From genre standouts to legacy acts, the best of Filipino music was given full glory at the first-ever iteration of the Filipino Music Awards at the Mall of Asia Arena yesterday (October 21, 2025). The awards show brought together the industry’s most powerful names and commemorated these figures with grand titles in honor of the momentous year that Filipino music has had.
Moreover, the show strung together a collection of stirring performances from stadium rousers by the industry’s most influential P-pop groups to emotional and moving performances by OPM icons. Showcasing live music from the different genres that make up the greater sonic landscape of Filipino music, each stage was a testament to the excellence of our local craft.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at twelve of the best performances that took place last night at the Filipino Music Awards 2025.
IV Of Spades – “Aura”
Photographed by Mayks Go
Opening the night was IV of Spades, who took the Filipino Music Awards stage with a heartwarming live rendition of “Aura.” With the downbeat yet emotionally dense track, the crowd broke into a frenzy at seeing Unique, Blaster, Badjao, and Zild united on the stage once again. Through “Aura,” IV of Spades heated up the Arena for an evening of music and celebration.
BGYO – “All These Ladies” & “Dance With Me”
Photographed by Easel Manes
Kicking off a medley of performances, the Aces of P-pop BGYO took the Arena by storm with a medley of their tracks “All These Ladies” and “Dance With Me.” As a nominee for the Pop Song of the Year award, the live rendition of “All These Ladies” proved to be one of the show-stopping moments of the night. Many could say they left the arena with the song still stuck in their heads.
Maki – “Abelyana” & “Kahel Na Langit”
Photographed by Easel Manes
As one of this generation’s most talented singer-songwriters, Maki‘s set at the Filipino Music Awards brought a whirlwind of emotions to the Mall of Asia Arena that night. Taking his recent pop release “Abelyana” to the grand stage along with his chart-breaking hit “Kahel Na Langit,” the audience was treated to a ride on Maki’s Kolorcoaster.
BINI – “First Luv”
Photographed by E
Who else could dominate the stage as powerfully as the Nation’s Girl Group? Taking over, BINI brought their latest hit single “First Luv” to the Filipino Music Awards 2025 stage in a showcase of elegance and grace. With their playful yet coordinated and sharp choreography, along with powerful live vocals to boot, BINI surely won the hearts of the audience at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Apl.de.Ap – “WIND IT!”
Photographed by Mayks Go
Showcasing the full extent of Filipino music’s power in collaboration, the Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de.Ap teamed up with local femcees Fana and Illest Morena for a rousing performance of his unreleased single “WIND IT!” Powering through their shared stage, the artists showed that at the core essence of Filipino music is the nature to collaborate with one another and celebrate our heritage.
MAXIE – “Tado” & “Halika Na”
Photographed by Mayks G
Soon after Apl.de.Ap’s performance of “WIND IT!,” award-winning drag performer MAXIE took over the Filipino Music Awards 2025 stage in a powerful medley of her popular tracks “Tado” and “Halika Na.” Emerging from a dazzling throne, the artist showed excellence in bringing her songs to life with her complicated and yet polished choreography, with a strong vocal performance to boot.
Gloc-9 – “Upuan”
Photographed by Mayks Go
Certainly, one of the showstopping highlights of the Filipino Music Awards 2025 was Gloc-9’s arena-rousing live rendition of his iconic piece “Upuan.” Rapping powerful lyrics at lightning speed, Gloc-9 proved his title as one of the Philippines’ most legendary performers in the hip-hop scene at the Mall of Asia Arena that night.
Lolita Carbon, Yeng Constantino, and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchstra – “Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran”
Photographed by Mayks Go
On a similar note of patriotic performances at the Filipino Music Awards, Lolita Carbon, Yeng Constantino, and a quartet from the Philippines’ very own Philharmonic Orchestra took the Mall of Asia Arena on a slow and solemn turn. With an emotionally charged live rendition of Asin’s “Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran” (with a string arrangement by Ygo Ferraz of Ysanygo), these iconic artists joined forces for one moving performance that served as a reminder to take care of the world around us.
Cup of Joe – “Multo”
Photographed by Mayks Go
Proving their work as deserving of the title of Song of the Year, Baguio-bred hitmakers Cup of Joe ushered the audience into a night of feeling our feelings to the fullest with a live rendition of “Multo.” Making the most out of their set, the five-piece performed an extended version of the chart-topping hit as the entire arena sang along.
Ely Buendia – “Kandarapa”
Photographed by Easel Manes
As an icon following icons, Ely Buendia was next to take the stage at the Filipino Music Awards with an electrifying live rendition of his Rock Song of the Year-nominated piece “Kandarapa.” Igniting the crowd with a surge of energy from the upbeat and powerful track, the legendary singer-songwriter’s performance was definitely marked as a highlight of the night.
SB19 – “DAM”
Photographed by Easel Manes
Following their acceptance of the award for Artist of the Year, it soon became the Kings of P-pop’s turn to dominate the stage with a breathtaking live rendition of their Song of the Year-nominated piece “DAM.” Charging into their set with powerful energy, SB19 celebrated their six awards of the night with their record-breaking victory anthem.
SB19 and Ben&Ben – “Kapangyarihan”
Photographed by Mayks Go
It’s no understatement to say that SB19 and Ben&Ben brought the house down with their astounding live rendition of their political anthem “Kapangyarihan.” Preluding the song with a moving speech about demanding good governance and using one’s platform for good, the five-member group joined forces with the nine-piece Ben&Ben for a timely and impactful performance.
The first-ever Filipino Music Awards brought together the OPM industry’s biggest artists and influential figures, honoring their contributions to the wider industry at large, presenting a total 20 honors across five major categories, and was organized by Modern Media Group Inc. — home to renowned global titles such as Billboard Philippines, Rolling Stone Philippines, Nylon Manila, and Robb Report Philippines — and produced by AGC Power Holdings Corp.