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SB19 has never been just a PPOP group. From the moment they debuted, they've always been a movement, an advocacy to promote Filipino music and culture to the world. They never wanted success just for themselves, but for every Filipino in the world. Their goal is to put our music and culture out there to be understood and appreciated. In the beginning, the group was formed by a Korean company based in the Philippines. They were clothed and groomed following Korean fashion and aesthetics, yet they hang on to their roots and maintained their true selves.
Just recently, five replicas of the Murillo-Velarde map for their impact in many generations and our country's culture. For six years, they have inspired countless people, young or old, to achieving their dreams through hard work and perseverance. They introduced Filipino music and culture to many foreigners who now learned to love and enjoy them. SB19 influenced other race to get to know more about our country, our people, culture, music, and make them realize that there is more to us than what we are known for: being hard working and hospitable.
Our country has a rich history, even before the Spanish colonization. We've had warriors, our own version of kings and queens, and hey, according to lore, we even had our own versions of shamans and magical priests. The discovery of our lands by the voyagers placed our country in the world map as we know it today, but before that, we already have our own identity. Global modernization taught us to evolve and embrace foreign beliefs and traditions, as well as their fashion and way of life. Who we are as Filipinos is slowly fading, replaced by what we see from other races, but with the help of people like SB19, we still have hope of holding on to the core of who we are.
Through their music, these men are reminding us of our history, our true selves, and our strengths. From their song Go Up that inspires us to keep fighting for our dreams, to their anthemic song, What? that teaches us that our hopes and dreams are our greatest weapons and that remaining true to ourselves is not just our right but our responsibility. Then there's Mapa, a song dedicated to everyone who have ever supported and guided them, and Gento, a song full of local references and inspiration to be the best we can be while holding on to our roots. Ilaw is one of their songs that can crush anyone's walls protecting their emotions. Its words tell a story, a person's story of struggles and pain, just like Nyebe, a song of hope and faith that no matter how hard life gets, it will get better.
In 1734, Jesuit cartographer Pedro Murillo Velarde, the engraver Nicolás de la Cruz Bagay, and the artist Francisco Suárez published the first scientific map of the Philippines. It was the basis of our country's claim to the Scarborough and helped us win against China. This is one of the most important historical artifacts of our country. Lost for three hundred years, it has finally come home. There's a number of organizations and local governments that had been awarded the replica of the map, but never an artist, until SB19.
Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication recognized SB19's contribution to the country and awarded them replicas of the 1734 Murillo-Velarde Map, also known as the Mother of Philippine maps. According to the Wikipedia page dedicated for the history of the map, there are less than 50 copies out there. Some were in the possession of notable people and organizations abroad like the American Library of Congress, the National Library of Spain, the National Library of France, and the British Library. Based on the details provided in the Wikipedia page, the copy purchased by Mel Velarde through an auction was originally in the possession of the Duke of Northumberland.
Now, along these big names, SB19 holds 5 replicas of the map, one for each member. This is an important recognition and is definitely well deserved. Every recognition they've received through the years are the fruits of their labor and hard work. They put their hearts and soul in every song they create, and sacrificed so much along the way. Their journey was never easy, and even now, they still face hardships like the rest of us, but they just keep on fighting. Why? Because they are not just fighting for their own dreams. They are fighting for the dreams of every person in the world, for those who don't have their own voice, those who are hiding their pain, and those who feel alone.