Special Features

The Family Soundtrack: How OPM United Generations at the First Filipino Music Awards

by Alexa Villano
October 23, 2025

The first-ever Filipino Music Awards brought together some of the country’s top artists — and became a powerful bonding moment for both performers and families alike

Music has always been known to bring people together. On October 21, music lovers of all ages gathered at the Mall of Asia Arena, which was transformed for the first-ever Filipino Music Awards, produced by AGC Power Holdings Corp. and presented by Modern Media Group Inc.

Several artists, including big winners SB19, Cup of Joe, Ben& Ben, and BINI, were among those who graced the event. Other OPM artists, such as Lolita Carbon, Maki, Ely Buendia, IV of Spades, TJ Monterde, KZ Tandingan, BGYO, G22, Alamat, VXON, and Michelle Dee, were also present.

The first-ever Filipino Music Awards brought together some of the country’s top artists — and became a powerful bonding moment for both performers and families alike — Photo from thefilipinomusicawards

While it was all about the music, the Filipino Music Awards also highlighted the often-overlooked stories of camaraderie and mentorship within the music industry.

A Dream for The Filipino Artists

In an interview, MMGI COO Anne Bernisca shed light on conceptualizing FMA 2025.

“The Filipino Music Awards is a testament to MMGI’s commitment to champion the industries our brands represent. We wanted to create more than just an award show — a platform that celebrates Filipino music and everyone behind it, while reflecting the evolving landscape of OPM,” Bernisca said.

“The FMAs stand for what we believe in as a group: collaboration, creativity, and a shared passion for bringing Filipino talent to the global stage.”

More than the awards, the real stars were the Filipino artists themselves. The FMA hopes to share with the youth the stories that OPM tells about Filipino life, love, and culture.

“We hope the FMAs inspire the youth to appreciate, celebrate, and support what’s made by us Filipinos even more. There’s so much talent here, and we want our youth to take pride in that,” Bernisca said.

She is also pleased that during the awards night, families came to support the artists they love.

“What’s beautiful is how the FMAs naturally became a family affair — with parents, kids, and grandparents all cheering together their favorite artists. Music connects generations, and that’s exactly what we wanted for the FMAs.”

Cheers to OPM!

With Filipino music now gaining momentum in the international scene, today’s youth should continue championing the stories of artists through the songs they sing and perform. May more Filipino families continue to support OPM — opening even more doors for homegrown talent.