From topping the Billboard charts to becoming cultural ambassadors, the P-Pop band is on a roll
With their new take on Filipino pop music coupled with modern visual artistry, Pinoy boyband SB19 has got what it takes to put local music on the international stage—and they did it. After gracing international music charts and awards, it is just natural for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to work with them as the new vanguards of Filipino arts and culture. On Dec. 16, 2021, the NCCA makes it official as it announces that SB19 members Pablo, Josh, Justin, Ken, and Stell as its new Youth and Sentro Rizal ambassadors.
“SB19 was chosen to be the NCCA Youth Ambassadors and face of Sentro Rizal not only because of their growing fanbase and influence in the local and international scenes, but also of their willingness to support the NCCA’s endeavors, as well as for their genuine care for advocacies to uplift the Filipino spirit, music, and culture to the global scene, which is in line with the NCCA’s mandate to promote Philippine arts and culture worldwide,” the NCCA says.
Established in 2011, Sentro Rizal is the country’s cultural center that is dedicated to overseas Filipinos and foreigners interested in anything local. As the name suggests, it pays homage to Dr. Jose Rizal, whose legacy has been known internationally. Apart from being among the favorite musical acts of today’s youth, SB19 perfectly fits the bill of being Sentro Rizal’s champions with their recent, history-making accomplishments at the Billboard Music Awards and the MTV Europe Music Awards.
In the past, SB19 has headlined many of the NCCA’s programs including the annual celebration of the Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival, Padayon: The NCCA Hour, Sentro Rizal San Francisco’s Kalayaan 2021: A virtual celebration of the 123rd Philippine Independence Day and 75th anniversary of Philippine-US relations, Sentro Rizal Berne’s Fernweh Festival, and Sonik Philippines 2021.
Currently, Sentro Rizal has 35 sites all over the world and is set to inaugurate an additional site in New York City.