SB19 now owns a replica of the famous 1734 Murillo-Velarde map, which was featured in the music video for their 2021 hit, “What?”
Photo: SB19
The Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) and NOW Group chairman Mel Velarde turned over the country’s historical document to Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin in a ceremony hosted by the National Library of the Philippines on October 29.
SB19 was honored for their “music and dedication,” serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the next generation.
“SB19, you are more than just artists; you are modern-day navigators, charting a path for the future of P-pop,” Velarde said in his speech. “This commemorative map, a testament to our history, symbolizes the courage to embark [on] new journeys—where Filipino pride, resilience, and ingenuity shine brightly for the world to see.”
SB19 expressed gratitude for receiving the official replica of the 1734 Murillo-Velarde map on their official social media pages.
“As NCCA and Sentro Rizal Ambassadors, we deeply understand the responsibility that comes with this honor,” they noted.
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Dubbed as “mother of all Philippine maps,” the 1734 Murillo-Velarde map was recognized as the first and most important scientific map of the Philippines by the World Digital Library.
It was made and published in the country by Francisco Suarez and engraved by Nicolas de la Cruz Bagay in 1734 as documented by Spanish Jesuit Pedro Murillo Velarde. The original map was bid by Velarde in London in 2012 and was donated to the National Library.
The 1734 Murillo-Velarde map even played a pivotal role in the Philippines’ successful legal case against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 2016, solidifying the country’s territorial rights over the West Philippine Sea.
In 2021, SB19 was appointed as youth and Sentro Rizal ambassadors of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
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