Only in the Philippines could a congratulatory tarpaulin meant for global stars end up as a viral international moment. Grammy winner Bruno Mars and Blackpink’s Rosé recently found themselves laughing along with Filipino fans after a quirky banner celebrating their MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) win made its way to social media.
The now-famous tarp, splashed with a glam shot of Rosé beside what looked like an oddly distorted photo of Mars, bore the text: “Congratulations Rosé and Bruno Mars on winning VMA Song of the Year. Philippines is proud of uuu.”
Mars posted the banner on his Instagram Stories on Sept. 24, pairing it with a rolling-on-the-floor-laughing emoji and cheekily soundtracking it with the Black Eyed Peas’ anthem “Bebot.” Rosé, clearly in on the joke, reposted his story with her own caption: “My hubba hubs” plus a hearts emoji.
The design, created by Xylk Lorena and Fleasayo Olowalaflea of We Life Design, is part of a growing trend where Filipino fans craft tongue-in-cheek greetings for international artists, often blending sincere pride with playful humor.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Mars and Rosé recently clinched Song of the Year for their hit “APT.” Mars also walked away with Best Collaboration for “Die With a Smile” with Lady Gaga, while Blackpink secured the Best Group of the Year trophy.
What started as a lighthearted local tribute has now turned into a global inside joke—one that shows how Filipino fandom uniquely mixes celebration and comedy. After all, in the Philippines, star power doesn’t just belong onstage; sometimes, it beams from a tarpaulin hanging by the roadside.
