October 2025

SB19 leads the label’s stellar night with six honors, including the coveted Artist of the Year

The musicians from Sony Music Philippines won nine major titles between them, making them the most-awarded acts at the inaugural Filipino Music Awards (FMA).

Leading the way was the worldwide pop sensation SB19, who won six accolades in all, including Concert of the Year, Tour of the Year, and the highly sought-after Artist of the Year. With the help of their chart-topping single “DUNGKA,” the well-known Filipino boyband also won two People’s Choice Awards for Artist and Song and another for Pop Song of the Year.on their most recent EP, Simula At Wakas.

Another standout from the Sony Music roster, IV of Spades, made a triumphant return to the spotlight, earning Rock Song of the Year for their hit single “Aura.” A few months ago, the track debuted at No. 4 on the Spotify Philippines Top 50 chart, marking a celebrated comeback for the band. Their upcoming headline concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, produced by Karpos, sold out two months in advance, a further proof of their enduring fanbase and musical legacy.

Rising Bicol-born singer-songwriter dwta also brought home honors for “Folk Song of the Year” with “Sampung Mga Daliri,” her collaborative track with SB19’s justin. The win underscores dwta’s growing prominence in the local music scene, following her recent contributions to the official soundtrack of Fatrick Tabada’s Flower Girl and co-writing credits on BINI’s viral hit “First Luv.”

The record label also bagged the prestigious Music Company of the Year, reaffirming its position as the country’s leading powerhouse in music.

“We’re deeply honored and proud of our artists whose stellar work has been recognized in a prestigious award-giving body like Filipino Music Awards,” says Kevin Foo, Managing Director – Southeast Asia, Sony Music Entertainment. “These wins are a testament to the extraordinary talent, creativity, and hard work of our artists, and to the collective passion of the Sony Music Entertainment team. Through this recognition, we remain committed in empowering Filipino musicians and showcasing the diversity and global potential of OPM as a music movement.”

“This achievement reflects the hard work and passion of our artists, their teams, and everyone at Sony Music who believes in the power of Filipino music,” shares Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Philippines, Sony Music Entertainment. “The success of SB19, IV of Spades, dwta, justin, and all our talented artists highlights the vibrant creativity and immense potential of our local music scene. We are excited to continue supporting and promoting these remarkable talents as they captivate audiences both locally and globally.”

Beyond the recognition, several Filipino artists lit up the FMA stage with impactful performances featuring songs from the Sony Music Entertainment catalog. IV of Spades delivered “Aura,” Ely Buendia performed “Kandarapa,” and Gloc-9 captivated the audience with “Upuan.”

The evening reached its peak with monumental finale featuring SB19 and Ben&Ben. SB19 energized the stage with “DAM,” followed by Ben&Ben’s moving performance of “Kapangyarihan.” The moment was made even more special as it marked the first-ever public performance of “Kapangyarihan” featuring both Ben&Ben and SB19 together, closing the night on a high and emotional note.

On October 21, 2025, at 6 p.m., the Filipino Music Awards (FMA), a historic celebration of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), were held. at the Asia Arena’s SM Mall. More than 500 musicians, business executives, and industry professionals joined thousands of music lovers for the first-ever event, which honored Filipino music’s inventiveness, diversity, and promise on a global scale.

This weekend, watch the official Filipino Music Awards telecast on TV5 and stream live on their Facebook page:

Part 1: October 25, 2025 / 9:45 PM

Part 2: October 26, 2025 / 9:30 PM

Actor-musician embarks on a new creative chapter as he leads Dear Dina in their first release, “Nabighani” – an ode to young love and hesitation

L-R: Louise Bayas, John Abat, Jun Arbiso, Jake Vargas, Victor Guison, Jessie Talaboc
Photo by JC Javier and Spective Studios

Jake Vargas, an actor and musician, will embark on a new journey as Dear Dina’s frontman. The six-piece group’s official debut will be  “Nabighani.” This single presents Dear Dina’s distinct fusion of emotion, sincerity, and easygoing appeal, giving OPM a new, youthful, and heartfelt feel. “Nabighani” is a tale of connection, shyness, and love.

