A Toast To OPM: Celebrating A Thriving Music Scene At Billboard Philippines’ Off The Charts Party

Rarely do you get the chance to be in the same room as a billion streams, but last night (July 31, 2024), that all became a reality at Billboard Philippines’ Off The Charts party. 

To commemorate a full month of finally having official music charts in the country and to welcome a new podcast, Billboard Philippines put together an unforgettable night of music and fun with the biggest record labels in the industry and the hottest artists today. Throughout the last month, we’ve witnessed the dominance of Filipino music and artists in the country, with songs by Maki, BINI, Dionela, and TJ Monterde bypassing some of the biggest international acts in the world — this was the party to celebrate all that. 

Held at KAO Manila, the night kicked off with a rundown of this week’s charts (dated August 3, 2024). As guests trickled in, they were greeted by songs from Hev Abi, O Side Mafia, and Cup Of Joe. It was particularly fitting to see these very artists walk in to their own songs. 

With everyone settling into the night, it was time to kick off the program — starting with a speech from Billboard Philippines’ COO and Publisher, Anne Bernisca who reminded the crowd about how we should always be proud of Filipino music. “Looking beyond the numbers, these charts are beacons as both actively celebrate and support emerging Filipino talents,” she said.

“With Filipino artists constantly occupying dominant positions in the charts, we further promote the OPM brand of music, and encourage our audience – especially the youth, to support and be proud of our homegrown talents.”

The evening continued with the official announcement of Billboard Philippines’ new podcast, Off The Charts. Hosted by Billboard Philippines’ very own Managing Editor Jason Caballa and Podcast Producer Anton Molina, the monthly podcast gives audiences insight on the latest trends and movements in the music industry, and predicts the next biggest thing in music.

As the short yet sweet program came to a close, Billboard Philippines’ Editor-in-Chief Bret Jackson took the stage to reiterate that the local music scene is growing to greater heights like never before. “Filipinos are choosing OPM. Listeners across the Philippines are choosing OPM. Original Filipino music is reaching new heights globally. Our charts are a reflection of these facts and as a community and as an industry, this is more than cause for celebration; this is a message for all of us,” he said. 

“The message being to collaborate, to support, to value Filipino music and the Filipino music industry.”

With the evening still young and full of promise, respected rock musicians and revered DJ duo The Diegos ushered everyone onto the dance floor with chart-topping tracks and OPM classics, uniting the crowd for spectacular night to remember.

It’s no secret that the charts are powered by numbers and data, but there’s also no denying that music is fueled by art, passion, and heart. While everyone — from the biggest power players in the industry to the most influential artists setting trends — gathered to welcome Billboard Philippines’ charts and new podcast, the Off The Charts party is ultimately a celebration of a music scene that’s thriving and continuing to break barriers. 

It’s a rare night where everyone, regardless if you’re from different record labels or artists from opposite ends of the musical spectrum, came together to recognize a collective and continuous effort to support and choose Filipino music. Here’s a toast the future of OPM!

Check out more photos from Billboard Philippines‘ Off The Charts party here!

Billboard Philippines Off The Charts Party was made possible by Mobility Partner, Hyundai, along with Bank Partner, BDO, Music Partner, LG XBOOM, Pouring Partner, Glenfiddich, and Official Venue Partner, KAO Manila. 

With special thanks to Havaianas, Jack Daniel’s, Heineken, Smirnoff, Monkey Shoulder, and Third Culture Productions.

Billboard PH Off The Charts premieres every first Wednesday of the month via Billboard Philippines’ Spotify and Youtube channel, starting August 7, 2024.