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Mapa Natin, Kwento Natin: SB19 Puts the Spotlight on Mother of All Philippine Maps

Mapa Natin, Kwento Natin: SB19 Puts the Spotlight on Mother of All Philippine Maps

Honoring our roots and championing freedom and national pride are among the messages SB19 expresses through their art and music.
 
The locally and internationally acclaimed P-pop group received official replicas of the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map in recognition of their advocacy for Philippine culture and heritage as National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Youth and Sentro Rizal Ambassadors, and for their contribution to raising awareness about the map.
 
Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) and NOW Group Chairman Mel V. Velarde, who donated to the Philippine government the original Murillo Velarde 1734 Map, presented the map replicas to Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin in a historic turnover ceremony today, October 29, at the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), where the original map is now permanently displayed.
“SB19, you are more than just artists; you are modern-day navigators, charting a path for the future of P-pop,” Velarde said in his speech. “This commemorative map, a testament to our history, symbolizes the courage to embark [on] new journeys—where Filipino pride, resilience, and ingenuity shine brightly for the world to see.“
 
“Ang karangalang ito, ang paalaalang ito, at ang tungkuling ito ay hindi lang po para sa amin. Para ito sa bawat Pilipino, dito man sa Pilipinas o sa iba’t iba pang panig ng mundo,” said SB19 leader Pablo. “We promise to honor this responsibility, serving as a bridge between our rich history and the modern Filipino spirit.”
 
Since the NLP’s Permanent Gallery opened to the public in September 2024, the Velarde family and AIJC have been boosting initiatives under the national awareness and educational campaign on the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map while promoting NLP’s Permanent Gallery.
 
The key message, “Mapa Natin, Kwento Natin” (Our Map, Our Story), emphasizes the importance of understanding our history and cultural heritage in shaping our national identity and protecting our rights and our territory. Through various events as well as training programs for teachers, AIJC aims to engage the public in appreciating the map’s significance as a vital resource for education and cultural preservation.
 
In 2021, SB19 introduced the map to pop culture by featuring it in their music video for the song “What?”
 
By accepting the official replicas of the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map, they allow the “Mother of All Philippine Maps” to share the spotlight with them and enhance awareness of its significance among A’TIN (fans of SB19), the entire Philippines, and the rest of their global audience.
 
“Mapa Natin, Kwento Natin” is more than a campaign; it is a call to every Filipino to embrace and celebrate the story of the nation—one that spans generations.

Speech of Mr. Mel V. Velarde at the Ceremonial Turnover of Commemorative Murillo Velarde 1734 Map to SB19

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Mel Velasco Velarde Chairman,
Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication Chairman, NOW Group of Companies (NOW Telecom, NOW Corporation and NOW Cable) National Library of the Philippines October 29, 2024

It is a profound honor to stand before you today to celebrate a group that has not only captured the hearts of millions but has elevated Filipino pride on the global stage—SB19.

As I present this commemorative award, featuring the historic Murillo Velarde 1734 Map, we are reminded of the powerful symbolism it holds. This map, one of the earliest detailed depictions of the Philippine archipelago, is more than just a geographical document; it is a testament to resilience, cultural identity, and the courage to chart new paths even in the face of challenges.

In much the same way, SB19 has journeyed through the rigorous world of entertainment, blazing a trail for Filipino talent worldwide. With their resilience, creativity, and passion, they have become a guiding light, inspiring those who dare to dream of a brighter future. Just as the Velarde Map once guided explorers to new frontiers, SB19’s music and dedication serve as a beacon for the next generation, lighting the way toward endless possibilities.

Pablo, our dedicated leader and main rapper, was born in Imus, Cavite. “I dedicate to you, Pablo, the vignette showing Cavite on the Velarde Map.” Pablo’s journey has been a testament to determination and self-belief. He has not only been the backbone of SB19’s music but also its heart, pouring his emotions into lyrics that have touched the lives of many. In ‘Go Up,’ we hear the line, “Kahit anong mangyari, ako’y tatakbo, patungo sa liwanag,” meaning, “No matter what happens, I will keep running towards the light.” This captures Pablo’s resilience, reminding us that even in a world filled with noise, there is strength in speaking one’s truth and moving forward. Like the Velarde Map—originally used as a colonial tool—Pablo’s journey reclaims and redefines purpose, transforming challenges into symbols of Filipino resilience and pride.

