The Filipino Music Awards will bring together generations of artists in one landmark event this October 21 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Among the night’s featured legends is Asin frontwoman Lolita Carbon, the pioneering singer-songwriter who defined the country’s folk-rock movement during the 1970s. The ceremony promises a wide-ranging showcase of Filipino music’s past, present, and future, with performances from established icons and contemporary hitmakers.
Asin first came into prominence alongside guitarists Mike Pillora Jr. and vocalist Cesar Bañares Jr., forming one of the most influential Filipino bands of the era. With Carbon’s distinctive voice and soulful delivery, she helped shape politically charged classics like “Mga Limot Na Bayani,” “Itanong Mo Sa Mga Bata,” “Ang Bayan Kong Sinilangan,” and the environmental anthem “Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran.” These songs reflected the spirit of resistance during the ‘70s, a period of political turbulence in the Philippines. Carbon’s voice remains a vital force in Filipino music, carrying the same urgency and passion that first brought her acclaim five decades ago.
Her appearance at the FMAs will place her alongside a cross-generational bill that includes SB19, BINI, IV of Spades, Yeng Constantino, BGYO, Maki, Ely Buendia, Ben&Ben, Gloc-9, and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, and many more. The event will also honor artists across 20 awards in five categories.
The Filipino Music Awards is mounted by AGC Power Holdings Corp. and presented through its subsidiary Modern Media Group Inc., the publisher of Billboard Philippines, NYLON Manila, Rolling Stone Philippines, and Robb Report Philippines.
