The Senate unanimously adopted a resolution on Monday afternoon honoring P-Pop group SB19 for their performance at Lollapalooza Chicago 2026, celebrating the group’s efforts in elevating the local creative industry onto the international stage.
Senator Bam Aquino sponsored Senate Resolution No. 545, highlighting SB19’s achievement as the first homegrown Filipino act to take the stage at Lollapalooza on July 20 at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois.
Group members Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin attended the Senate plenary session in person to accept the commendation.
In his sponsorship speech, Aquino traced SB19’s career progression from their breakthrough track “Go Up” to major international venues. He cited their previous chart accomplishments, including “Bazinga,” which spent seven consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart, and “GENTO,” which topped the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, making SB19 the first Filipino act to achieve the milestone.
“Mahalagang kilalanin natin ang mga tagumpay na ito because 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,” Aquino said.
Aquino noted that SB19’s global reach demonstrates the potential of the domestic creative economy to generate employment, foster industry opportunities, and expand Filipino culture internationally when provided with sufficient structural support.
The commendation follows previous legislative recognitions filed by Aquino to support Filipino artists abroad, including Senate Resolution No. 370, which recognized girl group BINI after their appearance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, and Senate Resolution No. 591, commending dance crews Femme MNL, HQ, The Crew, Folk Jumpers, and Sayawatha Jr. for their performances at the 2026 World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Phoenix, Arizona.
Joining the commendation, Senator Risa Hontiveros shared a personal tribute regarding Philippine Air Force instructor Lt. Ruth Angelique “Kero” Pasos, who died in an aircraft accident on May 20. Hontiveros recounted details shared by Pasos’ family and colleagues, noting the late pilot’s dedication as a fan of the group.
“To SB 19, your music gave her comfort sa mahihirap na araw, lakas sa mga sandal ng pagod, at saya sa isang buhay na inialay niya sa paglilingkod sa bayan. Wala na po si Lt. Kero, bur her loved ones wish is that her story reaches SB 19, you who became part of her life and her happiness,” Hontiveros said.