Photo from Facebook/@SB19Official
Tourism department release links P-pop group’s performance to regional cooperation campaign
MANILA — The Department of Tourism has released a music video of Filipino pop group SB19 performing “Together in Motion,” which it is promoting as an official song of the Philippines’ 2026 chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Issued in early October, the video features Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin, along with scenes depicting destinations and communities in Southeast Asia.
Anya Lagman composed the music; Jimmy Antiporda and Louie Ocampo arranged it. Lagman identifies the piece on her professional website as an official theme song for the Philippine chairship.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said SB19 was chosen partly for its contribution to Filipino culture and its ability to connect with younger audiences. She also said the group projects hope and positivity.
SB19 was named a Philippine tourism ambassador in July. In August, the department introduced travel microsites for SB19 and fellow P-pop group BINI, featuring members’ dream destinations and discounted packages from accredited tourism partners.
The initiative forms part of the department’s “Discover More to Love” campaign, launched in June to encourage domestic travel.
The Philippines’ ASEAN chairship operates under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” Its three stated priorities are Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors and People Empowerment.
In February, the Presidential Communications Office introduced a separate ASEAN 2026 song, “One Vision, One Ocean.” A March 31 presidential memorandum circular directed national agencies and public and private educational institutions to play that song’s music video after flag ceremonies and during relevant official events, while encouraging local governments to do the same. ASEAN’s longstanding institutional anthem is “The ASEAN Way.”
The 49th ASEAN Summit and related summits are scheduled for Metro Manila from Nov. 16 to 18. The government has designated those dates special nonworking days across the National Capital Region to ease traffic congestion and accommodate security arrangements.
