The Pinoy pop (P-pop) industry has been abuzz this month with a promising new bunch of stars in the making. These artists on the rise aren’t afraid to push the envelope of local music, and their latest releases can attest to that.
While our favorite Filipino hitmakers continue to turn heads internationally, these emerging idols are earning their stripes back home as passionate and versatile performers to watch. They’re owning the spotlight this year, and nothing can get in between them and their rise to stardom.
Photo: KAIA, MEI MEI
Whether you love to keep it old-school or have a knack for experimental pursuits, these P-pop artists have all the makings of a smash hit that’ll keep us grooving for the rest of the year. The Filipino music scene is as thriving as ever thanks to them and their addictive tunes, which bring serotonin to our timelines with every pause and scroll. Even our daily algorithms have caught the P-pop fever, and it’s here to stay without question.
Dance-pop jams, R&B serenades, electric house anthems—you name it, P-pop has it. These new releases are serving us hit after hit, proving that our homegrown talents’ artistic growth will only get better from here.
“Hulog” – KAIA
In their flowy, white dresses and delicate angel wings, KAIA is ready to let the world know exactly who they are. All eyes are on the five-member girl group and its latest single, “Hulog,” which adds a dose of whimsy to P-pop’s dynamic sound.
“Alembong” – MEI MEI
“Novelty P-pop” has never looked this bubbly and chic! Filipino pop culture has found new muses in MEI MEI, whose comeback single, “Alembong,” highlights the irreplaceable joys of a baranggay fiesta. This upbeat follow-up track to their remarkable debut, “Telebong,” captures MEI MEI’s vibrant energy alongside a heartfelt tribute to community-oriented Filipino traditions.
“Oooh Lala Baby” – Baby Dolls
The Baby Dolls of It’s Showtime are the gifts that keep on giving! They’ve struck gold with “Oooh Lala Baby,” a certified summer smash hit that’s been stuck in our heads all month long. Old-school meets new-school in this catchy track, which has skyrocketed to the top of every local trending list and chart imaginable. The Baby Dolls now have back-to-back viral singles on their hands, and we’re as seated as every other BabyLove in the world for the “Pambansang Hype Pop Girl Group’s” next career milestone.
“Sinigang” – ALAMAT
This fan favorite track from ALAMAT’s latest EP, Destino, is now a full-blown single with its very own muse—Miss “Jusa” herself, Joy Barcoma. Written, composed, and produced by ALAMAT’s very own Taneo, Mo, Tomas, and Alas, “Sinigang” highlights the group’s emotional depth and artistry through soulful R&B melodies.
“Forever Tonight” – BGYO
BGYO sure knows a thing or two about bringing the party wherever they go. “Forever Tonight” is no exception—a new anthem for ACEs who want to let loose and dance the night away when the opportunity strikes. Join Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate in bringing their charisma and carefree energy to new heights, together with dancer and social media star Innah Bee.
“Spider” – DNA
This is DNA’s badass world, and we’re all simply living in it. After making a bold entrance into the realm of P-pop with “Don’t Ask Me Why,” “Bingo,” and “Gala to the Max,” Tasha, Julia, and Ezri Mitra are taking their musical prowess to the next level with their self-titled debut album. Taking the reins of this new milestone is “Spider,” a heavy-hitting lead single that explores futuristic themes and the girls’ signature punchy lyricism.
“Ligaya” – RAYA
We all deserve a little sunshine in our lives. Luckily, RAYA has enough for all of us in their new single, “Ligaya.” Since their debut last year, the “Gems of P-pop” have never failed to deliver high-energy anthems that keep us going every day. “Ligaya” is no different, with inspiring verses that help fans dispel their doubts and overcome pressure.
“Perfect Blue” – YGIG
When P-pop fans called for a breath of fresh air this summer, YGIG didn’t hesitate to pick up the phone. “Perfect Blue” maintains the vibrance and positivity of the group’s long-awaited new era. The summer single also highlights new sides to Vien, Jewel, Hazelyn, and Maeg that fans have been following throughout each comeback.
“Float” – p!xie
If you ever need an extra push to power through life’s challenges, p!xie has your back. Their latest single “Float” may be a tad bit more chill and withdrawn from the sugary sweetness of their debut, “Iced Coffee,” but that doesn’t take away from the song’s evergreen messages about perseverance, growth, and taking things one step at a time.
“Darama” – OONA
This month, we’re making way for OONA, a five-member girl group that’s no stranger to the P-pop spotlight. Their captivating stage presence and melodic vocals take center stage in “Darama,” a sentimental debut single that mirrors our quickening heartbeats in the midst of a crush.
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What are your favorite P-pop songs of the year so far? Sound off and share your picks with us in the comments below!
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