Ben&Ben, Noel Cabangon, More Lead Filipino Music Awards’ ‘Folk Song of the Year’ Race

The Filipino Music Awards has announced the nominees for Folk Song of the Year, a category that underscores the enduring presence of folk in the country’s music history. Long before rock and other genres took root in the Philippines, folk music carried stories of struggle, intimacy, and national identity. From Coritha’s protest songs to Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak,” the tradition has thrived on lyrical candor, unpolished power, and the simplicity of an acoustic guitar.

That legacy continues in this year’s nominees, which balance respected veterans with younger acts shaping the form for a new audience. 

“Sampung Mga Daliri” by Bicol singer-songwriter dwta, featuring SB19’s Justin, reimagines a childhood tune with contemporary folk sensibilities. Noel Cabangon, a longtime torchbearer of the genre, earns a nod for “Aking Diwata, Matéo’s “Lalim” offers an introspective and stripped-down approach, while Amiel Sol’s “Sa Bawat Sandali” signals the voice of a rising songwriter navigating personal truths through folk’s plainspoken style. Rounding out the list is Ben&Ben’s “Saranggola,” which builds on the band’s folk-pop roots with a sweeping rock arrangement that remains grounded in storytelling.

The announcement was made October 2, ahead of the Filipino Music Awards ceremony on October 21 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The event will honor the country’s most vital musicians across genres, with the folk category serving as a reminder of the music’s unmatched role in chronicling the Filipino experience. 

Complimentary tickets are available through Filipino Music Awards magazine packages on SariSari.Shopping.

Elijah Pareño

Music Writer

Elijah Pareño is the Music Writer of Rolling Stone Philippines. He writes daily music news, features, reviews, and radar stories of the website.

In addition to music writing, Pareño has written about the behind-the-scenes writers and producers from the P-pop scene, interviewed hip-hop artists like Shanti Dope and Zae, and featured up-and-coming artists for the Music Forecast 2026. Aside from music, Pareño has written about the state of affairs that affects pop culture. He wrote a movie review for 'Mortal Kombat II' and reported and interviewed photojournalists at the September 21, 2025 protests in Luneta and Mendiola.

Prior to working in Rolling Stone Philippines, Pareño was a freelance writer for 3 years and independent live music promoter

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• In This Article:
• Amiel Sol
• Ben&Ben
• dwta
• Filipino Music Awards
• SB19