Josh, the charismatic lead rapper and sub-vocalist, hails from Las Piñas City, in Metro Manila. “I dedicate to you, Josh, that proud place called Pinas on the Velarde Map.” Josh’s life story of overcoming hardships and finding his purpose through music resonates deeply with many of us. His journey from facing life’s challenges to embracing his artistry symbolizes the essence of ‘going up,’ of rising beyond circumstances and emerging stronger. In ‘Crimzone,’ he embodies this spirit with the words, ” Now we run / We go hard

like / We’ll lose none.” It’s a song about putting in hard work—blood, sweat, and tears—to achieve one’s goals. He carries the courage of countless young Filipinos who dare to dream, regardless of their beginnings. Just as the Velarde Map invites us to look beyond its borders to honor a legacy of integrity, resilience, and unity, Josh inspires us to reclaim our heritage with pride and purpose.

Stell, born in Las Piñas City and raised in Manila. “I dedicate to you, Stell, the vignette of Manila on the Velarde Map.” Stell brings not just his voice but his soul to every performance. As the main vocalist and choreographer, Stell’s dedication to perfection transcends singing; it’s about giving his all for A’TIN. His voice soars like the peaks of our archipelago, reminding us of the beauty and strength of our culture. In their song, entitled ‘Kalakal,’ the line says, “You can’t stop this, we gonna get it. Who can? None, ‘cause we born to take it.” This reflects Stell’s passion, radiating brightly and guiding others, just like the stars that once guided Pedro Murillo Velarde, Nicolas dela Cruz Bagay, and Francisco Suarez. These stars, long used by explorers to navigate tumultuous seas through dark nights, are a testament to our heritage. Like the Velarde Map, Stell’s voice and dedication are a beacon, guiding future generations to honor the past and embrace their own journeys with pride.

Ken, main dancer and lead vocalist, known for his individuality and dance mastery, was born in Maragang, Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur. “I dedicate to you, Ken, the vignette with Samboangan on the Velarde Map.” Ken’s journey to SB19 reflects a willingness to embrace his uniqueness while staying true to his roots. His love for his hometown and cultural background shows that we can reach global heights while remaining deeply connected to where we come from. This echoes the lyrics of ‘What?’—“Walang makakatigil sa’kin, patungo sa aking hangarin,” meaning “No one can stop me from pursuing my aspiration.” Ken’s artistry speaks to those who dare to be different, proving that authenticity is the key to breaking boundaries. Just as the Velarde Map, lost for 300 years, has returned to our shores to inspire and remind us of our deepest aspirations, Ken embodies a journey of rediscovery and resilience, encouraging us to forge a path to our people’s destiny.

Last but not the least, Justin, the youngest member, sub-vocalist, and creative director—born in Caloocan, now from Malabon City. “I dedicate to you, Justin, that proud place called Tambobo on the Velarde Map, which is now Malabon and Navotas, your birthplace and the birthplace of Nicolas dela Cruz Bagay, the engraver of the Velarde Map.” Justin represents the bright future of Filipino talent. He brings not only his creative vision but also a deep compassion and understanding for the group’s fans. His dedication to making every performance meaningful reflects the intricate connection between the Velarde Map and its details; every line and drawing tells a story, just as every note and movement Justin makes conveys emotion. In ‘MAPA,’ the words “Pasan mo ang daigdig, ‘di mo na kailangang mag-isa,” or “You’re carrying the world, but you don’t have to do it alone,” remind us that even the strongest among us need support, just as explorers needed guidance on their journeys. The Murillo Velarde 1734 Map now stands as a guardian of our shared journey, symbolizing

unity as we navigate a world shaped by globalization and interdependence, inspiring Justin, SB19, and a new generation to carry forward the strength of our heritage into the future.

