This year has proven to be a great one so far for Original Pilipino Music (OPM). The more fans immerse themselves in the diverse artistic outlet, the more rising stars and storytellers reach our radars—or better yet, our go-to playlists.
Filipinos have consistently welcomed the dynamic evolution of OPM with open arms through the years. While our favorite established hitmakers continue to break boundaries and introduce our sound to the rest of the world, we’re letting our up-and-coming homegrown talents shine in their own right. Whether they experiment with several genres or stick to a single, multi-layered sound, these talented singers and songwriters are proving that their craft will always have a place in this world.

Photo: Clara Benin, Sony Music Philippines
Fresh off the month of love, we’re shining the spotlight on these new OPM songs that aren’t afraid to make a statement. Each track represents a new chapter in their respective artists’ journeys, vividly reflecting their experiences, emotions, and messages with every listen.
Which songs are you putting on repeat for the rest of March? Take your pick from our full list of fresh local tunes:
“The One to Blame” – Clara Benin
“The One to Blame” is indie darling Clara Benin’s latest headspace harmony. The song’s melodies capture nostalgia in its purest form, paired with Clara’s dreamy voice full of wistful longing. “The One to Blame” stays true to those moments of reflection, making it a wonderful companion for those tender moments of being alone with your thoughts, looking out the window on a somber, chilly day.
“Anoba” – Sean Archer
“Anoba” is a heavy-hitting, slow-tempo piece by the “rising punk rock lover boy” of OPM himself, Sean Archer. This romantic dilemma gives his perspective of the chaos and uncertainty of relationships, keeping that spunk and grit for those moments of vulnerability when you can’t seem to figure things out just right.
“Aminin” – Dom Guyot, Jolianne
R&B vocal powerhouses Dom Guyot and Jolianne have joined forces once again, six years after their first collaboration, to breathe life into the melancholic longing anthem, “Amininin.” The song is an expressive, unapologetic showcase of unspoken and unrequited love that’s bound to tug at our heartstrings.
“PUCHA” – LU
“PUCHA” is an upbeat alt-pop heartbreak anthem that captures the bitter clarity of realizing you were right all along, only after being cheated on and left questioning your worth. With intense lyrics and a defiantly powerful energy, singer-songwriter LU turns betrayal into a sharp emotional release worth screaming our hearts out to.
“Half Empty/Half Full” – Hattus, Eunice Rain
Whimsical storytellers Hattus and Eunice Rain have emerged from TikTok’s trendy and dynamic music wave to deliver a comforting song about solitude, regret, and remembrance. In this solemn single, one voice settles into a lonely reflection. At the same time, the other is caught between wanting to forget and holding on, turning shared memories into a simple, intimate duet.
“Sayang Na Sayang” – Imago
Rooted in the emotional core of heartbreak, “Sayang Na Sayang” captures the quiet pain of realizing love was lost too late. Pop-rock and OPM veterans Imago built this song on restrained verses and a swelling, forlorn chorus. The alternative band’s signature sound lets regret and longing breathe naturally—an essential addition to OPM’s alternative staples, heartbreak anthems, and late-night munimuni sessions.
More New OPM Releases to Tune In to
If you want to add a little more variety to your OPM playlists, these songs have you covered. Here are more exciting singles that are lighting up the local music scene all month long:
- “BNDNG” by J-Quinn
- “I Wanna Be a Mingming” by DIONE
- “Sabado (Won’t Rush Again)” by Daryl Cielo
- “I Like Makin’ Money” by Zymba Ding
- “Taft Ave.” by NEXTONE NEXTONE
- “Od Luv” by SCOOP DOGG and Wayier
ALSO READ: LOOK: SB19 to Release New Single “VISA”
Do you have any favorite songs and artists on our list? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
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