“Nabighani,” which is based on Jake’s real-life romance with actress Inah de Belen, depicts the moment when you meet someone who captivates you right away but nerves and hesitancy prevent you from telling them how you really feel.

“The word ‘Nabighani’ has this beautiful Filipino charm,” the band shares. “It describes that unexplainable feeling of being drawn to someone. It’s tender, emotional, and authentic — just like the story behind the song.”

Sonically, “Nabighani” mirrors the soft, dreamy energy of being torpe – shy, in love, and hopeful. Its lyrics are simple yet sincere, like a conversation with your crush filled with quiet excitement and butterflies.

The song’s creation began with casual brainstorming sessions over coffee, where the band decided to write something that would be both relatable and true to their experiences. “Tinananong namin si Jake kung ano’ng naramdaman niya nung una niyang nakilala si Inah” the band shared. “Doon nagsimula ang song –  ‘yung kilig, kaba, at ‘yung feeling na gusto mong magsalita pero pinipigilan mo.”

The writing process was deeply collaborative, with each member contributing their strengths. When the band first jammed “Nabighani,” new member Louise Bayas suggested the now-iconic “sasabihin ko sa’yo” melody for the chorus, which immediately stuck. She also added a groovy bass line that locked in with the drums, filling the track with warmth and rhythm.

They describe the process as DIY – from recording drums at Victor Guison’s space (Unknown13 Pub) to using Louise’s personal recording gear.

To refine their sound, the band sought the expertise of producer Xergio Ramos, who helped shape the song’s final arrangement and direction. “Since it’s our first single, we wanted it to be perfect but not complicated,” the band shares. “Xergio really guided us in finding the right balance and bringing ‘Nabighani’ to life.”

For Dear Dina, “Nabighani” represents more than just their debut — it’s a statement of identity. “This song shows kung saan nanggagaling ang banda – mga kwento ng love, longing, at youth. Sincere and emotional siya, pero lighthearted and fun din,” they say.

Each member brings different musical influences –  from pop to rock to indie, but together they form a sound that’s uniquely Dear Dina: honest, cohesive, and deeply Filipino.

As Dear Dina prepares for their debut release, the band feels both excitement and gratitude for how far they’ve come. “It’s so fulfilling to see a song we built from scratch finally come to life,” they share. “This reminds us why we started making music – to tell stories, make people feel something, and enjoy the process together.”

Jake Vargas and Dear Dina’s song “Nabighani” allows listeners to rediscover the sweet, tense excitement of falling in love for the first time. This emotion is masterfully conveyed through authentic, relevant, and uniquely OPM music.

“Nabighani” by Dear Dina is currently available on all digital music platforms across the globe.

From world-class performances to songwriting collaborations, business matchmaking to industry dialogue, this year’s edition proved that the true rhythm of Southeast Asia lies in its spirit of community, innovation, and collaboration

AXEAN Festival 2025, which attracted around 4,000 attendees and solidified its position as one of the most significant music discovery platforms in the area, just wrapped up its most successful edition to date at Jimbaran Hub in Bali, Indonesia.

The sixth edition of AXEAN Festival 2025 offered a vibrant blend of community, conversation, and discovery, with reviews lauding its outstanding curation and innovative programming. In addition to honoring the best up-and-coming performers in the area, the festival promoted deep connections between musicians, business leaders, and international delegates, enhancing its standing as a conduit between Southeast Asia’s artistic vitality and the world music scene.

A Celebration of Discovery and Identity

Over 40 musicians performed on three stages at this year’s event, which culminated in the Club SEA Showcase, one of the weekend’s most memorable events. The showcase, which was devoted to the region’s meteoric surge in club and grassroots music, lit up the dance floor with amazing performances by Feel Koplo x Toxicdev! from Indonesia, DJ Love from the Philippines, Fauxe from Singapore, and S.O.L.E. from Thailand.