SB19, you are more than just artists; you are modern-day navigators, charting a path for the future of P-pop and elevating Filipino talent to the world stage. Just as the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map has endured centuries, may your legacy also stand the test of time, inspiring countless generations. You remind us that our culture, language, and stories are treasures worthy of global recognition.

This commemorative map, a testament to our history, symbolizes the courage to embark on new journeys—where Filipino pride, resilience, and ingenuity shine brightly for the world to see. With this award, we honor not only where you have come from but also where you are leading us: toward a future of unity, strength, and limitless potential.

Congratulations, SB19. Thank you for being our modern-day mapmakers, guiding us toward a brighter future for Filipino music and culture. As carriers of the spirit of the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map and its enduring love for our people, may you continue to ‘Go Up,’ illuminating the path for the next thousand years.

Shine brightly like the stars, proving that no challenge is too great for those who dare to dream.

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Mapa Natin, Kwento Natin: SB19 Puts the Spotlight on Mother of All Philippine Maps
Honoring our roots and championing freedom and national pride are among the messages SB19 expresses through their art and music.

SB19 receives replicas of 1734 Murillo-Velarde map from AIJC, Mel Velarde

Rappler

Juno Reyes

The map’s replicas are turned over to the members of the P-pop powerhouse for their commitment to promoting Filipino culture and history, and their work in spreading awareness to the historical document

Read more

Three years after featuring the Philippine map in the music video of their song “What?”, the members of SB19 received official replicas of the 1734 Murillo-Velarde map from the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC).

Read more: https://entertainment.inquirer.net/583274/why-sb19-was-given-replicas-of-the-1734-murillo-velarde-map#ixzz8qZAgB5LM
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Mel Velarde, who donated the 1734 Murillo-Velarde map to the Philippine government, dedicates specific parts of the map to #SB19’s members, according to where they were born.
Therese San Diego Torres is new AIJC president

Therese San Diego Torres is new AIJC president

MANILA – The Board of Trustees of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication has elected Ms. Therese Patricia San Diego Torres as president today, October 14, 2024.

In her acceptance speech, Torres said she intends to continue to cultivate the values that AIJC stands for. “I am confident that we will be able to succeed.” She takes over from Ms. Olivia Celeste Villafuerte, whose term as president ended in August 2024.

Torres is the youngest to sit as AIJC president in its 44 years as a knowledge center for communication and journalism.

No less than AIJC Chairman Mel V. Velarde nominated Torres for the position, citing her ethical leadership and how she has “blossomed as the prime believer of the Institute.”

Apart from Torres, Dr. Paz Diaz, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the AIJC Graduate School, and Ms. Ann Lourdes Lopez, Senior Director of Research, Policy and Advocacy, were also elected as members of the AIJC Board of Trustees.

Former AIJC President Ramon Tuazon said Torres is a “homegrown talent” and that this is “an opportunity to test her capacity and what she has learned from AIJC.”

Torres graduated with high distinction when she finished her master’s degree in communication management in 2012 from AIJC. Starting her career at AIJC as a research assistant, she rose from the ranks and later served as Research, Policy and Advocacy Director.

Tuazon said he is confident that Torres will continue to nurture the culture of AIJC, stepping up to the role of president with “malasakit” (empathy, care, and genuine concern for the organization and its personnel).

Torres has managed development projects at AIJC, with funding from the European Union, UNICEF, UNESCO, the British Embassy Manila, the Royal Norwegian Embassy Manila, and the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines. She has also authored studies on media and information literacy and the safety of journalists, which have been published by UNESCO, Nordicom, International Media Support, SAGE Publications, IGI Global, and the Public Media Alliance.

She has presented AIJC project reports and research studies in international conferences in New York, Austria, Pakistan, Russia, Norway, Thailand, and Indonesia, among others. Topics include journalist safety, gender-based attacks against women journalists, and media viability.

