Our favorite Filipino artists and performers keep surprising us this year in the best way possible. Just when we thought the local music scene couldn’t get any better, various singer-songwriters, bands, and idol groups have blown us away with chart-topping music that we’ve been putting on repeat.
The Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and Pinoy pop (P-pop) industries have given fans numerous achievements to support and celebrate throughout the year. Sold-out concerts and prestigious awards are some of the many ways our homegrown talents have reached new heights and raised our flag on the global stage.
Photo: Cup of Joe, SB19/X
In the past few months, we’ve also witnessed how social media has immensely helped the local music scene thrive. A wide variety of OPM and P-pop songs have earned international recognition this year thanks to their frequent appearances on our timelines, newsfeeds, and For You pages.
These songs are the total package: catchy instrumentals, impactful lyrics, and a remarkable showcase of Filipino culture in their music videos. Here’s a look back on how each track went viral and made this year an outstanding era for OPM and P-pop:
“DUNGKA!” – SB19
Everyone made way for SB19 this year as they released “DUNGKA,” the unapologetic lead single from the group’s latest album, Simula At Wakas. The jaw-dropping music video features a star-studded lineup of celebrities and content creators—including Vice Ganda, Maymay Entrata, Kween Yasmin, and Sassa Gurl—who joined the “P-pop kings” as they took over the streets of Metro Manila.
“Daleng Dale” – GAT
Nobody can resist grooving to this revival of the 2012 pop hit by MJ and MM Magno. GAT’s remake of “Daleng Dale” took the world by storm as both a dance craze and the theme song to Ang Mutya ng Section E. Even the Japanese-Korean boy group NCT Wish joined the fun at their concert in Manila on April 12, 2025.
“LASIK” – HEY JUNE!
HEY JUNE! released “LASIK” in 2023, but the song only reached mainstream levels this year as it made its rounds on TikTok for several months. In light of the sudden recognition, the indie rock band released a special narrative music video for “LASIK” on August 13, 2025, which featured Will Ashley as a socially awkward barista.
“Arizona B” – Arizona Brandy
Following her impressive run on Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale, Arizona Brandy had her fans laughing like there’s no tomorrow with her hilarious single, “Arizona B.” She first performed the song on the show’s finale, then released a music video that paid tribute to her iconic looks and meme-worthy moments throughout the competition. Everyone instantly got hooked on the song’s budots-inspired instrumental, paired with Arizona’s catchy and repetitive lyrics.
“Multo” – Cup of Joe
We cried, we contemplated life, and we definitely sang our hearts out all year long to “Multo,” Cup of Joe’s chart-topping breakthrough single that won Song of the Year at the inaugural Filipino Music Awards (FMAs). Whether you can’t move on from your greatest love or still think about the big dreams you no longer pursue, there’s a verse from this haunting song that you’re bound to resonate with and feel deeply in your soul.
“Nandito Ako” – Ogie Alcasid (Cover by Rob Deniel)
We first fell in love with this OPM classic by Ogie Alcasid in 1989. It was a simple, feel-good ballad and theme song for every long-term relationship. This year, Rob Deniel released a new rendition of “Nandito Ako” and dialed up the emotions (and hugot feels) to a hundred. His version turned the sentimental track into an intense yearning anthem that captured our hearts.
“Tibok” – Earl Agustin
Earl Agustin has earned his stripes as an OPM artist this year with “Tibok,” a nostalgic ballad that vividly reminds us of our high school crushes and the kilig we experienced as teenagers.
“Sa Bawat Sandali” – Amiel Sol
Amiel Sol released “Sa Bawat Sandali” for the hopeless romantics who long for a gentle and calm relationship, where they can momentarily escape from the pressures of reality. Ashtine Olviga and Andres Muhlach portrayed this dynamic endearingly in the song’s music video, which will put your heart at ease, too.
“Kahel Na Langit” – Maki
Maki’s “Kahel Na Langit” is a love song that we’ll always come back to, no matter how many years pass. It’s a proclamation of reassurance and comfort to your special someone, who will cherish your closeness even if you’re miles apart.
“Reyna ng Quezon City” – Juana
Who would’ve thought that this sleeper hit from 2005 would make its way back on our radars 20 years later? Juana’s “Reyna ng Quezon City” has become a go-to anthem for young adults today who’ve taken part in the restless city life of Metro Manila. This song has also helped new OPM fans appreciate old-school local music and explore genres outside their comfort zones.
“Pag-ibig ay Kanibalismo II” – Fitterkarma
There are countless metaphors that we use to portray love, and Fitterkarma sums them up into this somber, heavy-hitting rock song. “Pag-ibig ay Kanibalismo II” is the band’s interpretation of a passionate yet tragic relationship that leaves a permanent mark on our hearts. Gen Z Filipinos have used this track to reflect deeply on their love lives and openly share their romantic woes online.
ALSO READ: Get to Know the 4 Emerging OPM Artists That BINI’s Jhoanna Thinks Are Stan-worthy
What have been your favorite OPM and P-pop hits this year? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
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