The inaugural Filipino Music Awards made its grand debut at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, bringing together the country’s biggest artists, producers and music industry leaders for a historic celebration of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). The recent event organized by Modern Media Group Inc. – the team behind Billboard Philippines, Rolling Stone Philippines, Nylon Manila and Robb Report Philippines – and produced by AGC Power Holdings Corp. marked a new milestone for Philippine music.
Hosted by Joey Mead King, Michael Sager and Elijah Canlas, the awards night honored excellence across 20 categories, covering pop, rock, hip-hop, folk and R and B. With over 500 artists and industry guests in attendance and thousands of fans filling the arena, the affair underscored the growing influence and reach of Filipino music both locally and internationally.
At the forefront of the evening was SB19, who dominated with six major wins, earning the distinction of Artist of the Year. The group also took home Pop Song of the Year for DUNGKA!, People’s Choice Awards for both Artist and Song, Tour of the Year for their ‘Simula at Wakas’ World Tour, and Concert of the Year for its kickoff show. Their electrifying performances of DAM and Kapangyarihan – the latter performed in collaboration with Ben and Ben – proved why they continue to lead P-pop’s global ascent.
Equally celebrated was Cup of Joe, who took home two of the most coveted awards of the evening: Song of the Year for Multo and Album of the Year for ‘Silakbo.’ The band also delivered a moving live performance of Multo, earning cheers from an audience that included prominent figures from across the entertainment industry.
Other winners included Zild for I.N.A.S. (Alternative Song of the Year), dwta and Justin for Sampung Mga Daliri (Folk Song of the Year), Dionela for Marilag (R and B Song of the Year), Morobeats for Gubat na Siyudad (Hip-Hop Song of the Year) and IV of Spades for Aura (Rock Song of the Year). Sony Music Philippines was named Music Company of the Year, with Roselyn Pineda recognized for her leadership as one of the industry’s most dynamic label heads.
The evening also paid homage to legendary artists whose contributions have shaped generations. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jose Mari Chan, whose timeless songs remain woven into the nation’s cultural fabric. The Tribute Award was given to Pilita Corrales, celebrated as the ‘Asia’s Queen of Songs,’ while the Music Foundation Award honored Ang Misyon, Inc. for its work in developing young classical musicians.
The program featured a wide range of show-stopping performances that reflected the breadth of OPM. SB19 and Ben and Ben’s collaboration on Kapangyarihan stood out as one of the evening’s defining moments. Ely Buendia energized the crowd with Kandarapa, while Yeng Constantino, Lolita Carbon and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra delivered a stirring rendition of Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran. BINI and Maki represented the new generation of pop talent, while Zild, Dionela, Morobeats, dwta and Justin showcased the diversity of contemporary Filipino sound.
The event drew an impressive guest list of music and entertainment luminaries and personalities, including Jericho Rosales, Janine Gutierrez and Morissette, as well as the energetic hosts of TV5’s new show ‘Vibe’ led by Dylan Menor.
Bret Jackson, who is at the helm of Billboard Philippines, together with his team at Modern Media Group Inc. helped realize the vision of a credible, world-class platform that recognizes and elevates Filipino artistry.
With its first edition, the Filipino Music Awards successfully united icons, hitmakers and emerging talents under one roof. More than just an awards show, it became a defining moment for the OPM industry, acknowledging its rich history, amplifying its present voices and affirming its promising future on the global stage.