SB19 receives Senate recognition for historic Lollapalooza performance

The P-pop group SB19 was recognized for their historic performance at Lollapalooza 2026 by the Philippine Senate during a Senate plenary session on Monday, September 28.

Senate Resolution No. 545 was adopted to commend the group—Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin—for their achievements and contributions to the Philippine creative industries. Senator Bam Aquino served as the principal sponsor of the resolution.

The recognition follows their historic performance on July 30, when they became the first Filipino act to perform at Lollapalooza, one of the biggest music festivals in the world. The group took the Allianz Stage at Grant Park in Chicago, where they performed  for an international audience, including “GENTO,” “MAPA,” and their latest song, “LAWLESS.”

During his sponsorship speech, Aquino highlighted how far SB19 has come since its early days. “Masasabi nating matagal na nilang pinapatunayan na ‘GENTO’ talaga ang kayang gawin ng talentong Pilipino,” Aquino said.

He also looked back at the group’s journey, from their “GO Up” days to performing on some of the biggest stages around the world.

“Mula sa kanilang ‘GO Up’ days hanggang sa pinakamalalaking entablado sa mundo, hindi naging madali ang kanilang ‘MAPA’ patungo rito. Taon ng tiyaga, sakripisyo, at paniniwala sa sariling tunog ang nagdala sa kanila mula sa pagiging isang grupong nangangarap lang na makilala tungo sa pagiging isa sa mga mukha ng P-pop sa international stage,” Aquino added.

Aquino also highlighted SB19’s other international milestones, including their performance at Summer Sonic in Japan in August.

Aquino also cited SB19’s Billboard milestones. “Bazinga!” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Trending Songs chart and remained at the top for seven consecutive weeks. Meanwhile, “DAM” debuted on the Billboard World Digital Sales Chart in 2025, making SB19 the first Filipino act to top the chart.

“Mr. President, mahalagang kilalanin natin ang mga tagumpay na ito because 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,” he said.

Aquino also highlighted the potential of the Philippine creative industries.

“Kapag binibigyan natin ang 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 ng isang mas malakas na presensya ng kulturang Pilipino sa buong mundo.”

Aquino also praised SB19 for proudly carrying their Filipino identity wherever they perform. “Hindi nila kinailangang iwan ang kanilang identity upang tanggapin ng mundo. Sa halip, ‘yun po mismo ang kanilang pinagmamalaki.

“Mula sa inyong simpleng simula, patuloy ninyong pinapakita kung gaano kalayo ang mararating ng Pilipino na may talento, sipag, at lakas ng loob na mangarap,” Aquino said. “At pagkatapos ng Lollapalooza, Summer Sonic at lahat ng inyong narating, isang bagay ang malinaw, hindi pa ito ang wakas.”

Aquino also said he is proposing a bill aimed at supporting and growing the creative economy, with the help of SB19 and 1Z Entertainment. He said they will continue consulting with other creatives as they work toward getting the bill passed faster.

SB19 later went live on Facebook and TikTok, where Aquino briefly joined them as they discussed the proposed bill. They also shared a photo with the senator. SB19's fandom, A’TIN, quickly showed their support and excitement for the group following the Senate recognition.