Senate adopts resolution lauding SB19 for Lollapalooza gig, contributions to PH creative industry
The Senate on Monday, Sept. 28, adopted a resolution commending P-pop group SB19 for being the first Filipino act to perform at the US music festival Lollapalooza, and for their overall contributions to the Philippine creative industry.
Sen. Bam Aquino, the sponsor of Senate Resolution No. 545, described the measure as, "Congratulating and commending SB19 for their historic performance at Lollapalooza Chicago 2026, in recognition of their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Philippine creative industries."
On July 30, 2026, SB19 became the first Filipino act to perform at Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Chicago. The annual music festival is one of the world's biggest, with this year's daily capacity of 115,000 people, according to the Chicago Tribune.
In his sponsorship speech, Aquino said, "Every time a Filipino artist steps onto the global stage, they open that stage a little wider for the next Filipino who dreams of doing the same."
"Ang tagumpay ng SB19 ay patunay din sa napakalaking potensyal ng ating creative industries," Aquino continued, as SB19's Pablo, Justin, Josh, Ken, and Stell sat behind him.
"Kapag binibigyan natin ng pagkakataon at suporta ang ating mga artists, creators, musicians, dancers, producers, at iba pang creative workers, hindi lamang tayo lumilikha ng entertainment. Lumilikha po tayo ng trabaho, ng oportunidad, at isang mas malakas na presensiya ng kulturang Pilipino sa buong mundo," he added.
SB19 got on the world stage not by hiding their Filipino identity but by celebrating it, Aquino said.
Thanking the P-pop group, Aquino added, "Mula sa inyong simpleng simula, patuloy ninyong pinapakita kung gaanong kalayo ang mararating ng Pilipino na may talento, sipag, at lakas ng loob na mangarap."
All co-sponsors
While Senate President Win Gatchalian said all members of the Senate would be made co-sponsors of Aquino's resolution, a few stood to also give their sponsorship speeches.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros recalled the story of 1st Lt. Ruth Angelique Ricardo "Kero" Pasos, a young pilot of the Philippine Air Force who died in a plane crash while serving on a military flight in May. Pasos, said Hontiveros, was a passionate member of the A'tin, the group name SB19's fans call themselves.
"To SB19, your music gave her comfort sa mahihirap na araw, lakas sa mga sandali ng pagod, at saya sa isang buhay na inialay niya sa paglilingkod sa bayan," Hontiveros told the artists.
Senators Joel Villanueva and Kiko Pangilinan also shared their admiration for and gratitude to SB19. Pangilinan added that the group doesn't just perform but also "bring light to dim and desperate places."
Pangilinan enumerated the various charities SB19 has helped since the pandemic: Autism Society Philippines, House of Refuge Foundation, Leukemic Indigents Fund Endowment, and the Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation. The group also helped victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in October 2024.
Aside from Lollapalooza, SB19 put Philippine pop on the world map by also participating in Summer Sonic 2026 in Japan in August.
They maintained their song Bazinga in the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Hot Trending Songs Chart for seven consecutive weeks. Their song Dam debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard World Digital Songs Sales Chart in 2025, making the group the first Filipino act to top that chart. SB19 also became the first Filipino and Southeast Asian group to be nominated for Top Social Artist at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards.
According to Aquino, he also filed a bill seeking to support the growth and progress of the country's creative economy. It was put together in collaboration with SB19 and 1Z Entertainment, the talent management company founded by the members of SB19. Per Aquino, he will also consult with other creatives to expedite the passing of the bill.
While this bill Aquino is working on has the possibility of becoming a law, a simple resolution, such as Senate Resolution No. 545, as defined by the Senate of the Philippines website, "has no effect and force of a law."
