When Billboard Philippines launched Women in Music in 2024, the goal was simple: spotlight the women shaping the country’s musical present while honoring those who built its past. Three editions in, the event has grown into one of our defining annual celebrations — a night where artistry, influence, and leadership take center stage. On March 24, 2026, the third edition of Billboard Philippines Women in Music returns with a new slate of honorees whose work continues to push Filipino music forward, from chart-topping pop acts and era-defining hitmakers to icons whose legacies stretch across decades.
Except for our Woman of the Year, who will be revealed soon, here are the esteemed artists who will be given the titles of Rising Star, Rule Breaker, Hitmaker, Powerhouse, and Icon at this year’s Billboard Philippines Women In Music.
Rising Star – G22
In the fast-evolving landscape of P-pop, few acts have surged forward with the clarity and confidence of G22. The trio of AJ, Alfea, and Jaz has carved out a distinct identity through sharp choreography, striking visuals, an advocacy of female empowerment, and a sound that blends contemporary pop ambition with undeniable stage presence. Their growing mainstream recognition signals a breakout moment not just for the group but for a new generation of Filipino pop acts eager to compete on a global scale. As this year’s Rising Star, G22 represent the promise of what comes next.
Rule Breaker – KZ Tandingan
KZ Tandingan has built her career on fearless reinvention. A vocalist comfortable in R&B, soul, hip-hop, and pop, she has consistently resisted easy categorization, choosing instead to follow instinct and authenticity. Whether onstage or in the studio, Tandingan champions individuality and emotional honesty — a philosophy that resonates deeply with younger listeners navigating their own paths. The Rule Breaker award celebrates artists who challenge expectations, and few in Filipino music embody that spirit as vividly as KZ Tandingan.
Hitmaker – Yeng Constantino
Across nearly two decades, Yeng Constantino has quietly assembled one of the most beloved songwriting catalogs in modern OPM. Her compositions — heartfelt, direct, and emotionally resonant — have become staples across radio, karaoke rooms, and concert halls. Multi-platinum success followed, but the deeper measure of Constantino’s influence lies in how her songs continue to travel across generations, speaking to listeners at every stage of life. As this year’s Hitmaker, she is honored for a body of work that has left a lasting imprint on Filipino music culture.
Powerhouse — BINI
Few acts defined the past year with the same scale and momentum as three-time Billboard Philippines Women In Music honorees BINI. From dominating streaming charts to mounting sold-out concerts, launching a world tour, and becoming the first Filipino girl group to perform at Coachella, the P-pop phenomenon has turned sustained fan support into a full-fledged cultural movement. With polished performances, vibrant pop sensibilities, and a rapidly expanding international following, the Nation’s Girl Group has become one of the most visible ambassadors of Filipino pop music today. The Powerhouse award recognizes that commanding presence — the rare combination of commercial dominance and cultural impact — that last year’s Women of the Year undoubtedly possess.
Icon — Lolita Carbon
As the unmistakable voice of the legendary Filipino folk-rock group Asin, Lolita Carbon helped define a chapter of OPM rooted in social consciousness, storytelling, and cultural pride. Her work has endured across generations, carried by songs that remain as resonant today as when they first emerged. Carbon’s legacy extends far beyond performance; it lives in the artists who continue to draw inspiration from the movement she helped shape. With the Icon award, Billboard Philippines celebrates a career whose influence remains woven into the country’s musical history.