We’ve officially entered a new month, and we’re ready for whatever breakthroughs, epiphanies, plot twists, and core memories it’ll bring us.
As we also inch closer to the middle of the year, we may anticipate busier, more hectic days ahead. But even those won’t stop us from making time for the things that keep us going—one of which is new music.
Photo: Lyndon Kyle Asuncion (via Dia Maté), 1621
This year has been nothing short of outstanding for Original Pilipino Music (OPM) so far. While Pinoy Pop (P-pop) has gained remarkable global prominence through BINI’s historic Coachella debut and SB19’s upcoming Lollapalooza performance, we’ve also been attentively following the meteoric rise of this generation’s promising recording artists.
Last month, we rounded up seven OPM and P-pop songs that radiated with girl power, sentimentality, and confidence that’ll boost your mood all summer long. This time, we’ve gathered some of the hottest tracks in the local music scene that capture its diverse scope and genre-fluid sounds.
From colorful, heartfelt ballads to upbeat, empowering anthems, these new OPM and P-pop songs are ready to brighten up your playlists this May. Which tracks will you be putting on repeat throughout the month?
“Lifetime (Reimagined)” – Ben&Ben
Ben&Ben is back with another masterclass in yearning, and we expect nothing less from the OPM powerhouse. On March 31, 2026, the band revisited its 2020 hit, “Lifetime,” giving the song a new voice and cranking the feels up to a hundred. Nothing screams “siya pa rin talaga” quite like this poignant revival, which tugs at our heartstrings even more now than it did six years ago.
“Back to You” – Heath Jornales
Heath Jornales is gearing up to be one of this year’s breakout stars, and his debut single, “Back to You,” attests to that. Over the past few months, we watched him grow as a singer-songwriter on the second season of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition (PBB Collab). Now, his talent has manifested in a song that portrays carefree crushes and youthful connections.
“Love Like U” – Ashtine Olviga
“Love Like U” can make even the most anti-romantic cynics believe in romance. Ashtine Olviga’s debut single beams with love in its bubbliest, most vivid forms, equally showcasing her sweet vocals and charming personality.
“Get Me” – RAYA
RAYA knows a thing or two about putting a P-pop spin on timeless OPM hits. Last year, the girls won our hearts with their covers of Hotdog’s “Bongga Ka Day” and Sarah Geronimo’s “Kilometro.” Now, they’ve come back with even more feminine energy in their remake of “Get Me” by MYMP. This cheerful remake is also the theme song of My Husband Is a Mafia Boss, Viva One’s chaotic yet endearing series adaptation of the Wattpad novel by the late Yanalovesyouu.
“Oh, Ano?” – 1621
Need a P-pop song for your summer road trips and getaways? 1621 has you covered. “Oh, Ano?” combines the playfulness of a classic “will they, won’t they” dynamic with energetic melodies best listened to with your barkada. This catchy and totally relatable song is one of many in the five-member boy group’s new EP, 1621: BEGIN.
“Woman Like Me” – Dia Maté
This month, the one and only “Singing Reina” is here to add more “baddie” energy to our lives. Dia Maté’s latest single, “Woman Like Me,” is a total confidence boost that also pays homage to her crowning moment as Reina Hispanoamericana 2025. We couldn’t be prouder of her for thriving, taking risks, and ceaselessly chasing her dreams, be it in music, fashion, or pageantry.
“Tabi!” – dwta
Bicolana singer-songwriter dwta never fails to bring something new to the table. “Tabi!” showcases the punchy, sarcastic side to her storytelling, in which she lets her emotions flourish through bittersweet jokes and lyrics that read like a resentful breakup text.
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Do you have any favorites on our new playlist? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
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