The first-ever Filipino Music Awards (FMA) took place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on October 21, 2025, marking a historic night for Original Pilipino Music. The event was designed to honor the best of Filipino artistry, creativity, and contribution to the country’s music scene — and it did just that, bringing together generations of artists under one spotlight.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR — SB19
No surprises here. SB19 has spent the last few years defining what modern Filipino pop looks and sounds like on a global scale. Their consistency in producing chart-topping tracks, high-production tours, and socially conscious concepts make them more than performers — they’re cultural leaders. Their artistry continues to bridge fandom passion with professionalism, and their international presence has redefined what “OPM going global” means.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR — Simula at Wakas by SB19
This album marked a new creative era for the group — a reflective yet powerful narrative about growth, resilience, and new beginnings. With tight production, layered harmonies, and mature songwriting, Simula at Wakas showcased why SB19 are more than just idols — they’re storytellers. Every track felt intentional, balancing mainstream accessibility with lyrical depth.
SONG OF THE YEAR — “Multo” by Cup of Joe
Cup of Joe’s “Multo” resonated with audiences for its emotional honesty and the haunting simplicity of its arrangement. The song’s raw, nostalgic tone captured the melancholic side of love and loss — themes deeply familiar to Filipino listeners. It stood out in a year dominated by big productions because of how effortlessly it drew listeners in through sincerity rather than spectacle.
TOUR OF THE YEAR — Simula at Wakas World Tour (SB19)
SB19’s world tour wasn’t just a series of concerts; it was a cultural export. From Manila to Los Angeles and Dubai, the group demonstrated how Filipino production standards can match — and even surpass — international benchmarks. The tour combined storytelling, choreography, and live vocals with a theatrical polish that elevated OPM to the global stage.
MUSIC COMPANY OF THE YEAR — Sony Music Philippines
Sony’s consistent investment in diverse Filipino talent paid off this year. Beyond managing high-profile acts, the label has provided a platform for emerging artists across genres — from indie to pop — ensuring that OPM remains dynamic. Their roster reflects a balance between commercial success and artistic experimentation, something the local industry sorely needs.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD — SB19 and J-Hope (International Artist)
The People’s Choice categories underscored the influence of fandom and community in modern music. SB19’s win reflected how deeply they’ve rooted themselves in Filipino pop culture — not just as performers, but as icons who embody discipline and national pride.
Meanwhile, J-Hope winning People’s Choice: International Artist was a powerful testament to his connection with Filipino fans. Long admired for his artistry, humility, and charisma, J-Hope’s recognition shows how K-pop’s global reach has intertwined with Filipino audiences’ evolving tastes. His music — from Jack In The Box to Sweet Dreams — resonates for its energy and emotional depth, making him one of the most respected solo performers in Asia today.
THE CULTURAL IMPACT OF THE FMAs
The establishment of the Filipino Music Awards represents a turning point for OPM. For decades, Filipino artists have had to prove themselves in a fragmented landscape — celebrated locally, but often overlooked globally. The FMAs formalize recognition for their craft on home soil while aligning Filipino music with the standards of major international award bodies.
Beyond recognition, the FMAs offer validation. They prove that the Philippines is ready to celebrate its musicians with the same grandeur and seriousness as any global music hub. It sends a message that Filipino creativity doesn’t need foreign validation to be valuable — it already stands on its own.
Filipino music is no longer confined to small venues or niche playlists. It’s becoming a cultural force — one that reflects the heart of the nation and its growing influence across the world.
