Inside A Monumental Night For OPM At The Filipino Music Awards

In case you missed it, industry legends, chart-toppers, certified hitmakers, and rising stars joined forces to make OPM history at the first-ever Filipino Music Awards (FMAs), held last Tuesday (October 21) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Presented by Modern Media Group Inc. — home to Billboard Philippines, Rolling Stone Philippines, Nylon Manila, and Robb Report Philippines — and produced by AGC Power Holdings Corp., the first-ever FMAs honored 18 awardees across four major categories, celebrating the artists, songwriters, producers, and visionaries shaping culture and elevating the rhythm of the nation.

The first-ever FMAs honored and recognized both today’s top OPM artists and the legendary voices who paved the way. Beyond the accolades, the night also delivered electrifying, show-stopping performances from a curated lineup of acclaimed acts, proving that local music always has been, and always will be, a spectacle.

Even before the main celebration began, the star-studded red carpet was already overflowing with the glitz and glam, featuring picture-ready moments of SB19, BINI, Cup of Joe, Ely Buendia, IV OF SPADES, and Yeng Constantino, among others.

As the lights dimmed and the main program began, the night shifted the spotlight to show-stopping performances. IV OF SPADES opened the show with a powerful live rendition of “Aura,” setting the tone for the rest of the evening. The stage then lit up with some of the best Pinoy pop acts — Maki with “Namumula,” BGYO with “All These Ladies,” and BINI with their first-ever live performance of “First Luv.”

It was also a historic night for OPM rock as the Philippines’ “Pop Rock Royalty” Yeng Constantino and Pinoy folk-rock legend Lolita Carbon of Asin, together with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, captivated the audience with a stunning rendition of “Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran.” Ely Buendia, on the other hand, proved his still-legendary status and mesmerized the crowd with “Kandarapa,” which earned a nomination for Rock Song of the Year.

However, the arena erupted when Gloc-9 took the stage with “Upuan,” delivering a still-timely political statement. Adding a burst of glam to the night, Maxie Andreison, winner of Drag Race Philippines Season 3, brought the world of drag to life with her popular tracks “Tado” and “Halika Na.”

Another standout performance, as expected, was from Cup of Joe, who fired up the stage with their record-breaking and chart-topping hit “Multo,” drawing a resounding roar from the crowd.

Meanwhile, the Kings of P-pop weren’t given their crown for nothing as SB19 brought “DAM” to life in one of the night’s final powerhouse performances, before joining forces with indie folk-pop band Ben&Ben for a stirring live rendition of “Kapangyarihan,” a song that has become an anthem for political awareness and empowerment.

Meanwhile, history was truly made as the night crowned the biggest artists and most defining songs of today’s OPM in one calendar year. From powerful anthems that dominated the country’s zeitgeist and charts to artists who continue to push OPM beyond borders, the night celebrated a new era for local music.

Highlights include Morobeats winning Hip-Hop Song of the Year with the powerful “GUBAT NG SIYUDAD” — a historic win, one for the culture if you will. During their acceptance, the group also used the stage to make a bold statement in support of “Free Palestine,” echoing the call for justice, freedom, and human rights for the Palestinian people, for the end of Israel’s military occupation.

When it comes to pop dominance, the night once again belonged to SB19, who took home a total of six awards — including the coveted Artist of the Year and Pop Song of the Year for “DUNGKA!” — cementing their reign as the Kings of P-pop.

On the industry front, Sony Music Philippines earned Music Company of the Year, reaffirming its powerhouse status as a driving force in OPM. While artists often take the spotlight, the local scene thrives on the creativity and commitment of producers, labels, and distributors — the ecosystem that continues to push Filipino music forward to even greater heights. To relive every big win from this historic night, catch up and see the complete list of winners here.

Unequivocally making history, the first-ever Filipino Music Awards proved to be more than a night of recognition but a powerful statement that OPM is alive, evolving, and louder than ever. The night celebrated the artistry, innovation, and impact of the local music scene — honoring genre-defining songs, amplifying Filipino talent around the world, giving fans a voice through the People’s Choice Awards, and paying tribute to the icons and institutions that have shaped the industry.

FILIPINO MUSIC AWARDS
Presented by Modern Media Group Inc.
Produced by AGC Power Holdings Corp.

Official Broadcast Partner
TV5
MQUEST Ventures

Co-presented by: 
Levi’s Philippines 
vivo 
IQOS 
ZYN 

Powered by: 
SONY
KFC
Sunsilk 
Playtime
TECNO
Security Bank
Cream Silk

Official Mobility Partner
Toyota Motor Philippines

Special thanks to
Jollibee

Official Catering Partners
Illo’s Group Inc.
Astons Philippines 

Official Mobile Bar Partners
Fun Cocktails
Nyctophile Mixology & Bar Hosting
Salucci

Official Coffee Bar Partners 
Au’n Scene Coffee Bar
The Brewing Studio
Allegro Beverage Corp.

Official Accommodations Partner 
Newport World Resorts

Official Hotel Partners
TRYP by Wyndham 
Microtel by Wyndham 

Official Venue Styling Partner:
Spruce
Florio Manila 

Official Trophy Design Partner:
Ovvian Castrillo-Hill 

Official Food Partners
Ate Rica’s Bacsilog 
Burger Beast 

Official Glam Partner
Nix Institute of Beauty 

Official Styling Partner
Patricia Pascual Designs 
Continuiti
AECIA

Official Giveaway Partner
Lee