SB19 Is Now The Department Of Tourism's Newest Ambassadors—Here's Why They Were Chosen

SB19 just unlocked another huge milestone in their career. On July 26, 2026, the Department of Tourism (DOT) officially named the Filipino five-member boy group—Ken, Stell, Justin, Josh, and Pablo—as its newest tourism ambassadors.

The announcement comes just weeks after the DOT also named another Filipino powerhouse, BINI, as one of its ambassadors earlier this July 2026.

In a Facebook post, the government agency shared that the partnership had actually been in the works even before the official announcement. Ahead of the group's U.S. and Japan tour leg, the DOT sent the quintet a "Galingbayan" box as a send-off package, which it also posted across its official Tourism Philippines social media platforms.

DOT Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay also recognized why the group was chosen for the role. "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." She added that the group's influence has gone beyond music, with international fans becoming even more interested in visiting the Philippines just to watch them perform and experience the country for themselves.

Josh also shared that the group is more than willing to take on the responsibility because they share the same vision. "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."

Over the years, SB19 has steadily built a loyal fanbase not just in the Philippines but across different parts of the world. Their music and artistry have also consistently reflected Filipino culture, identity, and lived experiences.

In their 2021 song "What?", the group's music video featured a map showing the West Philippine Sea as part of the Philippines, echoing the country's position on the long-standing territorial dispute. Years later, their global hit "Gento" in 2023 cleverly used the Filipino language through wordplay, while their 2026 release "Visa" drew inspiration from the experiences of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Beyond their music, SB19 has continued to expand their presence on the international stage. Since launching their WYAT World Tour in 2022, the group has mounted multiple global tours across Asia and North America, culminating in the Simula At Wakas era, which included their Philippine Arena show and the sold-out Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Finale concert earlier this year.

This month, the group has another packed international schedule ahead. SB19 is performing at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, California. They'll also participate in the ceremonial first pitch at the Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees game at Rate Field, becoming the first Filipino boy group to do so. They'll also make history as the first Filipino act to perform at Lollapalooza in Chicago, Illinois.

But the momentum doesn't stop there. The "ber" months are also shaping up to be another major chapter for SB19 and A'TIN. From October 28 to 31, the group is set to perform at the inaugural KPOPWORLD Festival & Worldwide Dance Competition in Texas, as the only Filipino act in the lineup.

With a growing global fanbase, back-to-back international milestones, and music that continues to showcase Filipino stories, SB19's newest role as Philippine tourism ambassadors adds another chapter to the group's efforts to bring Filipino culture to audiences around the world.