 fans at the Expo 2020 Dubai concert.
Loyal SB19 fans at the Expo 2020 Dubai concert.
The band performed at Expo 2020 Dubai during its last two weeks.
The band performed at Expo 2020 Dubai during its last two weeks.
Filipino actor, comedian and YouTuber Chad Kinis warmed the crowd up for SB19.
Filipino actor, comedian and YouTuber Chad Kinis warmed the crowd up for SB19.
Chad Kinis on stage at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Chad Kinis on stage at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Filipino singer Zephanie Dimaranan also took to the stage.
Filipino singer Zephanie Dimaranan also took to the stage.
Zephanie Dimaranan is known by her stage name Zephanie.
Zephanie Dimaranan is known by her stage name Zephanie.
Zephanie was the winner of the first season of 'Idol Philippines'.
Zephanie was the winner of the first season of 'Idol Philippines'.

Culture

Music

SB19 perform at Expo 2020 Dubai: technical difficulties mar high-energy concert

One fan still said it was the best experience they'd had in Dubai in five years

Farah Andrews
Farah Andrews

March 17, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Filipino boy band SB19 took to the stage at Expo 2020 Dubai on Wednesday, much to the delight of their UAE fan base.

Joined by Idol Philippines winner Zephanie and Filipino actor, comedian and YouTuber Chad Kinis, the OPM boy band put on a high-energy performance at Expo 2020 Dubai's DEC Arena.

Click through the gallery above to see highlights from SB19's Expo 2020 Dubai performance.

The band, which consists of members Josh, Pablo, Stell, Ken and Justin, touched down in Dubai on Wednesday morning, hours ahead of the concert.

#MarhabaSB19inDubai was trending on Twitter as the band made their arrival in the UAE.

Despite fan enthusiasm, however, it seems there were technical difficulties throughout the show, which fans put down to "unstable mics". Following the performance, they applauded the group's professionalism.

"Technical difficulties be damned. You can never mask that talent," one fan tweeted.

Another wrote: "Salute to SB19 for being professional and humble throughout the show ... You guys deserve better."

Expo 2020 Dubai apologised for technical difficulties following the concert.

"Expo 2020 would like to apologise to viewers for the technical issues during the SB19 concert held at the DEC Arena at Expo 2020 on 16 March 2022. The complete concert will be available on Expo 2020 Dubai’s streaming platforms soon. We hope to see you again at Expo 2020 Dubai," a statement released on Twitter read.

Other fans left the concert happy with the show that SB19 put on.

"The best experience here in Dubai after 5 years," one fan wrote. "Thank you so much SB19. We love you Boys so much."

SB19 made their debut in 2018 and are known for hits Bazinga and Mapa, and were the first Filipino and South-East Asian act to be nominated in the Billboard Music Awards.

They were nominated in 2021 in the Top Social Artist category alongside Blackpink, Ariana Grande, Seventeen, and K-pop megastars BTS, who won the award.

50 things to do at Expo 2020 Dubai before it ends — in pictures:

