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.