EXCLUSIVE: APO Hiking Society, Homer Flores, Lorrie Ilustre To Receive Ryan Cayabyab Awards
Happening this November 28 to 30, the Pinoy Playlist Music Festival carries the theme “Halo-halo, Sapin-sapin, Sabay-sabay” — which the organization says is “… A celebration of Filipino music in all its richness, diversity, and layers.”
By Rome Saenz
Today (October 31, 2025), it has been announced exclusively through Billboard Philippines that the 2025 Pinoy Playlist Music Festival Ryan Cayabyab Awardees are Homer Flores, Lorrie Ilustre, and the APO Hiking Society. In an official press release, it was written that, “Each of the awardees excelled in their contributions to the aspects of music that National Artist for Music, Ryan Cayabyab, pursued, which include composition, arrangement, or performance.”
Happening this November 28 to 30, the Pinoy Playlist Music FestivalMusic FestivalA multi-act live event, held over one or several days, featuring many performers across genres and stages. Festivals create community around music and attract tourism, and the Philippines hosts aGo to Music Festival Glossary carries the theme “Halo-halo, Sapin-sapin, Sabay-sabay,” which the organization says is “… A celebration of Filipino music in all its richness, diversity, and layers.” In the three-day event, the organization will be celebrating local craft in the awarding ceremonies, live performances, and more activities for event-goers.
Formed in 1969, the APO Hiking Society is largely considered to be one of the pillars of Original Pilipino Music (OPMOPMShort for Original Pilipino Music, the body of songs created by Filipino artists, spanning genres from ballads and rock to hip-hop and pop. OPM expresses Filipino identity and heritage, andGo to OPM Glossary), as their voices helped shape what was later known to be “Manila Sound” with hits like “Panalangin,” “When I Met You,” and many more. Similarly, Lorrie Ilustre, musician, arranger, and music director, who has established anthems that have been named as a “hallmark of memories” for multiple generations of Filiipinos. Additionally, Homer Flores has been noted to be a “master sculptor of the Filipino soundscape,” as he has produced, composed, and written many of the arrangements that have shaped the Philippine sonic identity.
Tickets for the show are currently priced at Php. 1,300 for the Early Bird 1-Day Pass, Php. 1,900 for the Regular 1-Day Pass, and Php. 750 for the Student 1-Day Pass. For all-around access to all performances across all 3 stages, PPMF Conversations, and the PPMF Ryan Cayabyab Awards, the Festival Pass is priced at Php. 3,900. Tickets are available via TicketWorld and all outlets nationwide, including the BGC Arts Center Box Office.