Torres is also a faculty member at the Miriam College Department of Communication, and secretary of the International Association of Women in Radio and Television – Philippines. (AIJC)
The Choices Women Journalists Make

The Choices Women Journalists Make

By Ann Lourdes Lopez

A woman journalist doesn’t have to choose “between her safety and her voice.”

 

These words of Ambassador Marielle Geraedts of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands capped a one-day event that I recently attended in Quezon City.

 

It was a gathering of journalists and academics, both female and male (but mostly female), organized by the Asian Center for Journalism and the Ateneo de Manila University College of Communication for the presentation and discussion of the findings of their study on women journalists.

 

Titled “Newswomen’s Profile: Exploratory Research on the Situation of Filipino Women Journalists,” the study was conducted by Ateneo Communication faculty Luz Rimban and Dr. Christine Cox.

 

The study and its findings provide much-needed data, quantitative and qualitative, for the various initiatives and policy formulations being undertaken by media organizations, civil society groups, and government agencies. The findings give hard evidence that hard-nosed skeptics cannot deny: that women journalists are harassed, intimidated, and discriminated against because of their gender.

 

For us at AIJC and our partners implementing the Philippine Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists (PPASJ), the study strengthens our efforts in helping build a safe and secure environment for press freedom and news media practitioners, and in particular, women journalists.

 

As early as 2019, we organized and conducted two Safety Training for Women Journalists, in June with the support of the European Union and International Media Support, and in September with the support of UNESCO Jakarta. This was on top of other basic safety training for journalists and media safety training of trainers that we had been doing in 2019–2024.

 

A participant in the AIJC media safety training of trainers in April 2024 and student intern in the community newspaper Baguio Herald Express, Joy Anne Palaoag reflected, “Until now, women are more vulnerable on sexual violence… (But) I believe we should not stop fighting for our right(s).”

 

Also a participant in the April 2024 training, Maria Elena Catajan, editor in chief of North Luzon Monitor, expressed her hope in the midst of the challenges, “There will come a time when women will not be an instant target for attacks while on the job.”

 

We can hasten bringing that time now, when being a woman and journalist won’t have to be a choice between one’s safety and one’s voice.

AIJC officers join the organizers, other participants, and Ambassador Marielle Geraedts of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands during the presentation of a research study on Filipino women journalists by the Asian Center for Journalism and the Ateneo de Manila University College of Communication.

These are the women journalists who participated in the Safety Training for Journalists organized by AIJC on September 5–7, 2019 in Baras, Rizal, in collaboration with the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Philippine chapter, and with the support of UNESCO Jakarta.

Blogging and Graduate Studies

Blogging and Graduate Studies

By Dr. Paz H. Diaz

Informal ways of learning increase the value of pedagogy. Use blogging to engage students in discussion, exploration, and discovery.

 

Graduate students now have more opportunities to assess new knowledge by talking about theories and writing their examples in blogs. Blogs can extend learning beyond the classroom and encourage graduate students to think of applications of the theories they have learned during class hours. Exceptional ones will find a virtual way to expand their wings, so to speak, while the average and the slower students can find their own pace without boring each other.

 

Each graduate student can create a blog, as supervised by the professor. The professor develops the assignment for the students to cover in their blogs. Students are then required to read each other’s blogs and entries and make three substantial comments per week or every two weeks. This will ensure participation and more importantly, this will validate students’ contributions to each other’s progress in learning.

 

As more professors use blogging themselves, they can assess the students’ practical knowledge in a less intrusive manner. When reading their professors’ blogs, graduate students expand their horizons beyond what is happening in the classroom.

 

Above all, blogging can create a greater sense of community among the graduate students studying a particular course and between the students and the professor handling the course.

 

Students’ peer-review capabilities can contribute to increased understanding of the course content.

Keeping busy: Safety training for journalists around the country

Keeping busy: Safety training for journalists around the country

By Ann Lourdes C. Lopez

This year, up till August, we have been kept busy organizing and implementing training activities for journalists on press freedom and journalist safety. It has been a challenging journey, confronting decades-old issues of threats and attacks on media workers and the encroachment on our democratic rights of free expression and civic participation.