Expo 2020 Dubai will finish on March 31, 2022. Here are 50 things to do at the world fair between now and then. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai.
Expo 2020 Dubai will finish on March 31, 2022. Here are 50 things to do at the world fair between now and then. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai.
The Singapore Pavilion at Expo is a must-visit. Reuters
The Singapore Pavilion at Expo is a must-visit. Reuters
From the inside and outside, Switzerland Pavilion is worth exploring. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
From the inside and outside, Switzerland Pavilion is worth exploring. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The spectacle of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion is clearly visible from the outside. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The spectacle of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion is clearly visible from the outside. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The Spain Pavilion's striking architecture serves as a metaphor for the cultural links between Spain and the Arab world. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The Spain Pavilion's striking architecture serves as a metaphor for the cultural links between Spain and the Arab world. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The fascinating past of ancient Egypt is the central focus of the country’s Expo 2020 Dubai pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The fascinating past of ancient Egypt is the central focus of the country’s Expo 2020 Dubai pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
It's more than just about Thai food at Long Chim restaurant in Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Long Chim
It's more than just about Thai food at Long Chim restaurant in Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Long Chim
Alkebulan African Dining Hall at Expo 2020 Dubai is putting the focus on an as-yet untapped cuisine. Photo: Alkebulan African Dining Hall
Alkebulan African Dining Hall at Expo 2020 Dubai is putting the focus on an as-yet untapped cuisine. Photo: Alkebulan African Dining Hall
Sushiro is in the Japan Pavilion restaurant at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Sushiro is in the Japan Pavilion restaurant at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Bread Ahead, a British concept that specialises in doughnuts and gluten-free sourdough breads, is a must-try at Expo. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Bread Ahead, a British concept that specialises in doughnuts and gluten-free sourdough breads, is a must-try at Expo. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Burgers, such as this DM Burger, are among the popular offerings at Adrift Burger Bar in Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Josh Telles
Burgers, such as this DM Burger, are among the popular offerings at Adrift Burger Bar in Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Josh Telles
Children and grown-ups alike love the Expo 2020 Dubai Water Feature. Reuters
Children and grown-ups alike love the Expo 2020 Dubai Water Feature. Reuters
There's an impressive light show every evening at Al Wasl Dome, the world's largest 360-degree projection dome. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
There's an impressive light show every evening at Al Wasl Dome, the world's largest 360-degree projection dome. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Jubilee Park is where all the best performances take place. Victor Besa / The National
Jubilee Park is where all the best performances take place. Victor Besa / The National
The Expo 2020 entry portals were designed by British architect Asif Khan.
The Expo 2020 entry portals were designed by British architect Asif Khan.
Al Wasl Dome is visible from almost every room in Rove Expo 2020, the only hotel at the site.
Al Wasl Dome is visible from almost every room in Rove Expo 2020, the only hotel at the site.
Take a look inside Expo 2020's Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub and its various facilities. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Take a look inside Expo 2020's Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub and its various facilities. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
A bike tour around Expo 2020 Dubai is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Victor Besa / The National
A bike tour around Expo 2020 Dubai is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Victor Besa / The National
At Emirates Airlines’ futuristic pavilion, visitors get the chance to design their own aircraft. Wam
At Emirates Airlines’ futuristic pavilion, visitors get the chance to design their own aircraft. Wam
Go up 55 metres on this 360-degree observation tower and enjoy sweeping views of Expo 2020 on Garden in the Sky. Pawan Singh / The National
Go up 55 metres on this 360-degree observation tower and enjoy sweeping views of Expo 2020 on Garden in the Sky. Pawan Singh / The National
The Expo 2020 passport is a must-have for visitors. Go around the pavilions and collect those passport stamps before it's too late. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The Expo 2020 passport is a must-have for visitors. Go around the pavilions and collect those passport stamps before it's too late. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Kaleidoscope presents Dodecalis Luminarium by Architects of Air: a dazzling immersive art installation at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Kaleidoscope presents Dodecalis Luminarium by Architects of Air: a dazzling immersive art installation at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Created by British artist Mat Collishaw and curated by the cultural agency Futurecity, the work 'Equinox' has been commissioned by Expo 2020 Dubai specifically to be shown in Terra. Photo: Mahmoud Khaled / Expo 2020
Created by British artist Mat Collishaw and curated by the cultural agency Futurecity, the work 'Equinox' has been commissioned by Expo 2020 Dubai specifically to be shown in Terra. Photo: Mahmoud Khaled / Expo 2020
'A point in time' by Khalil Rabah enlarged 11th-century implements used for determining location. Look closely: a small black circule below the gold-coloured spindle shows Dubai on the map the objects create. Photo: Thorsten Arendt
'A point in time' by Khalil Rabah enlarged 11th-century implements used for determining location. Look closely: a small black circule below the gold-coloured spindle shows Dubai on the map the objects create. Photo: Thorsten Arendt
'Garden' by Hamra Abbas, the artist's marble recreation of a garden, used five tonnes of lapis lazuli. Photo: Roman Mensing
'Garden' by Hamra Abbas, the artist's marble recreation of a garden, used five tonnes of lapis lazuli. Photo: Roman Mensing
Faissal El Malak and Alia bin Omair's 'Nahel' fountain features motifs of humankind, nature and technology connecting in harmony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Faissal El Malak and Alia bin Omair's 'Nahel' fountain features motifs of humankind, nature and technology connecting in harmony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
With popular restaurants in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Lebanese spot Iris Lounge has become a firm favourite at Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson / The National
