SB19 named Philippines' newest tourism ambassadors by DOT

MANILA, Philippines - Days before making history as the first Filipino act to perform at the Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago, SB19 has been named the Philippines' newest tourism ambassadors by the Department of Tourism (DOT).The appointment was announced Sunday, with the agency tapping the P-pop quintet to help promote the Philippines as a travel destination by showcasing Filipino culture to their growing international fanbase.Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said SB19's expanding global reach made the group an ideal partner in the country's tourism campaign.'SB19's talent is undeniable - their music is powerful, and so is their influence. They have the reach to connect with fans across the United States, Europe, ASEAN, and beyond,' Angara-Mathay said in a statement. 'In the U.S., we're seeing that influence become something real: Filipino-Americans who grew up watching SB19 online are now booking flights home, some for the first time in years, just to see them perform on their home turf.'The tourism chief added that the same trend is emerging across Southeast Asia, where the group's fanbase continues to expand.'Whether it's a Filipino-American flying halfway across the world or a fan in Taiwan or Bangkok just a few hours away, SB19 is giving people real reasons to visit the Philippines. That's the kind of reach we want to build on,' she said.As tourism ambassadors, SB19 will work with the DOT to encourage A'TIN, the group's global fandom, to visit the Philippines and experience its destinations and culture firsthand.SB19 member Josh Cullen welcomed the partnership, saying the group has long looked forward to collaborating with the tourism department.'This is a moment we've been waiting for for a long time. We want to make a genuine difference, so we're teaming up with partners who get our vision. By taking our music to established international markets, we can connect with the global Filipino diaspora, share our culture, and give them that feeling of home,' Josh said in a statement.In a seperate social media post, the group also shared, 'Galingbayan box received! Representing the Philippines on and off the stage. We're proud to begin this new chapter as the Philippines' newest tourism ambassadors. From the Philippines to the world! #SB19 #UySB19'The announcement follows a teaser campaign by the DOT, which posted five goat emojis on its social media accounts last week before sending SB19 a 'Galingbayan' care package ahead of the group's U.S. and Japan tour. The package, inspired by the traditional balikbayan box, was later acknowledged by the members on their social media accounts, where they confirmed their ambassadorship.The partnership comes as SB19 prepares for several international milestones. On July 29, the group will become the first Filipino act to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the Major League Baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees. A day later, they are set to make history as the first Filipino act to perform at Lollapalooza in Chicago's Grant Park.SB19 will also perform at Summer Sonic 2026 in Osaka and Tokyo alongside fellow Filipino artists ena mori and BINI, the latter of which was also recently named a DOT tourism ambassador.The tourism department said it is working with SB19 on additional campaigns and events aimed at promoting Philippine destinations and culture, with more details expected to be announced in the coming months.