Winners will be chosen by a jury of OPM icons and industry veterans, while fans can also cast their votes in the People’s Choice Awards.
When it comes to talent, Filipinos have always been world-class. From Broadway icon Lea Salonga to global hitmaker Apl.de.Ap, to rising K-pop star Sophia Laforteza of KATSEYE, Filipino artists continue to prove their versatility and ability to shine on the global stage. Music has always been part of our cultural DNA, and it’s something Filipinos proudly carry no matter where they are in the world.
That’s why it only feels right to have an award show dedicated to honoring Filipino artists who raise the flag higher each year. These are the singers, songwriters, producers, and creatives who keep Original Pilipino Music (OPM) alive and thriving—even at a time when international hits dominate playlists everywhere.
For the first time, the Filipino Music Awards (FMA) will put the spotlight fully on homegrown talent. It’s a night to celebrate the best of OPM, showcasing the incredible range of artists and genres that represent the heartbeat of the Philippines.
Filipino Music Awards: A Celebration of the Filipino, by the Filipinos, and for the Filipinos
The inaugural Filipino Music Awards will happen on October 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The lineup alone is already star-studded, featuring performances from SB19, BINI, IV of Spades, Yeng Constantino, Maki, BGYO, Ely Buendia, Ben&Ben, Gloc-9, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, and OPM icon Lolita Carbon of the ‘70s group Asin.
Organized by Modern Media Group Inc., the FMAs will be giving out 20 awards across five major categories. Winners will be decided by an esteemed panel of OPM icons and industry veterans who will balance metric success with artistic excellence. Fans also have a powerful voice through the People’s Choice Awards, which allows the public to vote for their favorites in three categories: Artist, International Artist, and Song.
Voting runs until October 3 on the FMA’s official website. The most-voted nominees will be crowned on the awards night itself.
Here are the nominees that you can vote for under the People’s Choice Awards category:
Artist
- BINI
- Cup of Joe
- December Avenue
- Flow G
- G22
- Hev Abi
- Maki
- Rico Blanco
- SB19
- TJ Monterde
International Artist
- JENNIE
- j-hope
- Justin Bieber
- KATSEYE
- NIKI
- Olivia Rodrigo
- Sabrina Carpenter
- SEVENTEEN
- SZA
- TWICE
Song
- Multo (Cup of Joe)
- DUNGKA! (SB19)
- Marilag (Dionela)
- Namumula (Maki)
- Sa Bawat Sandali (Amiel Sol)
- Blink Twice (BINI)
- Daleng-Dale (GAT)
- Kalimutan Ka (Skusta Clee)
- Aura (IV of Spades)
- My Day (HELLMERRY)
Beyond the Fan Votes: Other Award Categories
Aside from these fan-driven categories, the FMAs will also hand out Genre Awards (for songs that push boundaries and redefine styles), Legacy Awards (honoring timeless artistry and cultural impact), Grand Awards (like Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, Concert of the Year, Music Company of the year, Tour of the Year, and Song of the Year), plus Special Awards recognizing exceptional contributions to Filipino music.
For decades, Filipino music has thrived despite challenges like a lack of mainstream support, piracy, and the global takeover of Western and K-pop hits. Yet through it all, OPM never disappeared. Instead, it reinvented itself with every new wave of artists, from rock bands in the ‘90s to today’s P-pop groups dominating both local and international charts. This kind of platform not only uplifts current artists and performers but also inspires the next generation of musicians who dream of making their mark.
So, who do you think will dominate the awards night? Whether it’s fan favorites like SB19, BINI, and Maki, or an iconic act like Rico Blanco, one thing is clear: this is a huge win for Filipino music. And maybe that’s the real takeaway. At the end of the day, we all win when OPM shines brighter than ever.
