Mapa (song)

"Mapa"
Single by SB19
from the EP Pagsibol
Language
  • Filipino
ReleasedMay 16, 2021 (2021-05-16)
Recorded2021
Genre
Length4:35
LabelSony Philippines
Songwriter(s)John Paulo Nase
Producer(s)
SB19 singles chronology
"What?"
(2021)
"Mapa"
(2021)
"Bazinga"
(2021)
Lyric video
"Mapa" on YouTube

"Mapa"[a] is a song recorded by Filipino boy band SB19, released on May 16, 2021,[1] by Sony Music, as the second pre-release digital single off their extended play Pagsibol.[2] "Mapa" was written by the band's leader Pablo. The song was also produced by Pablo, with Jay Durias and Simon Servida, who both served as co-producers on the band's previous single "What?".[3] The song was released between Mother's Day and Father's Day as a tribute to all parents.[4] "Mapa" placed fifth on Google's most searched songs globally in 2021.[5] On July 8, 2024, "Mapa"'s accompanying lyric video on YouTube surpassed 100 million views. This milestone coincided with SB19's live performance of "Mapa" on The First Take a week later, and the subsequent release of this performance's audio recording as a digital single, entitled "Mapa — from The First Take", on August 22, 2024.

Recording

[edit]

Even before the pandemic happened and during their concert tour, SB19 had lesser time to be with their families which prompted the group to record a pop song for their parents. Pablo quoted in a press conference as saying that "We released this song to show gratitude and appreciation for [our parents for] helping us survive all the challenges and difficulties that we've encountered growing up".[6] The songwriting was initiated through a Q&A with each of the members by asking what they would like to say to their parents. The song's production was mostly done virtually with the co-producer, Simon Servida, and Pablo communicating only via Instagram.[3]

Composition and lyrics

[edit]

"Mapa" has been described as "rousing ballad" synonymous to a "Japanese ballad that can be very well used as a closing song for an anime series".[7][8] GMA News called it a soulful ballad similar to "Tilaluha" and "Hanggang Sa Huli".[9] The melody was inspired from a lullaby that Pablo's mother would sing to him when he was a child.[7][3] In terms of music notation, the song is composed in the key of A major, when it last chorus is B-flat major with a tempo of 130 beats per minute, and has a length of 4:35.[10]

Before the release, a brief snippet of the lyrics "La-ta-ra-ta-ra, la-ta-ra-ta-ra" sung by Pablo was revealed at the end of the logo trailer.[11] Lyrically, the song title is a combination of the Tagalog words "mama" and "papa" and the lyrics are described as "heart-wrenching"[12] and "incredibly moving".[8] Pablo wrote the lyrics to "inspire people to be appreciative of everything that our parents did for us and to give back" and an implication that parents serve as guidance and direction in life.[13] Daily Tribune described that the lyrics evoked the representation of son and parents "in tight embrace" which depicted to be a "love letter" to mothers and fathers.[14]

He (referring to Pablo) wanted to make a song that conveys the feeling of being taken care of by one's parents. He proceeded to write lyrics that equate our parents as the 'map' that guides us to be the best versions of ourselves.

— Josh, Rank The Mag[15]

Release and promotion

[edit]

Two months after the release of "What?", SB19 in an interview spoiled the release of their next single would be in May.[16] On May 3, 2021, they posted on their social media about the new song with the information of the release date.[17] Four days later, the title of the song "Mapa" was revealed to the public.[18] A scheduler was shared that started with SB19 sharing a letter to their parents on the first day while the fans' turn on the next day.[19] The logo for the song represented by a compass with a paper airplane was revealed through a 19-minute video trailer posted on YouTube.[11] On the next five days, they posted lyric cards accompanied by a Twitter "mention party" with each band members.[20] "Mapa" was sent to digital streaming and download platforms on May 16, 2021, complemented with a lyric video.[21] The song was performed for the first time through a music showcase broadcast on Facebook and YouTube.[22][23]

Commercial use

[edit]

On May 23, 2021, it was performed on national television on ASAP.[24] A making film was uploaded on YouTube a week after release of the band version.[25] In November 2021, this song was used as a jingle for Purefoods' omnibus Christmas ad with altered lyrics and a different arrangement.

