It is the map that they featured in one of their music videos.
On Tuesday, October 29, Filipino pop group SB19 attended the ceremonial turnover of the replicas of the 1734 Murillp Velarde map at the National Library of the Philippines (NLP).
The government body described it as a ceremony that “underscored the powerful connection between the nation’s historical heritage and the vibrant realm of Filipino pop music.”
Present during the event were the five SB19 members, namely Josh, Ken, Stell, Pablo, and Justin, NLP Assistant Director Edgardo Quiros, and Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication and NOW Group chairman, Mel Velarde.
Velarde is the one who donated the original 1734 Murillo Velarde Map to the National Library.
“Just as the Velarde map once guided explorers to new frontiers, SB19’s music and dedication serve as a beacon for the next generation, lighting our way to endless possibilities,” Velarde was quoted saying.
Meanwhile, the ‘Kings of P-pop’ shared their gratitude in receiving the historic map replicas.
“Ang karangalang ito, ang paalaalang ito, at ang tungkuling ito ay hindi lang para sa amin. Para ito sa bawat Pilipino, dito man sa Pilipinas o sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo. We encourage every Filipino to take this opportunity to be part of this continuing story by first rediscovering our heritage and reconnecting with our roots,” SB19 shared in their social media post.
The Murillo Velarde map, which was originally published in 1734, is regarded as the ‘Mother of All Philippine Maps,’ as it is the oldest to include notable features of our archipelago — such as the contested Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal.
During the case filed by the Philippines versus China before the International Court of Arbitration, the Murillo map was presented by the country as historical evidence to prove its sovereignty over the shoal.
The Philippines won the case in 2016.
SB19 made their debut in the music scene in 2018 and is most popular for their songs ‘Go Up,’ ‘MAPA,’ ‘Bazinga,’ ‘GENTO,’ and ‘MAPA.’
In the past few months, the five-member team have collaborated with various artists for their singles, such as with Ian Asher and Terry Zhong for ‘Moonlight,’ ‘Ready’ with apl.de.ap., and Gloc-9 for ‘Kalakal.’
Recently, the band staged a special ‘ThanksgiVIng’ fan meeting at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City to celebrate their sixth anniversary as a group.