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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Music and Concerts devider SB19 takes on new role as Philippines' tourism ambassadors

SB19 takes on new role as Philippines' tourism ambassadors

Published Jul 26, 2026 05:25 pm

At A Glance

  • SB19, the Philippines' biggest P-pop act, has been named the country's newest tourism ambassadors by the Department of Tourism (DOT). The appointment highlights the group's growing global influence and the role of Filipino music in promoting Philippine culture, identity, and destinations worldwide.

SB19 is adding a new title to its growing list of milestones.

The P-pop powerhouse has been appointed as one of the Philippines’ newest tourism ambassadors, with the Department of Tourism (DOT) looking to harness the group’s international following to showcase Filipino culture and the country’s destinations to a wider audience.

The DOT announced the partnership on Sunday, describing SB19 as a group that has helped bring Filipino artistry and identity to the global stage. The agency said the group’s achievements and influence have made them strong representatives of the Philippines.

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said SB19’s expanding fan base across key international markets gives the country a valuable platform to connect with potential visitors.

“SB19’s talent is undeniable — their music is powerful, and so is their influence. They have the reach to connect with fans across the United States, Europe, ASEAN, and beyond,” Angara-Mathay said.

She added that the group’s connection with fans abroad, including members of the Filipino diaspora, has helped create greater interest in the Philippines as a travel destination.

“SB19 is giving people real reasons to visit the Philippines. That’s the kind of reach we want to build on,” she said.

The DOT marked the beginning of the partnership by sending the group a “Galingbayan” box, which SB19 shared with supporters online.

In a statement posted on X, the group welcomed the new responsibility, saying they were proud to represent the Philippines in this capacity.

Member Josh said the appointment reflects a goal the group has been working toward for years. He said SB19 hopes to use its music and international presence to strengthen connections between Filipinos overseas, global fans, and the country they represent.

“By taking our music to established international markets, we can connect with the global Filipino diaspora, share our culture, and give them that feeling of home,” Josh said.

The announcement comes ahead of another landmark moment for SB19, which is set to become the first Filipino act to perform at Lollapalooza in Chicago on July 31 (Philippine time).

The group joins fellow P-pop act BINI in the DOT’s roster of tourism ambassadors, reflecting the growing recognition of Filipino artists as cultural forces capable of bringing the Philippines closer to audiences around the world.

Related Tags

SB19 P-pop Philippine tourism Department of Tourism DOT tourism ambassadors Filipino music OPM Gento P-pop global Filipino culture Philippine entertainment BINI Josh SB19 Pablo SB19 Stell SB19 Ken SB19 Justin SB19 Lollapalooza Chicago
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