The 34th Awit Awards shined a light on the past, present, and future icons of Filipino music.
Held at The Music Museum in San Juan, this year’s award ceremony saw some of the brightest stars in the music industry receiving the recognition they deserve. The Awit Awards, given annually by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI), have long been one of the highest accolades a musician can receive in the country. This year’s award show paid homage to all the sounds that comprise Original Pinoy Music (OPMOPMShort for Original Pilipino Music, the broad body of songs written and performed by Filipino artists, from kundiman and folk ballads to rock, pop, and hip-hop. OPM is a cornerstoneGo to OPM Glossary), from viral Tiktok soundbites to long-time karaoke favorites.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Awards were particularly notable. They were presented to three legendary figures within the industry — Universal Records’ executive vice president Ramon Chuaying, Alpha Music founder Buddy de Vera, and former PARI president Danilo Olivares — for their work behind the scenes to influence countless artists and their legacies that continue to shape the industry today.
Rock band Parokya Ni Edgar won the distinguished Dangal ng Musikang Filipino Award while metal/rap group Greyhoundz received the Best Rock/Metal Recording Award for their single “XXV.”
Younger acts definitely dominated the ceremony with popPopShort for popular music, a broad genre built on catchy melodies, clear hooks, and polished production that aims to reach a wide audience. Pop constantly borrows from other styles, andGo to Pop Glossary rock band Lolo Amour winning three awards for their 2023 viral hit “Raining In Manila.” P-pop boy band SB19, meanwhile, won Best Performance By a Group and Best Dance/Electric Recording for “Gento.”
BINI, the country’s biggest P-popP-popShort for Pilipino pop, a style of pop music made by Filipino artists, especially idol-style groups and soloists known for catchy songs, dance routines, and devoted fans. The movement hasGo to P-pop Glossary girl group, won the most awards — five including the night’s biggest honors, Favorite Record of the Year for “Pantropiko,” Favorite Music Video of the Year for “Karera,” and Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
Full list of Awit Award winners:
Album of the Year “Daisy” by Unique Salonga
Best Alternative Recording “Ere” by Juan Karlos
Best Traditional Contemporary Folk Recording “Gabay” by Sid Hartha
Best Rock/Metal Recording “XXV” by Greyhoundz featuring Gloc 9
Best Vocal Arrangement G.Y.K.A.M.
Best Recording by a Child or Children “Magmasid, Bayang Hinirang” by Young Voices of the Philippines
Best World Music Recording “Luzviminda” by Chocolate Factory
Best Regional Recording “Lubi Lubi” by Faye Yupano and Project Yazz
Best RemixRemixA new version of an existing song in which the producer changes its structure, tempo, or sound, sometimes adding new vocals. Remixes can bring a track to new audiences andGo to Remix Glossary Recording “Autodeadma Remix” by FT. Wooseok by Rox Santos
Best Original Soundtrack Recording “Sa Duyan ng Bayan” (Sindihan Song inspired by Gomburza) by Noel Cabangon, Ebe Daniel, Gloc-9
Best Novelty Recording “Waiting Here sa Pila” by Lola Amour and Michael V.
Best Musical Arrangement “Dirty Linen” Theme
Best Jazz Recording “Tawid Bago Tingin” by Debonair District
Best Instrumental “Beyond the Rizal Sky” by Alvin Cornista
Best Inspirational Recording “Seek First” by Quest
Best Cover Art “Rebirth” by Urbandub
Best Christmas Recording “Isang Taong Lumipas” by Ryan Cayabyab
Best Engineered Recording “Bibitaw Na” by Theo Martel
Best Music Video of the Year “Wild Tonight” by Josh Cullen
Best Pop Recording “Raining in Manila” by Lola Amour
Best Global Collaboration Recording “Come in out of the Rain” by Troy Laureta, Sheryn Regis and Wendy Moten
Best Collaboration “Walang Pumapalakpak” by Gloc 9 and Gary V
Best Performance by a New Group “Pasabay” by Uncle Bob’s Funky Seven Club
Best Performance by a New Solo Artist “Hawk Mo.” by Lyka Estrella
Best Performance by a Group “Gento” by SB19
Best Performance by a Solo Artist “Letting You Go” by Joey G
People’s Voice Favorite Album of the Year “Somber” by Belle Mariano
Best Rap/Hiphop Recording “Bad Type” by Shanti Dope
Best R&B Recording “Oksihina” by Dionela
Best Ballad Recording “Tapusin Na Natin” to by Juan Karlos
Best Dance/Electric Recording “Gento” by SB19
Dangal ng Muskiang Pilipino Parokya ni Edgar
Digital Platform Awards: Most Streamed Recording “Uhaw” by Dilaw
Digital Platform Awards: Most Streamed Artist Ben&Ben
Lifetime Achievement Awardee Buddy de Vera, Alpha Music founder
Lifetime Achievement Awardee Danilo Olivares, former PARI president
Lifestyle Achievement Awardee Ramon Chuaying, Universal Records’ executive vice president
People’s Voice Favorite Song of the Year “Pantropiko” by BINI
People’s Voice Favorite Recording of the Year “Pantropiko” by BINI
People’s Voice Favorite Music VideoMusic VideoA short film made to accompany a song, combining visuals, performance, and storytelling to reinforce the music. Since the days of television, music videos have been a space for creativeGo to Music Video Glossary of the Year “Karera” by BINI
People’s Voice Favorite Collaboration “Treading Water” by Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo
People’s Voice Favorite Group Artist “Pantropiko” by BINI
People’s Voice Favorite New Group Artist Yes My Love
People’s Voice Favorite Group Artist “Pantropiko” by BINI
People’s Voice Favorite Solo Artist “Habang Buhay” by Sarah Geronimo
People’s Favorite Favorite New Solo Artist Cedric Escobar
Record of the Year “Raining in Manila” by Lola Amour
Song of the Year ”Raining in Manila” by Lola Amour
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