In 2022, this song was used as part of a weekly task by the teen housemates in Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10, where SB19 performed alongside the teen housemates in their final performance.

Band version

[edit]
"Mapa (Band Version)"
The "Mapa" text appears horizontally on top in black, with a crescent moon and a sun on the middle, and the logo of SB19 and Ben&Ben appears on the bottom part of the cover art in black, over a multi-colored grayish, brownish backdrop.
Song by SB19 and Ben&Ben
LanguageTagalog
ReleasedJune 27, 2021 (2021-06-27)
Recorded2021
GenreAlternative folk
Length4:30
LabelSony Philippines
Songwriter(s)John Paulo Nase
Producer(s)
  • SB19
  • Ben&Ben
  • Mark Villar
  • Jean-Paul Verona
Music video
"Mapa (Band Version)" on YouTube

A full-band rendition of the song was released on June 27, 2021, through Sony Music. It was recorded by SB19 and Filipino folk-pop band Ben&Ben, and produced by SB19, Ben&Ben, Mark Villar, and Jean-Paul Verona. It marks the first collaboration between SB19 and Ben&Ben.[26] The performance video was shot at the reopened art deco-inspired Manila Metropolitan Theatre after six years of restoration.[27]

Recording and composition

[edit]

According to their label, SB19 had the idea to do a band version of the song with Ben&Ben. Having admiration for each other, both groups agreed immediately to the idea of collaboration.[28] They released concept photos, depicting members of both groups on sets with old furniture and books, throughout before the release as teasers.[29]

Ben&Ben were mainly involved with the process having complete musical and creative freedom to arrange the song, only giving comments to improve some parts. Pablo and Ben&Ben keyboardist Pat Lasaten were directly coordinating and constantly giving updates. The main arrangements were mainly conceptualized by Lasaten and fellow electric guitarist member Poch Barreto. The label manager quoted that "Arrangement-wise, we wanted to make it distinct from the original, adding fun rhythms and grand sections. We felt that doing this added weight, and served to support the powerful vocal performance of both acts."[30]

The new version of "Mapa" was filled with jazzy sound, orchestral details, "inviting harmonies", and expansive arrangements. Pablo described it as a "rich and happy kind of vibe" song compared to the original version which is "more mellow".[31]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from Tidal, lyric video and official video.[32][21][33]

  • SB19 – performer, producer, primary vocals
  • Ben&Ben – performer, arrangement, producer (Band version only)
  • John Paulo Nase – composer, producer, songwriter
  • Jay Durias – producer, piano
  • Simon Servida – producer
  • Hyun Jeong Jo – mastering and mixing
  • Glendford Lumbao – cover art design
  • Sean Fuentes - cover art design (SB19 version)
  • Mark Villar – producer, mixing and mastering (Band version only)
  • Poch Barretto – arrangement (Band version only)
  • Patricia Lasaten – arrangement (Band version only)
  • Jean-Paul Verona – producer (Band version only)
  • Sam Marquez – assistant sound engineer (Band version only)
  • Richard Garcia – live sound engineer (Band version only)

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Stylized in uppercase. The title is a wordplay for map, its literal translation, and the portmanteau of mama and papa.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Idris, A. Azim (May 17, 2021). "SB19 honour parents in new emotive single 'MAPA'". NME. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  2. ^ "SB19 to release new song this May". Rappler. May 10, 2021. Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c "Here's everything you need to know about SB19's upcoming sophomore album". bandwagon.asia. May 12, 2021. Archived from the original on June 12, 2021. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  4. ^ GMA Integrated News (May 16, 2021). SB19’s new single pays tribute to 'Ma' and 'Pa' | UB. Archived from the original on May 17, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2024 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ McIntyre, Hugh. "SB19, BTS, Olivia Rodrigo And Lil Nas X Rule Google's Most-Searched Songs Of 2021". Forbes. Archived from the original on December 9, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
  6. ^ Francisco, Avram (May 20, 2021). "PPop Group SB19 Releases 'MAPA', A Heartfelt Song Dedicated to Parents". This is Hype!. Archived from the original on May 24, 2021. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  7. ^ a b "As Thanks To Parents All Around The World, SB19 is Back with The Vocals on Emotional Ballad 'MAPA'". Rank. Archived from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  8. ^ a b "REVIEW: SB19 Pays Homage to Parents with Inspiring Ballad, 'MAPA'". LionhearTV. May 18, 2021. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  9. ^ "SB19's new single pays tribute to 'Ma' and 'Pa'". GMA News Online. May 16, 2021. Archived from the original on June 6, 2021. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  10. ^ "Key, BPM of MAPA By SB19 | Musicstax". musicstax.com. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  11. ^ a b SB19 'MAPA' Logo Trailer, May 10, 2021, archived from the original on May 10, 2021, retrieved May 10, 2021
  12. ^ "Look Back, March Forward: SB19 Powers Through a New Era with MAPA". Wonder. May 20, 2021. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  13. ^ "SB19 honour parents in new emotive single 'MAPA'". NME. May 17, 2021. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  14. ^ Concepcion, Pocholo (May 21, 2021). "Listening closely to SB19". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on May 22, 2021. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  15. ^ "As Thanks To Parents All Around The World, SB19 is Back with The Vocals on Emotional Ballad 'MAPA'". May 17, 2021. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  16. ^ SB19 shared details about WHAT? and their upcoming album! | 995PlayFM. April 29, 2021. Archived from the original on May 13, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2024 – via YouTube.
  17. ^ "SB19 tease new single, 'MAPA,' share #DearMAPA letters – watch". bandwagon.asia. May 10, 2021. Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  18. ^ "SB19 announce new song, 'What ?'". bandwagon.asia. February 25, 2021. Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  19. ^ Balleras, Care (May 9, 2021). "SB19 honors parents ahead of 'Mapa' release". Daily Tribune. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  20. ^ "SB19 "Mapa" Lyric Card #1". Twitter. Archived from the original on May 15, 2021. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
  21. ^ a b SB19 'MAPA' | LYRIC VIDEO, May 16, 2021, archived from the original on May 16, 2021, retrieved May 16, 2021
  22. ^ "SB19 to release new song this May". Rappler. May 10, 2021. Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved May 13, 2021.
  23. ^ SB19 - 'MAPA' Live Performance at #SB19MAPAShowcase, May 18, 2021, archived from the original on May 18, 2021, retrieved May 18, 2021
  24. ^ "WATCH: SB19 performs new single 'Mapa' on 'ASAP'". ABS-CBN News. May 23, 2021. Archived from the original on May 23, 2021. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
  25. ^ SB19 and Ben&Ben - MAPA (Band Version) Making Film, archived from the original on July 15, 2021, retrieved July 15, 2021
  26. ^ Gallardo, Ricky (July 5, 2021). "SB19, Ben & Ben redefine music collaboration | Ricky Gallardo". BusinessMirror. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  27. ^ Llemit, Kathleen A. "SB19, Ben&Ben 'MAPA' collab marks 2 historic feats". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on July 10, 2023. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  28. ^ "'Ganu'n siguro pag soulmate!' Ben&Ben and SB19 had instant 'chemistry,' says Paolo". ABS-CBN News. June 28, 2021. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  29. ^ Cruz, Dana (June 24, 2021). "SB19, Ben&Ben's collab version of 'MAPA' drops on June 27". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  30. ^ "SB19 and Ben&Ben collaborate on band version of 'MAPA'". NME. June 28, 2021. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  31. ^ Sallan, Edwin P. (July 1, 2021). "WATCH | SB19 and Ben&Ben video for 'MAPA' reaches 2M views in six days | Edwin P. Sallan". BusinessMirror. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  32. ^ "MAPA - Credits". Tidal. Archived from the original on May 16, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  33. ^ SB19 and Ben&Ben - MAPA (Band Version) Official Video, June 27, 2021, archived from the original on July 7, 2021, retrieved July 7, 2021