On October 21, the first-ever Filipino Music Awards took place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to honor the country’s top musical talent across multiple genres. In its inaugural year, the awards show celebrated acts like SB19, Zild, IV of Spades, dwta, Morobeats, and Dionela through the Genre Awards.
In the first award of the evening, singer Erik Santos presented P-Pop group SB19 the Pop Song of the Year award for “DUNGKA!” from their seminal EP Simula at Wakas. Speaking for the group, member Josh Cullen said, “Maraming salamat sa mga sumuport, especially with our culture. Syempre hindi namin magagawa ‘to kung wala sa roots natin from the beginning.”
Wolfgang’s Basti Artadi and Kevin Roy presented Zild with the Alternative Song of the Year award for his song “I.N.A.S.” from his 2024 album Superpower. In his acceptance speech, the IV of Spades bassist shouted out his co-nominees Dilaw, One Click Straight, Lola Amour, Sandwich, and SUYEN. “Para ‘to sa lahat ng mga nagsimula sa music scene na walang kinikita sa gig share,” said Zild. “Para ‘to sa mga gusto pa rin i-try i-push ‘yong music natin dito sa Pilipinas. And para ‘to sa lahat ng mga local prods, lahat ng mga local bar.”
Zild didn’t take long offstage as his band, IV of Spades, was called to the stage to accept the Rock Song of the Year award for their comeback song, “Aura.” Taking the mic, lead guitarist Blaster thanked his bandmates. “Maraming salamat sa mga kasama ko, kasi dahil sa kanila, nandito kami sa stage. Drummer Badjao and vocalist-guitarist Unique Salonga added very succinct thank yous to the band’s acceptance speech.
Following them, the Folk Song of the Year award went to dwta and SB19’s justin. dwta took to the stage in amazement. “This is super unexpected,” said the Bicol-born singer-songwriter. In her speech, she thanked family and friends, as well as justin — who was still backstage after SB19’s win. “Hindi matutuloy ‘yong kantang ito kung hindi dahil din sa kanya, kaya maraming salamat.”
Legendary Filipino rapper Gloc-9 then presented the Hip-Hop Song of the Year award to Mindanaoan boom-bap collective Morobeats for their song “GUBAT NA SIYUDAD.” Rapper GMac started off the group’s speech by saying, “Maraming salamat sa diyos, sa mga local artists, at sa mga tunay na nakikinig sa’min.” Then, Morobeats founder DJ Medmessiah said, “Gusto ko lang sabihin na wag kayong matakot na gawin ng makabuluhang musika. Free Palestine!”
To end the segment, Filipino soul princess Kyla announced that singer Dionela had won R&B Song of the Year for his hit song from 2024, “Marilag.” While the R&B singer-songwriter wasn’t present to personally receive the award, the announcement was met with cheers all over the arena, affirming Dionela’s place among Filipino Music Awards’ first set of victors.