With popular restaurants in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Lebanese spot Iris Lounge has become a firm favourite at Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson / The National
One of the liveliest late-night spots at Expo 2020 is, unsurprisingly, The Irish Village at Jubilee Park. Antonie Robertson / The National
One of the liveliest late-night spots at Expo 2020 is, unsurprisingly, The Irish Village at Jubilee Park. Antonie Robertson / The National
Expo 2020’s resident sports lounge Garden on 1, found at the Mobility District, offers regular themed nights such as curry night and quiz night, regular drinks deals, and shows the biggest sporting events. Antonie Robertson / The National
Expo 2020’s resident sports lounge Garden on 1, found at the Mobility District, offers regular themed nights such as curry night and quiz night, regular drinks deals, and shows the biggest sporting events. Antonie Robertson / The National
Jubilee Mixology bar overlooks Al Wasl Dome, which features the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface. Pawan Singh / The National
Jubilee Mixology bar overlooks Al Wasl Dome, which features the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface. Pawan Singh / The National
Everyone’s a local at this Australian corner, which has proved a firm favourite with Expo 2020 visitors. Antonie Robertson / The National
Everyone’s a local at this Australian corner, which has proved a firm favourite with Expo 2020 visitors. Antonie Robertson / The National
Once a month, experience a Khaleeji-led jam session at Jubilee Stage in the form of Jalsat Nights. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Once a month, experience a Khaleeji-led jam session at Jubilee Stage in the form of Jalsat Nights. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Specially created for Expo 2020 Dubai by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, the all-female Firdaus Orchestra features musicians from 23 nationalities across the Arab world, with some as young as 15. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Specially created for Expo 2020 Dubai by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, the all-female Firdaus Orchestra features musicians from 23 nationalities across the Arab world, with some as young as 15. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The monthly Infinite Nights concert series takes place at Al Wasl Plaza and is streamed to a global audience. Past acts that have performed so far include Kadim Al Sahir, Nancy Ajram and Ragheb Alama, Alicia Keys and the Black Eyed Peas, with two more to come.
The monthly Infinite Nights concert series takes place at Al Wasl Plaza and is streamed to a global audience. Past acts that have performed so far include Kadim Al Sahir, Nancy Ajram and Ragheb Alama, Alicia Keys and the Black Eyed Peas, with two more to come.
Emirati composer Mohammed Fairouz has composed music for the Al Wasl Opera. Every week or two, a student choir takes to the Jubilee Stage for a series of 30-minute concerts where they perform extracts from Al Wasl Opera. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Emirati composer Mohammed Fairouz has composed music for the Al Wasl Opera. Every week or two, a student choir takes to the Jubilee Stage for a series of 30-minute concerts where they perform extracts from Al Wasl Opera. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
A 10-minute light show takes place daily at the China Pavilion. It's a must-see. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
A 10-minute light show takes place daily at the China Pavilion. It's a must-see. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Hammour House is a community art project that is popular among children. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Hammour House is a community art project that is popular among children. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
A child plays at Latifa's Adventures playground, a great spot for families during a visit to Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
A child plays at Latifa's Adventures playground, a great spot for families during a visit to Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The indoor slide at the Luxembourg Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is very popular among children and families.
The indoor slide at the Luxembourg Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is very popular among children and families.
No visit to Expo 2020 Dubai is complete without interacting with a robot. Victor Besa / The National
No visit to Expo 2020 Dubai is complete without interacting with a robot. Victor Besa / The National
The carousel in the Mobility District at Expo 2020 Dubai is a great stop for children. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The carousel in the Mobility District at Expo 2020 Dubai is a great stop for children. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
An exhibition focusing on the work of French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier will open at Expo on February 28. AFP
An exhibition focusing on the work of French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier will open at Expo on February 28. AFP
The know-how of the Piemonte region will be highlighted in a showcase at the Italian pavilion. Photo: Andrea Rapuzzi
The know-how of the Piemonte region will be highlighted in a showcase at the Italian pavilion. Photo: Andrea Rapuzzi
The Colombia Pavilion will host a multimedia installation called The Infinitos. Antonie Robertson / The National
The Colombia Pavilion will host a multimedia installation called The Infinitos. Antonie Robertson / The National
Noura Al Kaabi, Minister for Culture and Youth, at the Kosovo Pavilion, home to a permanent collection of artworks that traces the country’s culture and history. Photo: Ministry of Culture and Youth
Noura Al Kaabi, Minister for Culture and Youth, at the Kosovo Pavilion, home to a permanent collection of artworks that traces the country’s culture and history. Photo: Ministry of Culture and Youth
The New Zealand Pavilion features a digital Art Wall curated by the country’s national museum. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The New Zealand Pavilion features a digital Art Wall curated by the country’s national museum. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
At the Swiss pavilion, you’re instantly transported to the Alps thanks to an indoor mountainscape. AP Photo
At the Swiss pavilion, you’re instantly transported to the Alps thanks to an indoor mountainscape. AP Photo
Experience indoor rain at the Netherlands Pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Experience indoor rain at the Netherlands Pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Don't miss the Sky Market at the Singapore Pavilion, an open, multipurpose deck. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Don't miss the Sky Market at the Singapore Pavilion, an open, multipurpose deck. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
There's a ball pit and swings at the Germany Pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
There's a ball pit and swings at the Germany Pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Robot bartender Yanu makes mocktails at the Estonia Pavilion. Photo: Estonia Pavilion
Robot bartender Yanu makes mocktails at the Estonia Pavilion. Photo: Estonia Pavilion
Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Iran's dirty tricks to dodge sanctions