 

I am grateful to have been working with a prodigiously dedicated team at AIJC and with committed partners who are not only experts in this field called journalism but also stalwart veterans of the profession, living and breathing its perils and risks.

 

In Baguio and Cagayan de Oro, we conducted a training of trainers on media safety for local journalists and campus journalists. We interacted in Baguio with participants from three provinces (Benguet, Mt. Province, and Ilocos Norte), while in Cagayan de Oro, participants came from five provinces (Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, and Surigao del Norte). That’s already eight provinces covered for only two training activities.

 

We also had two batches of a basic safety training for journalists in print, broadcast and online media who cover the various provinces and municipalities of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). These were done in Davao City and Zamboanga City.

 

In preparing for the training, we had focus group discussions with prospective participants, both online and in-person. These proved helpful for the training needs analysis we did, enabling us to customize the training design to the community context and local needs.

 

Resource persons during the training addressed practical issues, conducted workshops, and facilitated simulation exercises on such topics as physical safety, legal issues, digital security, gender issues, and psychosocial wellbeing. For the training of trainers, participants further learned about training and facilitation tips and methodologies.

 

For these “all-expenses-paid” training programs, we’re thankful to the funders: the British Embassy Manila, the UNESCO International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), and the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines.

 

As we continue in this advocacy of safeguarding media freedom and securing journalist safety, I am cheered on by reassuring words from our training participants.

 

Jethro Bryan Andrada, correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and faculty member of the University of the Philippines-Baguio, describes the program as “holistic,” with the discussions having both “breadth and depth.” He reflects on the impact of the training on

his commitment to press freedom and the role of the news media, “I gained a deeper appreciation of the profession. We sacrifice and risk so much to practice our craft but I guess that is the trade-off of being watchdogs of society.”

Rimat contentedly listens as his mother, Kimberlie Ngabit-Quitasol, managing editor of the Northern Dispatch in Baguio City, shares an insight during the training.

Jethro Bryan Andrada, correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and faculty member of the University of the Philippines-Baguio, discusses the output of his group during the practicum.

Being Mindful: Digital Security Tips Everyone Should Know

Being Mindful: Digital Security Tips Everyone Should Know

Posting from a restaurant or tagging your location while on vacation—it’s fun to keep friends and family updated on your activities and whereabouts. It might seem harmless, but sharing your location in real time can put you at risk, as it makes it easier for people with bad intentions to track your movements, know when you’re not home, or plan activities that could jeopardize your safety.

This was one of the pointers shared during the safety training programs for journalists organized by the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC). While the digital security sessions in these capacity building programs were designed for media practitioners, the tips are helpful for anyone who wants to stay safe online.

Here are some of the tips from the safety training that can help mitigate potential risks and safeguard your digital presence:

1. Always keep devices with you.

Don’t leave your phone or laptop lying around in public or unattended, even for a few minutes. Once your device is out of your sight, it can be easily stolen or tampered with. This also increases the risk of personal information being accessed or misused by others.

2. Use strong, unique passwords, and change them regularly.

Create a strong, unique password for each online account and change them regularly. Safety training resource person Samantha Nicole David of the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) recommends choosing “an obscure statement or quotation that will not be easily linked to you by others.”

3. Enable two-factor authentication in your online accounts.

Resource person Len Olea of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) emphasizes the importance of using two-factor authentication, which adds another layer of security for online accounts. Even if your password is compromised, a hacker will still need to go through a second verification process to access your account.

4. Watch out for phishing scams.

It can be tempting to join viral quizzes and photo challenges on social media, but be careful—these may be designed to trick you into sharing personal information such as passwords or credit card information.

Avoid clicking on links in text messages and email unless you can confirm the sender’s identity. Scammers can easily impersonate bank representatives and other trusted entities, so it’s best to verify before you click.

These are just some of the pieces of advice shared during the digital security sessions in the safety training for journalists.

Whether or not you are a journalist, being mindful of digital security is key to protecting both your personal and professional life.

Read about the past safety training programs of AIJC here: