SB19’s Ken makes a faithful ode to local mythology with comeback single ‘BULAN’
Creating a faithful piece dedicated to local mythology is tough to do. But SB19’s Ken rose to the challenge with flying colors.
Felip Jhon Suson—also known as SB19’s Ken—made his solo comeback with the powerful banger Bulan. The music video was released on Saturday, May 28, while the track came out on Sunday, May 29.
Compared to his sensual debut single Palayo, Ken takes swipe at bashers by incorporating ancient Filipino deities and local mythology. For starters, the title of the single refers to the Bicolano deity called Bulan, who fell in love with the God of the afterlife, Sidapa.
Bulan’s music video is an ode to Filipino mythology as it features the serpent-like dragon Bakunawa and Haliya, Bulan’s sister who’s described as the goddess of the moonlight.
“Started from the bottom, now at the top of the heavens / Admired / I am Bulan / You’ve only just begun while I’m already on my way back / Too late / The fire in me can no longer be put out / Always moving forward, never going back,” Ken sang in the verses.
Dedicated fans of SB19—or A’TIN—would recognize the powerful adlibs of Ken’s bandmate Stell, which sets the tone of an already aggressive track.
Based on the lyrics and music video, the song is Ken’s statement against those who are eager to bring him down. He also takes on the role of the titular Bulan as he engages in an all-out battle between good and evil.
Since the single is a love letter to Filipino mythology, SB19’s Ken made sure to remind fans that the scenes and mythological elements are the “artist and his team’s creative interpretation of our nation's collective memory of Filipino ancient deities.”
Ken also revealed in the music video that Bulan is meant to “dig deep, discuss, and keep [our culture] alive for generations to come.
The release was originally scheduled for a May 15 release in time for the Blood Moon phenomenon but it was delayed “in light of recent events.” Coincidentally, the announcement was made on May 10—a day after the 2022 elections.