The Filipino Music Scene Comes Together For One Grand Showcase At Billboard Philippines: Mainstage

Thirty-three artists. Over a billion streams. And one musical event of a lifetime.

These were the elements that comprised the highly anticipated Billboard Philippines; Mainstage, marking a historic moment for Filipino music. Celebrating Billboard Philippines’ first anniversary in defining OPM for a new generation, this spectacular showcase was not just a concert — it was a statement. The country’s best and brightest musical acts came together in a whirlwind of sound: the fiery energy of P-pop, the emotional resonance of ballads, hip-hop’s raw edge, and the rebellious spirit of indie rock. It was a momentous display of Filipino artistry, proving that OPM isn’t just alive — it’s thriving more than ever.

Of course, bringing together 33 acts to share the stage for one night is no easy feat, as exemplified by the efforts of the event’s several artists, as well as the many teams that made it all possible. The stormy weather may have dampened the mood of some people earlier in the day, but the immense amount of attendees who still made their way to the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City as early as 4 PM proved that the excitement within the venue was very much palpable.

Thousands of fans from varying fandoms joined in to celebrate this diverse selection of performers, falling in line across the various branded booths, photo opportunities, and more as they queued in line to get first access to the show. 

Several fans came to witness Filipino music come to life in one spectacular showcase, with each performer giving their best to deliver an unforgettable night. From the moment the lights dimmed, the energy inside the venue was apparent, with audiences ready to experience an eclectic mix of genres, sounds, and artistry. The crowd roared with excitement, anticipating the exceptional performances ahead.

The Mainstage event itself opened with a bang, thanks to indie and alternative luminaries such as Sandwich, Over October, and Dilaw, whose raw, uncompromising energy set the arena ablaze. Sandwich’s crowd-favorite “Sugod” brought an electric charge to the atmosphere, while Dilaw’s “YIEE” and “Janice” added a playful, kilig factor that delighted fans. Over October’s soulful performance of their recent singles “Ikot” and “Kaakit-Akit” captured the hearts of the crowd, setting a high bar for the night’s diverse lineup. These bands proved that OPM’s alternative scene is not just surviving but flourishing, keeping the spirit of Filipino rock alive and well.

Even with such immense energy, the night itself took a soulful turn as some of the country’s most revered balladeers took the stage. Moira, Erik Santos, Yeng Constantino, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, and Gary Valenciano (joined by his son Gab Valenciano) poured their hearts into their performances, reminding the audience why Filipino ballads resonate so deeply across generations. Their vocal prowess and emotional depth transcended the music, creating moments that felt larger than life. Yeng Constantino’s medley of her hits “Ikaw” and “Salamat” had everyone belting their hearts to their full capacity, while Erik Santos’ spellbinding rendition to his iconic track “Pagbigyang Muli” put audiences on a chokehold with its soulful nature. 

Moira easily won the crowd over with her fan-favorite hit song, “Paubaya,” yet what blew the audience’s mind was the debut performance of her unreleased track, titled “Dinggin.” The track comes as the first teaser off her upcoming album, i’m okay, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect from the chart-breaking hitmaker on the next sonic journey she’s set to ferry her audiences into.

Still exemplifying why she is at the top of her game, Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid shined brightly with a gorgeous performance of Nina’s “Someday.” But also, it was Gary Valenciano’s duet with son Gab in particular that stood out as a powerful generational handover — making it a testament to the enduring legacy of OPM ballads (that not only occurred just once but demanded a second performance right after). From what all these Filipino balladeers had proven, their performances weren’t just songs; they were also emotional experiences that spoke to the core of the Filipino identity.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Mainstage event also spotlighted the meteoric rise of Filipino hip-hop. Members of Billboard Philippines’ Hip-Hop Class of 2024 — Hev Abi, FELIP, Zae, Illest Morena, Tus Brothers, PLAYERTWO, and O SIDE MAFIA — tore up the stage with raw, unapologetic energy. Each act brought something fresh and unique to the table, from Hev Abi’s performance set of “Sumugal” and “Babaero,” Illest Morena’s high-spirited medley of “Morenita” and “Faded (Raw),” Zae’s empowering “Edi Wag,” O SIDE MAFIA and Tus Brothers’ collaborative performance of “Crashing,” and FELIP’s genre-bending prowess with his hits “Foe” and “Envy” from his solo album 7sins. This collection of performances demonstrated a culmination of Filipino hip-hop’s evolution and a clear sign of where the genre is headed, as each set left the arena buzzed with excitement punchline after punchline, with fans hyping the artists up every step of the way.