Fauxe’s set

With their unique tapestry of local textures, tropical rhythms, and theatrical flair, these artists embodied AXEAN’s ethos of celebrating regional identity in global contexts, leaving audiences in awe and critics calling it “a defining moment in Southeast Asia’s club culture.”

Beyond the stage: a Platform for Growth and Exchange

Now in its sixth year, AXEAN Festival has grown into far more than a music showcase. It has evolved into a comprehensive cultural and business platform, one that nurtures collaboration, facilitates cross-border partnerships, and accelerates the professional development of Southeast Asian artists.

Fauxe’s set

The festival’s conference programming impressed attendees with its forward-looking themes and engaging discourse. Over two days, panels and networking sessions explored vital industry topics, including:

1. Beyond the Upload: Strategies for Long-Term Growth for Southeast Asian Artists
2. Rethinking Music’s Footprint: Practical Pathways for Southeast Asia’s Music Scenes
3. From Funkot to Budots: The Booming Wave of Southeast Asia’s Grassroots Dance Music
4. Across the Pacific: Strengthening Music Ties Between New Zealand and Southeast Asia

The conference’s business matchmaking sessions and structured networking activities drew enthusiastic participation from regional and international delegates alike, creating new touring partnerships, booking opportunities, potential signings, and collaborative projects that will continue to resonate beyond festival grounds.

“The response was overwhelmingly positive,” said Mahanugru Kinzana, Head of Business & Commercial of Jimbaran Hub. “The structured networking sessions created genuine opportunities for dialogue between artists, managers, and delegates. AXEAN has become a rare space where serious industry conversations can happen within a creative, inspiring environment.”

Songwriting Camp: Building the Sound of Tomorrow

In line with its artist-first philosophy, AXEAN Festival 2025 extended its creative spirit beyond the main event through its Songwriting Camp, which brought together select artists and producers from across Asia to collaborate, co-create, and push the boundaries of regional sound.

“The songwriting camp was overflowing with talent—truly a gathering of geniuses from across Asia,” said Kinzana. “What stood out was how naturally diverse voices blended to create something fresh, yet deeply rooted in our region’s identity. For me, it reinforced a bigger realization: Southeast Asian music doesn’t just have talent, it has a distinct character that deserves a clear and strong positioning in the global music scene. The camp captured that spirit in the most inspiring way.”

AXEAN co-founder Piyapong Muenprasertdee shared the same sentiment, adding, “By the third day, something magical happened—all the artists came together to create one collective track, a true regional collaboration. More than writing songs, they build friendships and creative ecosystems that will carry forward long after the festival.”

Local Roots, Global Reach

This year also saw AXEAN deepening its ties with the local creative community through new partnerships with Jimbaran Hub and Bali-based organizations. A co-organized local music competition led to the discovery of standout talents Morbid Monke and Gozal, whose performances captivated international delegates and underscored the island’s growing relevance in the regional music map.

“Originally, we planned to feature just one winner, but the quality of the artists was so outstanding that we added a second slot,” shared Muenprasertdee. “These unexpected highlights reminded us of the importance of creating genuine opportunities for discovery and exchange.”

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, AXEAN Festival reaffirms its commitment to Bali as its home base, with ambitious plans to expand regionally through satellite events and stronger artist export pipelines. The next edition aims to enhance audience experience, sustainability, and global visibility, all while staying true to its core of inclusivity, collaboration, and discovery.

“We’re committed to growing the AXEAN Festival in Bali,” Kinzana asserts. “Bali offers a perfect balance: an international destination that combines serious industry engagement with world-class hospitality. Our next focus is to strengthen the story and experience of AXEAN so that more audiences connect deeply with what we stand for.”

Muenprasertdee added, “We hope to establish a permanent home for AXEAN here while also developing satellite events across the region to strengthen local ecosystems and create touring routes for our artists. Looking ahead, our strategy focuses on three key areas: (1) strengthening artist export pipelines by deepening ties with international delegates, (2) expanding fan engagement so AXEAN grows into both an industry platform and a beloved cultural festival, and (3) enhancing sustainability—financially, socially, and environmentally—so the festival can continue to thrive and evolve for years to come.”