There’s increased scrutiny on the tricks being used to keep commodities flowing to and from blacklisted countries. Here’s a description of how some work.

1 Going Dark

A common method to transport Iranian oil with stealth is to turn off the Automatic Identification System, an electronic device that pinpoints a ship’s location. Known as going dark, a vessel flicks the switch before berthing and typically reappears days later, masking the location of its load or discharge port.

2. Ship-to-Ship Transfers

A first vessel will take its clandestine cargo away from the country in question before transferring it to a waiting ship, all of this happening out of sight. The vessels will then sail in different directions. For about a third of Iranian exports, more than one tanker typically handles a load before it’s delivered to its final destination, analysts say.

3. Fake Destinations

Signaling the wrong destination to load or unload is another technique. Ships that intend to take cargo from Iran may indicate their loading ports in sanction-free places like Iraq. Ships can keep changing their destinations and end up not berthing at any of them.

4. Rebranded Barrels

Iranian barrels can also be rebranded as oil from a nation free from sanctions such as Iraq. The countries share fields along their border and the crude has similar characteristics. Oil from these deposits can be trucked out to another port and documents forged to hide Iran as the origin.

* Bloomberg

War

Director: Siddharth Anand

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Ashutosh Rana, Vaani Kapoor

Rating: Two out of five stars 

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Updated: March 17, 2022, 6:05 AM
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