Sarah Geronimo, the Philippines’ pop royalty, delivered a powerhouse performance that reminded everyone why she’s still on top. Her medley of hits “Dati-Dati,” “Alam,” “Kilometro,” and a brand new arrangement of “Tala” had the crowd dancing in their seats, but it was her debut of a new song that sealed the deal, showing that she’s not just riding on nostalgia but continuously pushing the boundaries of her craft. The fiery, high-energy performance resulted in a standing ovation from all corners of the Mall of Asia Arena — marking a well-deserved acknowledgment of her lasting impact on the Philippine music scene executed in spectacular fashion.

The P-pop showcase, one of the night’s most anticipated segments, was nothing short of extraordinary. G22, AJAA, YGIG, VXON, KAIA, and ALAMAT brought their A-games, each act highlighting a different facet of the P-pop genre. With G22’s fierce stage presence while singing “Boomerang,” “Babalik,” and “Bang,” AJAA’s emotional MOA debut with “Torpe” and “Bes I Love U,” VXON’s confident medley of “SSP” and “SANDAL,” KAIA’s infectious “Walang Biruan,” ALAMAT’s compelling “Day & Night” and “Maharani,” and YGIG’s visually captivating “Shaba Shaba,” the entire P-pop segment demonstrated the genre’s evolution from niche to mainstream in a succession of songs.

Also excellent (as always) was Josh Cullen’s new remix of “Get Right” and “1999” — a standout performance that not only showcased his versatility but also his incredible stage presence. His swagger, combined with precise choreography, further exemplified why he remains to be a standout in the industry, both in terms of his solo career and with SB19. Rising star Maki also shined, delivering joyful renditions of his chart-topping single “Dilaw” and his latest hit “Namumula,” which had the crowd blushing with excitement. For sure, both acts — along with their P-pop peers — illustrated why this genre is quickly becoming the heartbeat of the local music scene.

Yet for all the energy and spectacle, the Mainstage event didn’t shy away from the emotional depth that OPM is known for. JRoa’s heartfelt medley of “Byahe” and “Closer To Your Heart” struck a chord with the audience, while Adie’s orchestra-backed unreleased track “Nobya” had everyone swooning. James Reid’s stripped-down, acoustic performance of “Sandal” was another emotional highlight, allowing his vocals and raw artistry to take center stage. 

TJ Monterde’s “Sariling Mundo” enveloped the crowd in warmth, while KZ Tandingan brought her signature edge with a live rendition of “Toyo,” capped off with a stunning duet of “Palagi” that had the entire arena in their feelings. With a proposal in the crowd during the duet’s final moments, it was a reminder of music’s power to move and inspire people in ways nothing else can.

Cup of Joe provided an upbeat counterpoint with their hit “Tingin” and the catchy, “Misteryoso,” both of which had the audience on their feet, proving that even with just two songs, their presence was undeniable. Also present were folk-pop chartbreakers Ben&Ben, whose medley of “Sa Susunod Na Habang Buhay” and their unreleased (and forthcoming) single “Triumph” created an unforgettable moment of unity. The arena was transformed into a sea of lights, with fans swaying and singing along, creating a shared experience of sonic bliss that only a band of Ben&Ben’s caliber could deliver.

Of course, what show would it be without the headlining performers –– the Kings of P-pop, SB19, and the Nation’s very own beloved girl group, BINI. Both acts rose to the occasion — showcasing both the artistry and sheer professionalism and dedication that make them two of the biggest names in Filipino pop. BINI’s acapella rendition of their latest single, “Cherry On Top,” transformed the Mall of Asia Arena with a magical moment of unity as fans filled the arena with their voices, while their fan-favorite “Pantropiko” had everyone dancing up and from their seats. Meanwhile, SB19, ever the masters of showmanship, delivered a stellar showcase that combined “Mana” and “CRIMZONE” into one spectacular showcase. With its brand new arrangement, exclusively performed on the Mainstage, the group remained true to their artistic vision — with their powerful performance bringing the crowd to its feet, leaving no doubt as to why they continue to dominate the P-pop scene.

As the final notes of the night faded away, Billboard Philippines: Mainstage solidified itself as a landmark in OPM history. From the powerful vocals of seasoned veterans to the fresh energy of rising stars, this event wasn’t just a celebration of one year — it was a declaration of Filipino music’s boundless future. Even amidst the plethora of thirty-three artists, over a billion streams, a standing ovation, and a night of unforgettable performances, the event proved that OPM is more than just music — it’s a cultural force that continues to evolve and inspire, shaping the soundtrack of a new generation.

Made possible by: 
BDO
IQOS
ZYN
Tecno
Ikea
LG XBOOM 
KFC 
SONY ULT Power Sound 
Globe
ACER
Kotex
YOU Beauty
McDonald’s
Jinro
Locally 
Chingu Cafe
Gluta Lipo
Beauty Vault 

Special thanks to: 
Nix Institute of Beauty 
William Grant & Sons
Lime Resort Manila
Hotel101 
The Archive Booth