DAYS before making history as the first Filipino act to perform at the Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago, “Kings of P-pop” SB19 was named the Philippines’ newest tourism ambassadors by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The appointment was announced Sunday, with the agency tapping the P-pop quintet to help promote the Philippines as a travel destination by showcasing Filipino culture to their growing international fanbase.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said SB19’s expanding global reach made the group an ideal partner in the country’s tourism campaign.
“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 in a statement. “In the U.S., we’re seeing that influence become something real: Filipino-Americans who grew up watching SB19 online are now booking flights home, some for the first time in years, just to see them perform on their home turf.”
The tourism chief added that the same trend is emerging across Southeast Asia, where the group’s fanbase continues to expand.
“Whether it’s a Filipino-American flying halfway across the world or a fan in Taiwan or Bangkok just a few hours away, SB19 is giving people real reasons to visit the Philippines. That’s the kind of reach we want to build on,” she said.
As tourism ambassadors, SB19 will work with the DOT to encourage the group’s global fandom, to visit the Philippines and experience its destinations and culture firsthand.
SB19 member Josh Cullen welcomed the partnership, saying the group has long looked forward to collaborating with the tourism department.
“This is a moment we’ve been waiting for for a long time. We want to make a genuine difference, so we’re teaming up with partners who get our vision. 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 in a statement.
