After one year of highlighting and showcasing the country’s talents in the music scene, Billboard Philippines is ringing in their first anniversary with Billboard Philippines: Mainstage.

Within a span of a mere 365 days, Billboard Philippines has amplified voices of local artists and spread their influence worldwide. To commemorate this past year of uplifting rising artists and bringing Pinoy music to international limelight, the Billboard Philippines team has rounded up artists from a wide variety of genres ranging from P-pop to hip-hop and everything in between. The event will feature fresh up-and-comers, rising stars, household names, and OPM icons, for the penultimate celebration of Filipino music.

Learn more about Billboard Philippines: Mainstage’s star-studded lineup here!


AJAA

Rising P-pop stars AJAA have been making a name for themselves in the P-pop industry with their hit tracks, “Torpe” and “Bes I Luv U”. Dubbed as the genre’s freshest four-member boy group, AJAA is sure to bring a youthful glow to the stage. Since their debut with “4Ü” in September of last year, these fresh faces have established their identities throughout the ever-changing landscape of the P-pop industry.

Adie

Romantic hit-making, award-winning solo indie act Adie will be gracing the stage with his captivating serenades and ballads. Adie had previously performed his collaborative single with Close Up, “Closer You and I,” on Billboard Philippines’ Soundwave earlier in January of this year. With a fresh, acoustic-driven sound, Adie is establishing a legacy that connects his sound with millions. His viral hits include none other than his collaboration with Janine Berdin “Mahika“, and wave-making single “Tahanan”.

ALAMAT

Spicing up the lineup with their hybrid mix of P-pop and Pinoy rap, ALAMAT is giving P-pop a new face. The group’s patriotic and descriptive lyricism is bound to captivate the audience. With their innovative approach and dedication to promoting Filipino heritage, ALAMAT is redefining what it means to be a P-pop group. As each member comes from different places all across the Philippines, the group’s infectious energy is sure to set the stage on fire.

Ben&Ben

OPM indie superstars Ben&Ben have been made household names of the local music industry. From folk favorites to gentle ballads, the nine-piece hitmakers are a spectacle to see live. The band also recently released a new single featuring Indonesian singer-songwriter Petra Sihombing, “Comets” last August 26. Renowned for their rich harmonies and soulful instrumentals, Ben&Ben have become a household name, helping shape the modern OPM landscape.

BINI

The nation’s girl group will be making their way onto the stage for our anniversary event. Winning the Rising Star award at Billboard Philippines’ Women in Music event last March, BINI is a force to be reckoned with. The recently recognized Voices of Asia have been recognized internationally for their unmatched, polished performances. With their talent and vibrant style, BINI are setting new standards for P-pop and is poised to become one of the leading acts in the global pop scene.

Cup of Joe

No longer strangers (or mga “Estranghero”), our beloved Baguio-based indie band Cup of Joe will be grooving and jiving on stage with their trademark indie pop. The band’s music often explores themes of love, youth, and self-discovery, wrapped in a dreamy, feel-good sound. Having recently marked their sixth anniversary, Cup of Joe’s vibrant and self-assured energy set their live performances apart from other local indie acts.

Dilaw

Also part of the stellar lineup will be the emerging eclectic rock stars, Dilaw. The “Uhaw” hitmakers continue to make waves with their thought-provoking, unapologetic approach to tackling social issues through music. Dilaw continues to push the boundaries of modern Filipino rock, solidifying their place as one of the genre’s most exciting new voices.

Erik Santos

One of the Philippines’ most celebrated balladeers, Erik Santos, will soon ring in his second decade since debut on October 20 with an anniversary concert. The Kapamilya singer has become a staple in the OPM music industry, known for iconic hits like “I’ll Never Go” and “Pagbigyang Muli.” Consistently captivating audiences with both his onstage performances and in-film soundtracks, Erik Santos’ live performance is not one to be missed.

FELIP

Branching off of his career with SB19 into a solo venture, Pinoy Hip-Hop Class of 2024 graduate FELIP has become a distinct creative entity of his own. Known for his deep vocals, striking stage presence, and innovative style, FELIP has ventured into solo work, showcasing a darker, more experimental side with tracks like “Palayo”. In commemoration of his album launch, the artist also recently held his first-ever solo concert for 7sins.

Gary Valenciano

Repping classic OPM on a stage of new and modern performers is the legendary Gary Valenciano, or affectionately known as Gary V. As he continues to release music in this era of fresh artists, he reigns the industry as the original ballad king. With a career spanning over three decades, he has given life to timeless hits like “Di Bale Na Lang” and “Take Me Out of the Dark,” becoming a household name in Philippine music.

G22

Rising P-pop girl group stars G22 is more than ready to show their dance skills and vocal prowess. Since debuting, the group has quickly gained attention for their bold, unapologetic sound, blending pop, hip-hop, and R&B influences. Their dynamic choreography and strong vocal presence set them apart, scoring them a recent nomination for Song by An International Artist at Brazil’s 2024 BreakTudo Awards.

