MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT), through its regional offices across the country, united thousands of A’TIN on Friday, July 31, with simultaneous live watch parties celebrating the historic performance of the Philippines’ newest Tourism Ambassadors, SB19, at Lollapalooza 2026 in Grant Park, Chicago (July 30 EST).
At the heart of the nationwide celebration was the “Lunetapalooza” at the Open Air Auditorium of Rizal Park in Manila, where thousands of fans gathered in a festive mood to witness SB19 become the first Filipino act to perform at one of the world’s largest and most prestigious music festivals.
Photo courtesy of Department of Tourism (DOT)
Despite being wheelchair-bound, 33-year-old Ana Dela Cruz was among the fans who joined the watch party. Coming straight from work, she arrived at Rizal Park in time for the event, which kicked off at 1:30 a.m.
Photo courtesy of Department of Tourism (DOT)
“Gusto ko pong ma-feel ‘yung live na kasama ‘yung A’TINs, mas masaya… Actually, nakaka-overwhelm po ‘yung support ni DOT na buong Pilipinas, nag-gather ‘yung A’TINs para i-support ‘yung SB19,” she said.
Seventy-year-old Lola Mary Lousy arrived at Rizal Park 6 hours before the program to secure a prime spot for the live simulcast of SB19’s historic Lollapalooza performance.
“Tuwang-tuwa ako dahil napo-promote nila ang Pilipinas sa ibang bansa, saka makikilala na sila na sila ay Pilipino, tayo ay Pilipino,” said Lola Mary.
Photo courtesy of Department of Tourism (DOT)
Meanwhile, among the hundreds of fans gathered that morning, it was 102-year-old Lola Julita Odron who stood out. Seated in her wheelchair and proudly wearing her signature SB19 headwear, she drew smiles from fellow A’TIN as she joined the crowd in celebrating the group’s milestone performance.
Outside Manila, the celebration resonated across the country through synchronized watch parties held in Clark, Pampanga; Cebu City; Davao City; Bacolod City; Puerto Princesa; Tagbilaran City, Bohol; Butuan City; and Cagayan de Oro City, allowing more Filipinos to share in this landmark achievement and demonstrate nationwide pride for Filipino excellence on the global stage.
Photo courtesy of Department of Tourism (DOT)
Organized by the DOT, in partnership with the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) and supported by its Regional Offices, the simultaneous watch parties showcased how Filipino creativity and world-class talent continue to elevate the country’s profile internationally, reinforcing the Philippines as a destination rich in culture, artistry, and unforgettable experiences.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the nationwide watch parties were the Department’s way of celebrating SB19’s historic milestone while giving Filipino fans across the country the opportunity to witness the group’s landmark performance together.
“Proud kami sa SB19. They just made history by being the first Philippine act to perform on a stage like Lollapalooza. It’s a big feat, tapos malayo sila so gusto naming bigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga fans nila na makita sila live,” Secretary Angara-Mathay said.
The nationwide celebration comes on the heels of the DOT’s recent recognition of SB19’s growing global influence after being named as the Philippines’ newest Tourism Ambassadors, acknowledging the group’s role in promoting Filipino culture to audiences across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.
“Kakaiba ‘yung mga bata (SB19). They’re really very talented. Magaling sila, entrepreneurs. At saka most of all, very humble. Mababait pa. That's why, very easily, madaling mahalin ‘yung grupo na ‘yan eh. At saka iba ang pananaw sa buhay, sa business, gusto talagang tumulong sa Pilipinas. They are proud to carry their identity everywhere in the world,” she added.
Emphasizing that tourism extends beyond destinations, Angara-Mathay said, “Pero ang tourism hindi lang place e. Tourism is food, culture, kanina pinag-usapan nila ’yung pagkain, sinigang, adobo. So we want them to promote the whole thing.”
Earlier, SB19 also made history during their Chicago visit after becoming the first Filipino group to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Major League Baseball game ahead of the Chicago White Sox-New York Yankees matchup on July 29.
The group will continue flying the Philippine flag in Japan through performances at Summer Sonic 2026 in Osaka and Tokyo.
The DOT said initiatives such as the nationwide Lollapalooza watch parties reflect its continuing efforts to champion Filipino excellence, engage younger audiences, and harness the power of music and the creative industries to strengthen the country’s tourism brand on the global stage.
