OPM and P-Pop Take the Spotlight: Highlights from the 17th PMPC Star Awards for Music 2026

The Philippine music scene celebrated a spectacular evening on June 25, 2026, as the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) held its 17th Star Awards for Music at Teatrino in San Juan. The night was a powerful reminder of how far Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and P-Pop have come — from intimate acoustic venues to sold-out world tours and global streaming dominance. With winners spanning pop, rock, rap, R&B, and everything in between, the awards showcased the extraordinary depth and diversity of Filipino music today.

From James Reid taking home the coveted Album of the Year award to SB19 continuing their reign as concert kings, here are the biggest moments and winners from the 17th PMPC Star Awards for Music.

Live music events in Odaiba — Image by Syced, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Album of the Year: James Reid's "jgh" Triumphs

James Reid walked away with the night's biggest prize — Album of the Year — for his EP jgh. The award marked a significant milestone for the Filipino-Australian artist, who has evolved from a matinee idol into a serious musician with a distinct alternative R&B sound. jgh, which features a collection of introspective tracks exploring love, identity, and growth, has resonated deeply with listeners and critics alike. The EP's production quality and Reid's songwriting maturity were widely praised, cementing his place as one of OPM's most versatile artists.

Song of the Year: Maki's "Dilaw" Shines Bright

Rising star Maki had a night to remember, winning both Song of the Year for his breakout hit "Dilaw" and Male Pop Artist of the Year. "Dilaw" — which translates to "yellow" — became an anthem across the Philippines, dominating streaming platforms and radio airwaves with its heartfelt lyrics and infectious melody. Maki's wins signal the arrival of a new generation of OPM singer-songwriters who are connecting with audiences through authentic, emotionally resonant storytelling.

TJ Monterde: A Quiet Force of Nature

Singer-songwriter TJ Monterde led all nominees with an impressive eight nominations and delivered two major wins: Male Recording Artist of the Year and Male Concert Performer of the Year. Monterde's rise has been nothing short of remarkable — from his early YouTube covers to selling out major venues across the country. His signature song "Palagi" has become a wedding staple and karaoke favorite, and his album Sariling Mundo continues to showcase his growth as a songwriter who can effortlessly blend pop, folk, and acoustic elements.

Ben&Ben: Group/Duo Artist of the Year

The nine-piece folk-pop collective Ben&Ben was named Group/Duo Artist of the Year, adding another accolade to their already impressive collection. Known for their intricate harmonies, poetic Tagalog lyrics, and electrifying live performances, Ben&Ben have become the standard-bearers for modern OPM. Their ability to address universal themes — love, mental health, social issues — while maintaining mainstream appeal has made them one of the most beloved acts in the country.

P-Pop Dominance: BINI and SB19 Own the Night

BINI's "Talaarawan" Wins Pop Album of the Year

The "Nation's Girl Group" BINI had a triumphant evening, with their album Talaarawan winning Pop Album of the Year. Their viral hit "Salamin Salamin" shared the Dance Recording of the Year award with Bilib's "Say Whatcha Wanna Say," underscoring the group's massive cultural impact. BINI has been on an extraordinary trajectory in 2026 — from sold-out shows to international festival appearances at Summer Sonic in Japan alongside SB19 — proving that P-Pop girl groups can command global attention.

SB19: Kings of the Concert Stage

SB19 once again proved why they're called the Kings of P-Pop, taking home three major trophies: Concert of the Year, Duo/Group Concert Performer of the Year, and Music Video of the Year for their collaboration "Kalakal" with veteran rapper Gloc-9. The group's "Pagtatag! World Tour" Manila show was recognized as a landmark event, praised for its ambitious production, flawless choreography, and emotional connection with fans (called A'TIN). SB19's trajectory — from a small P-Pop group to headlining global stages — represents the full realization of Filipino pop music's international potential.

Rock, Rap, and R&B: Genre Excellence

The awards also celebrated excellence across OPM's rich genre landscape. Sponge Cola was named Rock Artist of the Year, a testament to the band's enduring relevance and consistent output over two decades. Their signature blend of alternative rock and emotional lyricism continues to resonate with Filipino audiences.

In the rap category, Illest Morena took home Rap Artist of the Year, while Shanti Dope's album won Rap Album of the Year — both representing the thriving Filipino hip-hop scene that has produced some of the most innovative music in the region.

Juan Karlos won Male Acoustic Artist of the Year for "Tanga Mo Juan," and Angela Ken took Female Acoustic Artist of the Year, highlighting the continued strength of the acoustic and singer-songwriter traditions in OPM.

Special Tributes and Lifetime Achievements

Beyond the competitive categories, the ceremony paid tribute to Filipino music legends. Celeste Legaspi and Andrew E. received the Pilita Corrales Lifetime Achievement Award, while Mon del Rosario was honored with the Parangal Levi Celerio Lifetime Achievement Award. Rap icon Gloc-9 took the stage to present the lifetime achievement award to Andrew E., creating a memorable moment that bridged generations of Filipino hip-hop.

Looking Ahead: What These Wins Mean for OPM

The 17th PMPC Star Awards for Music painted a picture of an industry that is healthier and more diverse than ever. The winners' list reads like a map of where Filipino music is heading: genre-fluid, globally ambitious, and deeply rooted in authentic storytelling.

James Reid's Album of the Year win signals that audiences are hungry for vulnerable, artist-driven projects. BINI and SB19's continued dominance proves that P-Pop is not a passing trend but a permanent and growing force in the global music landscape. Meanwhile, artists like Maki, TJ Monterde, and Ben&Ben represent the rich middle ground — acts whose music transcends genre labels and connects with listeners on a purely emotional level.

With OPM Con 2026 coming up on July 11 at the Araneta Coliseum — headlined by SB19 and Ben&Ben — and BINI and SB19 headed to Summer Sonic in Japan, the momentum shows no signs of slowing down. The 17th PMPC Star Awards for Music was not just a celebration of past achievements; it was a preview of an even brighter future for Filipino music.

Conclusion

The 17th PMPC Star Awards for Music was a night of well-deserved honors, emotional performances, and powerful reminders of the extraordinary talent within the Philippine music industry. From James Reid's indie R&B triumph to SB19's stadium-sized P-Pop spectacle, from Ben&Ben's folk-pop craftsmanship to Sponge Cola's rock resilience — OPM has never been more vibrant, more diverse, or more ready for the world stage.

As Filipino artists continue to break barriers and capture global attention, one thing is clear: the music of the Philippines is no longer just a local treasure — it is a global phenomenon in the making.