MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Monday unanimously approved a resolution honoring P-pop group SB19 for becoming the first Filipino act to perform at the Lollapalooza Music Festival in Chicago and for helping raise the global profile of Filipino music.
Senate Resolution 545, sponsored by Sen. Bam Aquino, commended SB19 members Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin for their July 30 performance at Grant Park before an international audience.
Aquino said SB19’s success demonstrated the potential of the country’s creative industries to create opportunities for Filipino artists and bring Philippine culture to a global audience.
“Every time a Filipino artist steps onto a global stage, they open that stage a little wider for the next Filipino who dreams of doing the same,” he said.
Aquino cited SB19’s international achievements, including “Bazinga” topping Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart for seven consecutive weeks and “GENTO” debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.
The senator also noted the group’s performances at Summer Sonic 2026 in Osaka and Tokyo following its Lollapalooza appearance.
The group was present at the Senate to receive a copy of the adopted resolution from Aquino and other senators.
Sen. Joel Villanueva, who co-sponsored the resolution, said SB19’s Lollapalooza performance was another milestone in the group’s journey from its early “Go Up” days to international stages.
He cited SB19’s nomination for Top Social Artist at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards and its subsequent chart achievements.
Villanueva also noted that SB19 sold out the 55,000-seat Philippine Arena in less than seven hours for the launch of its “Simula at Wakas” World Tour and became the first local act to sell out two consecutive shows at the venue.
“Go Up” inspires Filipinos to dream bigger, while “Bazinga” and “GENTO,” Villanueva said, carry messages about perseverance and overcoming criticism and challenges.
He also recognized the group’s fans, known as A’TIN, saying their support has been integral to SB19’s success.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, shared the story of Philippine Air Force Lt. Kero Pasos, an SB19 fan who died in a plane crash in May while serving in a military flight.
Hontiveros said Pasos, despite the demands of military service, found time to watch SB19 performances, listen to its music and attend its events.
She said Pasos’ family and friends hoped her story would reach the group, whose music had brought her comfort and happiness.
Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, said strengthening the creative economy is among his legislative priorities.
He said the Senate should pursue measures to expand opportunities for Filipino artists, musicians, filmmakers, designers and other creative professionals to compete in the global market.
Aquino has also sponsored a resolution honoring BINI for becoming the first all-Filipino group to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
