KAIA Take The Stage At The Cinemalaya 2026 Awards Night
The P-pop girl group joins the celebration of Filipino independent cinema with a special performance.
Courtesy of KDR Music House.
Courtesy of KDR Music House.
P-pop girl group KAIA brought contemporary Filipino pop to the Cinemalaya 2026 Awarding Ceremony, performing their song “KAYA” as part of the evening’s program.
Held on August 17, 2026 at Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong, the ceremony marked the close of the 22nd edition of Cinemalaya, the annual independent film festival dedicated to showcasing Filipino filmmakers, stories, and creative voices.
Composed of Angela, Charice, Sophia, Alexa, and Charlotte, KAIA joined filmmakers, actors, audiences, and members of the Philippine creative community as Cinemalaya recognized this year’s standout independent films and performances.
Among the ceremony’s major winners was Mag-iina, which took home Best Film (Full Length), with Giancarlo Abrahan also winning Best Director and Guelan Varela-Luarca receiving Best Screenplay. Silkscreen received Best Film (Short Film), while acting honors went to performers including Martin del Rosario, Marietta Subong (popularly known as Pokwang), Ruby Ruiz, Bituin Escalante, among others.
KAIA’s performance of “KAYA” also carried an unexpected connection to the evening. During her resonant acceptance speech, Subong encouraged the Filipino creative community with the words, “Kaya ng Pilipino, kaya natin. Bangon, industriya.”
The P-pop group’s name draws from the Filipino word “kaya” meaning “can,” making their presence especially fitting for a ceremony celebrating artists who continue to create despite the challenges of the industry.
KAIA’s Cinemalaya appearance comes as the group continues to gain attention in P-pop. They recently released “hulog” and its music video, drawing online interest for its dreamy sound and concept.
Their appearance at the annual film festival also reflects the growing crossover between Filipino music, film, and other creative communities.
Check out KAIA’s latest single, “hulog,” below:
Frequently Asked Questions
KAIA performed “KAYA” at the Cinemalaya 2026 Awarding Ceremony on August 17, held at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong, closing the festival’s 22nd edition.
KAIA is a five-member P-pop group: Angela, Charice, Sophia, Alexa, and Charlotte. They’ve been gaining attention for their recent single “hulog.”
KAIA’s name comes from the Filipino word “kaya,” meaning “can.” The theme echoed Pokwang’s Cinemalaya speech: “Kaya ng Pilipino, kaya natin.”
Mag-iina won Best Film (Full Length), with Giancarlo Abrahan for Best Director and Guelan Varela-Luarca for Best Screenplay. Silkscreen won Best Short Film.
KAIA’s latest single is “hulog,” released with a music video that drew online interest for its dreamy sound and concept.