Below is the full list of winners at the Filipino Music Awards:
Album of the Year
- Silakbo – Cup of Joe (winner)
- Method Adaptor – Ely Buendia
- Simula at Wakas – SB19
- Himig at Pag-ibig – Earl Agustin
- Biniverse – Bini
Song of the Year
- Multo – Cup of Joe (winner)
- Marilag – Dionela
- Dam – SB19
- Aura – IV of Spades
- Kalimutan Ka – Skusta Clee
Tour of the Year
- Simula at Wakas World Tour – SB19 (winner)
- Biniverse World Tour 2025 – Bini
- Hev Abi United States and Australia Tour – Hev Abi
- Huling El Bimbo World Tour – Eraserheads
- Sarili Nating Mundo World Tour – TJ Monterde
Concert of the Year
- Simula at Wakas World Tour Kickoff – SB19 (winner)
- Silakbo – Cup of Joe
- Reset – Regine Velasquez
- Pure Energy: One More Time – Gary Valenciano
- Sarili Nating Mundo at the Big Dome – TJ Monterde
Artist of the Year
- SB19 (winner)
- Cup of Joe
- Earl Agustin
- Bini
- TJ Monterde
Music Company of the Year
- Sony Music Philippines (winner)
- ABS-CBN Music
- Cornerstone Entertainment
- Live Nation Philippines
- Viva Records
Alternative Song of the Year
- I.N.A.S. – Zild (winner)
- Basura – Sandwich, Suyen
- Mahal – Dilaw
- Misbehave – Lola Amour
- Telepono – One Click Straight
Folk Song of the Year
- Sampung mga Daliri – Dwta, Justin (winner)
- Aking Diwata – Noel Cabangon
- Lalim – Mateo
- Sa Bawat Sandali – Amiel Sol
- Sarranggola – Ben&Ben
Pop Song of the Year
- Dungka! – SB19 (winner)
- All These Ladies – BGYO
- Namumula – Maki
- Tanga – Kaia
- Umaaligid – Sarah Geronimo, SB19
R&B Song of the Year
- Marilag – Dionela (winner)
- Fool Me Twice – Jess Connelly
- Ikigai – Dionela, Loonie
- Magic – Jason Dhakal
- Segundo, Siguro – Arthur Nery
Hip-hop Song of the Year
- Gubat na Siyudad – Morobeats (winner)
- Gusto Ko Sakin Ka Lang – Robledo Timido
- Man in the Mirror – Waiian
- My Day – Hellmerry
- Subomoto (Hev Abi remix) – Zae, Hev Abi
Rock Song of the Year
- Aura – IV of Spades (winner)
- Biktima – Chicosci
- Hari ng Kapalpakan – Blaster
- Kandarapa – Ely Buendia
- Verdugo – Juggernaut
People’s Choice Awards – Artist
- SB19 (winner)
- Bini
- Cup of Joe
- December Avenue
- Flow G
- G22
- Hev Abi
- Maki
- Rico Blanco
- TJ Monterde
People’s Choice Awards – International Artist
- J-Hope (winner)
- Jennie
- Justin Bieber
- Katseye
- Niki
- Olivia Rodrigo
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Seventeen
- SZA
- Twice
People’s Choice Awards – Song
- Dungka! – SB19 (winner)
- Aura – IV of Spades
- Blink Twice – Bini
- Daleng-Dale – GAT
- Kalimutan Ka – Skusta Clee
- Multo – Cup of Joe
- Marilag – Dionela
- My Day – Hellmerry
- Namumula – Maki
- Sa Bawat Sandali – Amiel Sol
Lifetime Achievement Award: Jose Mari Chan
Music Foundation of the Year: Ang Misyon – Orchestra of the Filipino Youth
Tribute Award: Pilita Corrales (posthumous)
ABOUT THE FILIPINO MUSIC AWARDS
The Filipino Music Awards (FMA) is officially organized and presented by Billboard Philippines.
It’s part of the brand’s regional expansion under Billboard Philippines, which launched in 2023 through a partnership between Billboard’s global parent company and Modern Media Group Inc. (under AGC Power Holdings Corp). The FMA is Billboard Philippines’ flagship awards show, designed to become the country’s equivalent to the Billboard Music Awards in the U.S.
Their stated mission is to:
- Highlight Filipino music excellence across genres and generations.
- Bridge local and international markets, recognizing both homegrown and global artists with strong impact in the Philippines.
- Establish data-driven credibility, using chart metrics and measurable audience engagement as part of their selection criteria — similar to the Billboard methodology used globally.
