The inaugural Filipino Music Awards (FMAs) celebrated the best of OPM in a night filled with camaraderie, creativity, and heartfelt moments. Here’s a look at the highlights and this year’s remarkable winners.
The first-ever Filipino Music Awards (FMAs) concluded with much fanfare at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where hundreds of industry legends and leaders, along with thousands of fans, gathered under one roof to celebrate the best in Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Held on October 21, 2025, the ceremony marked the historic debut of the award-giving body, which recognized excellence through 18 honors that celebrated the diversity and artistry of Filipino music. Each award followed a unique evaluation process that reflected the FMAs’ mission to honor Filipino musical heritage, champion innovation, and spotlight local artistry on the global stage.
Winners of the evening took home the FMA trophy designed by acclaimed visual artist Ovvian Castrillo-Hill. His hand-sculpted piece, titled “Daluyong,” is a powerful symbol of cultural waves, inspired by the eye of a storm and the anahaw leaf, which in turn symbolizes Filipino strength and ingenuity. That spirit is reflected in the winners selected across four main categories: Genre Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Legacy Awards, and Grand Awards.
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Pinoy-pop group SB19 took home the most trophies that evening, earning a total of six wins, including the first-ever Artist of the Year in FMA history. Other honorees included industry legends such as Jose Mari Chan and Pilita Corrales, who were both recognized under the Legacy Awards category.
FMAs Celebrate The Best In Genre Innovation
The evening kicked off with the Genre Awards segment, which honored the songs that refined their genres through musical innovation. Awardees were determined by the official FMA jury, which was composed of OPM icons and industry veterans. The Pop Song of the Year award went to “DUNGKA!” by SB19, marking the first of their strong showing that evening. Zild took home Alternative Song of the Year for “I.N.A.S.” Upon his victory, Zild mentioned how the honor truly belonged to all the young artists pushing OPM forward.
Rock Song of the Year went to the popular band IV of Spades for their track “Aura,” while “Sampung Mga Daliri” by singer-songwriter dwta in collaboration with SB19’s Justin took home Folk Song of the Year. R&B Song of the Year went to “Marilag” by Dionela. Finally, “GUBAT NA SIYUDAD” by Morobeats took home Hip-Hop Song of the Year. The performer urged musicians to keep creating with meaning, capturing the spirit of the evening that spotlighted the OPM community. To close out this section of the award show, there was an exciting run of performances from BINI, Maki, and BGYO.
The People Have Spoken
What is the music industry without its fans? For the People’s Choice Awards, the FMA celebrated lovers of OPM by inviting them to vote for the winners, making it the only publicly voted category. This award honors the artists who have shaped youth culture, driven conversations, and influenced music, fashion, and the digital sphere. It comes as no surprise, then, that SB19 swept both of its nominations. The ultra-popular pop group, which has captured the hearts of music fans not only in the Philippines but around the world, took home the People’s Choice Awards for Artist and Song (for “DUNGKA!”).
BTS member j-hope took home the award for International Artist, the only honor of the evening to recognize an overseas talent. The category closed on a high note with three electrifying performances: Fil-Am artist Apl.de.Ap debuted his latest single “WIND IT!” live for the first time, followed by dynamic sets from drag superstar Maxie and Pinoy rap icon Gloc-9, who each brought their own flair to the stage.
Honoring The Legacy Of OPM At The FMAs
While the FMAs celebrated the future of music, it also took time to honor the trailblazers who shaped OPM into what it is today through the Legacy Awards. This heartwarming segment paid tribute to the timeless artistry of musicians who have inspired generations. The late icon Pilita Corrales was posthumously honored with the Tribute Award, creating one of the most moving moments of the evening when Jericho Rosales presented the trophy to actress Janine Gutierrez and actor-singer Diego Gutierrez, who accepted it on behalf of their grandmother.
The first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jose Mari Chan, a fitting honoree who has delighted audiences for decades with his performances and timeless songwriting. Now closely associated with the Christmas season—a role he fully embraces—Chan has become a cultural icon for Filipino families across generations. Finally, Ang Misyon, Inc. — Orchestra of the Filipino Youth was recognized as the Music Foundation of the Year for its enduring work in music education for underprivileged young Filipinos.
Grand Slam Of Filipino Artistry
Closing the evening was the presentation of the Grand Awards, which recognize not only artistic excellence but also commercial success and cultural impact. Unlike the Genre and Legacy Awards, these honors are determined through a combination of jury deliberation and data on chart performance, streaming milestones, and concert achievements. This segment celebrates artists who have elevated the industry and positioned OPM as a shining example of artistry both locally and abroad.
SB19 won three awards under this segment. Their Simula at Wakas World Tour took home both Tour of the Year and Concert of the Year. In a moment of gratitude and excitement, the band invited their concert director, Paolo Valenciano, to join them on stage as they accepted the latter award. The band closed the night by not only winning the top award of Artist of the Year, but also performing an electrifying solo set, before being joined onstage by Ben&Ben for a performance of “Kapangyarihan.”
The other big winner of the evening was Cup of Joe, who took home both Album of the Year for Silakbo and Song of the Year for “Multo.” In a touching moment of support and collective triumph within the Filipino art community, Cup of Joe was warmly embraced by presenter Lola Amour upon winning Album of the Year. The segment also featured a stirring performance from rock icon Ely Buendia. The first-ever FMAs proved to be an unforgettable celebration of Filipino music, leaving fans and artists alike eagerly anticipating next year’s ceremony.
The Filipino Music Awards is produced by AGC Power Holdings Corp. and presented by its subsidiary, Modern Media Group Inc. (MMGI), the home of acclaimed media titles Billboard Philippines, NYLON Manila, Rolling Stone Philippines, and Robb Report Philippines.
Photos courtesy of The Filipino Music Awards
