Why SB19 joined Senate push to open global paths for Filipino creatives

COLLAB. SB19 and Senator Bam Aquino (third from left) work on the PACE Act together. Senator Bam Aquino Facebook page P-pop icon SB19 leads local artists rallying behind a new Senate bill that aims to break down travel and visa barriers for Filipino creatives SB19 visited the Senate to advocate for the Philippine Agency for the Creative Economy (PACE) Act, which aims to enhance the global mobility of Filipino creative workers and provide support for various artistic fields. The bill, introduced by Senator Bam Aquino, includes provisions for financial and logistical assistance for artists traveling internationally, addressing challenges faced by Filipino creatives in the industry. SB19 expressed hope that the PACE Act will benefit not only themselves but also other artists, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving success in the creative industry. This is AI-generated. Read the article for full context. Report any errors. MANILA, Philippines – When SB19 stepped into the Senate on September 30, it carried with them not just its recent global success at Lollapalooza. The five P-pop superstars also brought with them the stories and struggles most Filipino artists face when they travel and perform overseas. SB19’s rise to stardom did not come without obstacles, so when the group visited the Senate to push for an act to promote global mobility of creative workers, it sparked appreciation from other artists who have been fighting for the same rights. Introduced by Senator Bam Aquino, Senate Bill No. 2517 or the Philippine Agency for the Creative Economy (PACE) Act aims to strengthen the “international mobility of Filipino creative workers” and expand their “global opportunities and international market access for Philippine creative goods and services.” The measure builds on Republic Act No. 11904, also known as the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act. “We’re very happy that finally, it’s happening,” said SB19’s Stell. “Ever since we started as a group, we have many goals and visions that we want to achieve, not just for ourselves, but for the whole industry. We hope that [the Senate bill] flourishes and we hope to help.” “It’s not just for ourselves….We want [other artists] to also experience relief, that they won’t experience the past problems we experienced,” he added in a mix of English and Filipino. The bill offers assistance for international airfare and transportation, visa and travel documentation facilitation, travel insurance, and other financial or logistical assistance for an artist’s eligible international activities. It covers not only singers and performers, but all Filipino creatives like filmmakers, animators, designers, game developers, writers, and cultural workers. “We know how hard it is to perform in different cities, back-to-back shows. But you still have to think about your teams, you can’t bring them along because of visa problems, or the unapproved budgets for plane travels,” said Stell. “It’s very hard for an artist….We’re artists, and at the same time, we’re wearing different hats. We’re also thinking about the problems of the team, our partners, and our overseas collaborators.” It’s one reason SB19 got inspired to write the song “VISA” as the group members themselves experienced various issues when crossing borders with their creative teams. “We’re very happy that the government is making a move and listening to us — our partners, the creators here in the Philippines in different forms, whether in film, beauty, fitness, athletes — the Philippines can really help and support them,” said Stell. “That’s how we really are in the Philippines — we aim to support and help the people who bring pride and honor, not just here in the Philippines, but also outside the country.” J2X, also known as “Coach Jay,” has been one of SB19’s choreographers since Day 1. But he also hopes to bring more of his own music beyond borders. XONARA, a rising P-pop girl group under 1Z Entertainment — the talent management company founded by SB19 — hopes to benefit from the new industry measures as well. “Gusto po naming mag-perform nang buong-buo para maranasan din po ng mga tao. Gusto po naming mag-perform po ulit sa stage and sobrang na-excite po talaga kami,” XONARA’s Lei said. (We want to go all-out with our performance, and for people to experience it as well. We want to perform again onstage and we’re very excited.) XONARA will also travel for the group’s first overseas show this October in Singapore. “Actually, it is a huge privilege to perform internationally for a four-month-old group. It seems early, but we’re very thankful for those who believe in us that we can do it, and so we’re also trusting ourselves,” XONARA’s Eurekah said in Filipino. “We’re hoping to represent Filipino talent in Singapore alongside other OPM artists, where together, we can share what Filipino talent really is.” SB19 said it hopes the PACE Act can help artists still figuring their way around the industry, but reminded them that success still takes a lot of hard work. “For the other artists who are dreaming to be here, in this kind of path, just listen to your heart. If this is what you really want, there’s no easy way,” said Stell. “You will really go through the hardships, and those hardships will teach you to be strong, to continue, and to remind you why you started.” – Rappler.com Angel Camille Dio is a Rappler intern studying BA Journalism at Polytechnic University of the Philippines. How does this make you feel? Loading