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The map’s replicas are turned over to the members of the P-pop powerhouse for their commitment to promoting Filipino culture and history, and their work in spreading awareness to the historical document
MANILA, Philippines – The Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) and NOW Group chairman Mel Velarde turned over official replicas of the famous 1734 Murillo-Velarde Map to members of P-pop boy group SB19 on Tuesday, October 29, at a ceremony held at the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) in Manila City.
The Murillo-Velarde Map — known as the “mother of all Philippine maps” — is the earliest known historical document that proves Scarborough Shoal, or Bajo de Masinloc, is part of the Philippines as documented by Spanish Jesuit Pedro Murillo Velarde.
The map was drawn by Francisco Suarez and engraved by Nicolas de la Cruz Bagay, both Filipinos.
Mel Velarde bid on the original map at a London auction in 2012, and eventually donated it to the Philippine government.
The turnover of the 1734 Murillo-Velarde Map’s official replicas to SB19 comes just months after it was finally put on permanent display at the NLP. It’s part of the AIJC, NLP, and the Velarde family’s “Mapa Natin, Kwento Natin (Our Map, Our Story)” campaign, which stresses the importance of “understanding our history and cultural heritage in shaping our national identity and protecting our rights and our territory.”
The replicas were specifically given to the “GENTO” hitmakers for their commitment to promoting Filipino culture and history through their music, as well as their work in spreading awareness on the map’s importance.
It can be recalled that in 2021, the P-pop powerhouse featured the Murillo-Velarde map in the music video for their patriotic track, “What?”
During his acceptance speech, SB19’s leader Pablo said that it’s an honor for him and his fellow members to serve as the bridge between Filipino history and modern Filipinos.
“Patuloy na hinihikayat namin ang bawat artistang Pilipino na yakapin ang ating kultura at karanasan dahil ang bawat obra ay nagiging bahagi ng makasaysayang mapa na gagabay sa susunod na henerasyon,” Josh added.
(We continue to call on every Filipino artist to embrace our culture and history because every creation becomes a part of the historical map that will guide future generations.)
The map was also used to bolster the Philiippines’ claim on Scarborough Shoal when it filed its arbitration case against China over the West Philippine Sea on January 22, 2013, which led to the reaffirmation of the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in 2016.
SB19 made their debut in 2018. Composed of members Pablo, Stell, Josh, Ken, and Justin, the boy group is best known for their songs “MAPA,” “I WANT YOU,” and “Moonlight,” among many others. They also serve as ambassadors for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Youth and Sentro Rizal. – Rappler.com
