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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House measure commends KATSEYE's Sophia Laforteza for conquering Coachella

House measure commends KATSEYE's Sophia Laforteza for conquering Coachella

Published Apr 25, 2026 07:25 pm

At A Glance

  • Good news for EYEKONS, courtesy of Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez.
Sophia Laforteza (Facebook)
Sophia Laforteza (Facebook)


Good news for EYEKONS, courtesy of Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez.
Benitez, a neophyte lawmaker in the current 20th Congress, has filed House Resolution (HR) No. 951, which seeks to commend Filipina-American Sophia Laforteza for her historic performance on the Sahara stage at the recent 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Laforteza is the leader of international girl group KATSEYE out of Los Angeles, California in the United States (US).
The measure recognizes Laforteza’s milestone as among the first Filipinos to perform at the internationally renowned annual music festival.
Benitez said HR No. 951 also highlights her role in showcasing Filipino excellence through KATSEYE’s growing international success, including the group’s Grammy nominations and rising global influence.
Hence, the resolution underscores the need to recognize Filipino creatives who are expanding the country’s cultural footprint worldwide, noting that achievements such as Laforteza’s help open doors for more Filipino artists to compete and thrive on global platforms.
As chairman of the House Special Committee on Creative Industries, Benitez says he continues to push for greater support and recognition for Filipino creatives as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s creative economy.
The resolution seeks to gain the sense of the 300-plus House in formally commending Laforteza for bringing pride and honor to the Philippines and inspiring a new generation of Filipino artists.
Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel
Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez (Facebook)
Aside from Fil-Am Laforteza, KATSEYE is composed of Manon Bannerman (Switzerland), Daniela Avanzini (US), Lara Raj (US), Megan Skiendiel (US), Yoonchae Jeung (South Korea).
Benitez has also filed HR No. 930, which sought to congratulate BINI for recently making history as the first Filipino pop group to perform at the same Coachella.
He says he success of BINI at Coachella 2026 serves as a source of immense national pride, proving that Filipino musicality and artistry can compete and excel at the highest levels of the international entertainment industry.
He called the performance an inspiration to aspiring artists and creatives across the country.

Related Tags

Coachella Sophia Laforteza Javi Benitez
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