SB19 receives Murillo Velarde map replica from National Library

Metro Manila, Philippines— Pinoy pop kings SB19 received replicas of the 1734 Murillo Velarde Map of the Philippines in a special turnover ceremony hosted by the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) on Tuesday, a ‘historic event’ emphasizing the cultural connection between Filipino heritage and modern music.

During the event, each SB19 member—Pablo, Stell, Ken, Josh, and Justin—received a framed copy of the historic map.

Mel Velarde, chairman of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication and donor of the original map to the NLP, attended the ceremony.

“Just as the Velarde Map once guided explorers to new frontier, SB19's music and dedication serve as a beacon for the next generation, lighting our way to endless possibilities," Velarde said.

The event also included a showing of SB19’s “WHAT?” music video, featuring the map, symbolizing the group’s commitment to promoting Filipino culture globally.

Following the ceremony, SB19 joined the Velarde family for a guided tour of the NLP Permanent Gallery, where they viewed the original map with curator Xiao Chua.

The Murillo Velarde map, described by the US Library of Congress as the “first and most important scientific map of the Philippines,” is significant for its geographical and ethnographic value.