Filipino actor Jericho Rosales, together with actress and girlfriend Janine Gutierrez, attended the red carpet of the first-ever Filipino Music Awards, held on October 21 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

In an interview with Billboard Philippines, the Quezon star opened up about what’s exciting about the current era of OPM and the importance of shows such as the Filipino Music Awards in celebrating Filipino music.

“I think it’s just that the OPM energy in the past years, especially after the pandemic, has been amazing. There are new artists born every year, new bands coming out, great songs coming out, it’s been year after year, after year. I think it’s very timely para sa Filipino Music Awards to begin this year.”

“It means a lot. You know, music is a part of our lives as Filipinos, and we are great singers and musicians. I’m just excited for OPM to conquer the world,” he adds.

The first-ever Filipino Music Awards brings 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 is 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.

Ralph Regis

Ralph Regis

Lifestyle and Culture Writer

Ralph Regis is a Lifestyle and Culture Writer at Billboard Philippines, where he bridges the worlds of film, television, fashion, art, food, and cultural trends with both the local and international music scene.

He has written extensively about artist collaborations, brand partnerships, and pop culture moments that connect back to music. He also brings stories to life through in-depth interviews with musicians and personalities, drawing on their diverse perspectives, opinions, and reflections on the human condition.

In addition, Ralph also writes about music releases across a wide range of genres, including pop, hip-hop, P-pop, and rock, highlighting both rising and established artists. With a passion for storytelling that goes beyond trends, he explores how music is part of our daily lives in one form or another, connecting culture, experiences, and everything in between.

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