Hev Abi

Photographed by Everywhere We Shoot

Morato’s Most Wanted will be bringing the downtown Quezon City atmosphere all the way to Pasay. With his recent mini album, “Bahay Namin Maliit Lamang,” Hev Abi combines the downbeat rhythms of house music with his soulful rap — proving his mark as an innovator in the local rap industry. As he continues to release tracks that challenge his peers and listeners, Hev Abi is solidifying his place as one of the exciting new faces in Filipino hip-hop. This performance will also mark his return from his ongoing tour in Australia.

Illest Morena

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Graduate of Billboard Philippines’ Hip-Hop Class of 2024, “Faded (Raw)” hitmaker Illest Morena will be lighting up the Billboard Philippines’ Mainstage. Blazing her own path in the male-dominated hip-hop scene, the R&B siren tackles themes of empowerment, self-expression, and authenticity. With her unapologetic attitude and confident style, Illest Morena is quickly becoming a standout voice in the local rap scene, blending street sensibilities with modern influences.

James Reid

Local R&B staple and wave-maker James Reid’s legacy almost needs no explanation. Since transitioning from a successful acting career to music, he has established himself as a dynamic artist with hits like Cool Down and recent chart-topper “Randomatic.” As the founder of Careless Music, James has championed a new wave of independent artistry in OPM, pushing boundaries and embracing a more global sound. The industry icon had also recently released a new single, “Sandal,” in which he reconnected with his pop-leaning roots.

Josh Cullen

Performing solo in addition to his group’s set, SB19’s Josh Cullen is making a statement. The artist’s recent solo ventures highlight his storytelling capabilities, alongside his diverse set of sound. With his recently dropped full-length debut album Lost & Found, the P-pop star will be making his claim on the stage. This performance will also follow his debut solo concert on September 29. As both a performer and a songwriter, Josh is carving his own path in the P-pop landscape, contributing to the genre’s evolution and global appeal.

John Roa

Singer-songwriter John Roa may only be 24 years old, but his name has become a staple in the local music industry. Starting as a member of the hip-hop group Ex Battalion, John eventually ventured into a solo career, where his introspective songwriting and emotive delivery have garnered widespread acclaim. With hits like “Oks Lang” and “Byahe,” he has become a prominent voice in the OPM scene, often delving into themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth.

Moira

Photographed by Shaira Luna

 

The cover star of Billboard Philippines’ Ballad Issue of August this year, Moira Dela Torre has crafted songs that warm the hearts of millions. With her signature breathy yet soulful voice that effortlessly conveys deep emotion, she has become a defining voice in contemporary OPM. Her breakout hits, including “Tagpuan” and “Malaya,” showcase her talent for crafting intimate, heartfelt songs that create a safe space for her listeners. Moira’s music often explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, and her distinct acoustic style has earned her critical acclaim.

KAIA

This fresh, up-and-coming girl group is not one to be missed at Mainstage, as KAIA has been making waves in the P-pop scene with their fresh sound and energetic performances. Known for their catchy tracks and powerful stage presence, the girl group blends elements of pop, dance, and R&B, creating a unique and vibrant musical identity. KAIA’s dynamic style and engaging choreography set them apart, making them a promising new addition to the growing roster of P-pop talent.

KZ Tandingan

OPM’s jack-of-all-trades KZ Tandingan has every card in her alley. The superstar vocalist, balladeer, and rapper will be gracing the stage with her soulful and distinct sound. Known for her ability to infuse classic and contemporary sounds with her own distinct style, KZ Tandingan continues to push boundaries and inspire with her dynamic performances and compelling music. Her recent duet with her husband on his hit track, “Palagi,” has been making waves on the charts as well.

Maki

Emerging hitmaker Maki dominates the airwaves with his heart-wrenching stories that are accompanied by lighthearted pop melodies. His distinct alternative and city pop sound have captivated audiences of millions, as his single “Dilaw” held on to the top spot of the Billboard Philippines for a record. of four weeks straight. Soon following this was his hit track “Namumula” where he combats the feelings of wanting to go for someone who isn’t showing the greenest of flags– the song quickly made its debut at No. 45 of the charts.

O Side Mafia

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OPM’s iconic hip-hop trio, O Side Mafia, will be blazing the Billboard Philippines: Mainstage with their catchy and iconic bars. Captivating audiences nationwide with their compelling beats, the group has made a name for themselves with tracks that explore themes of street life, personal struggle, and social issues. Born from a sense of brotherhood, the trio had crafted their unique sound, characterized by a blend of hard-hitting rap and innovative production.

Over October

Pop/alternative band Over October will also be celebrating their tenth anniversary as a band on October 4. Recently making their debut in the top 10 of the Billboard Top Philippine Songs Chart with “Ikot,” the quintet proved their perseverance to be a mark of their success. Known for their energetic performances and catchy melodies, the band delivers a fresh sound that blends driving guitar riffs with introspective lyrics.

PLAYERTWO

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Bringing in a fun and fresh spin to local hip-hop, OPM’s favorite alternative boy band will be bringing in the grooves to Billboard Philippines’ Mainstage. These alumni of the Pinoy Hip-Hop Class of 2024 take a playful approach on the genre, making waves entirely of their own. Known for their eclectic blend of hip-hop, electronic, and alternative influences, the group delivers a unique musical experience characterized by experimental beats and thought-provoking lyrics.

