Why SB19 was given replicas of the 1734 Murillo-Velarde map

SB19 with Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication chairman Mel Velarde (leftmost) during a 1734 Murillo Velarde map turnover ceremony in Manila. Image: Courtesy of the National Library of the Philippines

Three years after featuring the Philippine map in the music video of their song “What?”, the members of SB19 received official replicas of the 1734 Murillo-Velarde map from the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC).

SB19 — consisting of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin — was given official replicas of the 1734 Murillo-Velarde map by AIJC and NOW Group chairman Mel Velarde during a turnover ceremony at the National Library of the Philippines in Manila on Tuesday, Oct. 29. The members each received a specific part of the map based on their place of birth.

The 1734 Murillo-Velarde map, dubbed as “mother of all Philippine maps,” is known as the first scientific map of the Philippines. It was drawn by Francisco Suarez and engraved on copper by Nicolas de la Cruz Bagay, as documented by Spanish Jesuit Pedro Murillo Velarde.

The map played a key role in the Philippines’ defense of its territorial right over the West Philippine Sea against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) at The Hague in 2016. The original map was eventually bid by Velarde, (no relations to the Jesuit cartographer), in London in 2012 and was donated to the National Library. It is available for viewing at the library’s Permanent Gallery.

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According to the AIJC chairman, one of the factors that made SB19 eligible to receive an official replica is their influence on the youth, which would hopefully, inspire the younger generation to “value history.”

“They’re a patriotic and talented group of artists who have the right insight, discipline, and perspective,” Velarde told INQUIRER.net on the sidelines of the event. “They’re young, but they have the magic and power to influence the younger generation.”

“These young people can help younger Filipinos value their country. We cannot force culture. And the last thing that the younger people want is to be forced to study history because it’s a must. If it’s linked with music, it’s natural,” he further explained.

Velarde also shared that the music video for “What?” is a reminder of the quintet’s ability to empower the youth to be aware of Philippine history which, in turn, promotes love for the country. Justin served as the creative director for the video, which was released in March 2021.

“We leave it to them [to be the bridge between P-pop and appreciation of Philippine history]. Young people express their thinking and emotions. They use music and other forms. Art is art. Other P-pop groups have other ways of expressing their love of our country because it’s a universal trait,” he said.

“The moment it becomes real, it becomes natural that you tell the world who you are, and why you should fight for your country, especially at this moment. P-pop groups are all different, but what we have in common is being Filipino,” he continued.

‘IWAWAGAYWAY ANG WATAWAT’

LOOK: SB19 — consisting of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin — were bestowed the official replicas of the 1734 Murillo Velarde map to celebrate their contributions to Filipino culture. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/Zkx2eQWo6d

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) October 29, 2024

Celebrating Filipino identity

For SB19, receiving the official replicas of the map solidifies their goal to “tell stories that transcend [their] boundaries” as artists.

“Our journey showed universal truths that can resonate with the global audience, yet we remain deeply rooted in [promoting] the Filipino experience,” Josh said in the group’s acceptance speech. “Each oeuvre becomes part of the historic map for the next generation.”

Stell, for his part, said the map is a symbol of the Filipino identity which allows the public to see the Philippines “through the eyes of those who came before” them.

“It’s more than just a map. We believe that this symbolizes our past, defines our present, and guide towards the future,” he said. “Just like our song, ‘What?’ and its music video, it celebrates our identity and empowers us to raise our flag with pride. This map also reminds us of the richness of our culture and history.”

SB19 with Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication chairman Mel Velarde (upper center) during the 1734 Murillo Velarde map turnover ceremony in Manila. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net

The “What?” creative director, Justin, said that the map is a reminder of why it’s important to celebrate Filipino identity. “Every bit of detail of this map reminds us just how rich our history is, and why it’s important to celebrate being a Filipino,” he said.

“More than this historical document, it also represents the profound truth,” continued Justin. “And that our identity as Filipinos is embedded not just in our culture but also in every piece of land and water that we continue to honor and protect.”

SB19 during the 1734 Murillo Velarde map turnover ceremony in Manila. Image: Courtesy of the National Library of the Philippines

Aside from celebrating SB19’s commitment to promoting Filipino culture and history, the turnover ceremony is part of the Velarde family’s “Mapa Natin, Kwento Natin (Our Map, Our Story)” campaign. It aims to remind the public to understand the country’s history and cultural heritage.

The quintet was appointed as youth and Sentro Rizal ambassadors of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in 2021.