Regine Velasquez-Alcasid

Asia’s songbird is here. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid is marked as a towering figure in the local music industry, renowned for her powerful voice and remarkable versatility. Her upcoming album Reginified is set to release on November 22 of this year, and she has dropped singles previewing the sound for this future release. Known for her impressive vocal range and emotional depth, Velasquez-Alcasid has won numerous awards and accolades, solidifying her status as one of the most celebrated and influential artists in the Philippines.

Sandwich

OPM staples and Billboard Philippines’ Indie and Alternative cover stars Sandwich are an enduring force to be reckoned with. The band and their legacy remains evergreen as their sound shifted throughout generations, as their most recent single “Morena” was dropped earlier this year. Since their formation in 1998, they have become a significant force in the OPM rock scene with hits like “Sugod” and “Betamax.” Their music blends alternative rock with punk and pop influences, characterized by catchy riffs, dynamic rhythms, and colorful lyrics.

Sarah Geronimo

The pop princess of the Philippines will be making a return to the limelight on the Billboard Philippines: Mainstage. The superstar was recognized as Billboard Philippines’ first ever Woman of the Year, marking her feature as the cover star of the publication’s Women In Music Issue. Her versatility spans pop, ballads, and dance music, and she has won numerous awards for her contributions to the music industry. With this in mind, Geronimo’s undeniable stage presence and top-tier performing skills will be gracing the Mainstage.

SB19

Joining BINI in their return From the Billboard K-POWER 100 event is the trailblazing P-Pop boy group, SB19. The first ever Billboard Philippines cover stars will be ringing in the publication’s one-year anniversary, as well. Formed under the management of 1Z Entertainment, the group quickly gained recognition with their debut hit “Go Up,” showcasing their impressive choreography, strong vocals, and engaging performances. As the group continues to explore their solo ventures, their chemistry and dynamic as a group still remain some of the strongest in the scene.

TJ Monterde

Singer-songwriter and “Palagi” hitmaker TJ Monterde has honed his craft in sharing his authenticity and raw emotions in music that resonates with millinos. The artist’s stripped-down style, marked by catchy melodies and emotional depth, has resonated with fans, making him one of the most prominent voices in the OPM acoustic genre. TJ’s music continues to capture hearts with its honesty and timeless appeal. It’s precisely for these reasons that TJ’s hit song “Palagi” continues to dominate the charts.

Tus Brothers

Photographed by Everywhere We Shoot

 

A pair of dominating forces in the local hip-hop scene are Pinoy Hip-Hop Class of 2024 alumni and brothers Al Tus and Rudyrude. Known for their distinct, hardcore sound, Tus Brothers’ performance is not one to be missed this coming October. With their distinct blend of rap, hip-hop, and street influences, the duo delivers powerful tracks that resonate with themes of hustle, life struggles, and resilience. Their unapologetic and authentic approach to music sets them apart, which helped them break out after their debut in 2019.

VXON

VXON (read as vision) is an exciting fresh face to the P-Pop sphere, as their distinct gritty hip-hop sound has shook the genre to its core. Drawing inspiration from legendary Pinoy hip-hop artists, Flow G, Skusta Clee, and Shanti Dope, the boy group — often referred to as “The Monster Of P-pop” —  is ushering in a new era for the genre. Not only this, but their dynamic choreography and fierce stage presence have helped them stand out in the growing P-pop industry.

Yeng Constantino

Commemorated as one of the nation’s top hitmakers, Yeng Constantino‘s legacy is almost self-explanatory. From karaoke rites of passage songs like “Ikaw” to certified cult classics like “Chinito,” Constantino’s discography poises an undeniable relatability that resonates with all audiences alike — which established her as a household staple in the local music industry. With her strong songwriting skills and powerful voice, Yeng has cemented her place as one of the most influential and enduring artists in Filipino music.

YGIG

Rising P-pop stars, YGIG (You Go, I Go) is breaking into the industry with their bright and youthful energy. The group made their debut back in 2022 with hit track “Shaba Shaba”, and most recently released an upbeat ode of appreciation “Universe.” Blending catchy pop melodies with intricate choreography, YGIG brings a fresh energy to the growing P-pop scene. As they continue to rise, the girl group is positioning themselves as one of the promising new faces of P-pop.

Zae

Photographed by Everywhere We Shoot

 

Billboard’s Pinoy Hip-Hop Class of 2024 Alumni, Zae, has been dominating the scene with her contemporary and fierce sound. She had recently performed her hit track, “Super Fly” on the Billboard Soundwave that can be watched here. Trailblazing the Pinoy hip-hop scene with her themes of feminism, the rapper has quickly made a name for herself in the OPM scene. Her music often explores themes of self-confidence, empowerment, and personal growth, resonating with a young and diverse audience.


Billboard Philippines: Mainstage is happening on October 15, 2024 at the SM Mall Of Asia Arena. Ticket packages for this anniversary event are still available here.