From Maki’s colorful opener and Kamikazee’s rock anthems to a showcase of P-pop, a special Cornerstone Entertainment performance, Gary Valenciano’s return to the stage, and an all-star finale, the Filipino Music Awards 2026 celebrated the breadth of Filipino music across generations and genres.
On October 6, 2026, the second Filipino Music Awards brought together some of the country’s biggest artists for a night that celebrated the many sounds, generations, and stories that make up Filipino music.
Throughout the ceremony at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the stage became a showcase for artists across OPM — from emerging P-pop acts and chart-topping contemporary artists to established icons and legendary performers. Each performance added its own chapter to a night built around celebrating Filipino music and the people shaping its future.
A Colorful Opener from Maki
Alternative-pop prodigy Maki kicked off the evening with a spirited opening performance backed by a live band and a group of dancers dressed in school uniforms, echoing the visual world of his memorable music video for “Dilaw.”
He opened with his 2026 single “habangbuhay pansamantala” before moving into tracks from his Album of the Year-winning KOLORCOASTER — “Namumula” and, fittingly, “Dilaw” — bringing the audience into the ceremony with a set that reflected the contemporary sound of Filipino pop.
After his final song, Maki introduced the next act of the evening: Pinoy rock icons Kamikazee.
Kamikazee Bridges Generations with a Surprise Guest
As Kamikazee’s stage was wheeled to the center of the arena, lead guitarist Jomal Linao immediately set the tone with the instantly recognizable opening notes of “Narda,” sending the crowd into frenzied cheering.
The audience gamely sang along to the band’s biggest hit as vocalist Jay Contreras encouraged them to join in. After the song, Contreras introduced the band with a typically self-deprecating joke: “Kami po ang Kamikazee. Sikat kami nung 2006.”
The band continued with “Huling Sayaw,” joined by surprise guest vocalist Janine Berdin. The young Cebuana singer, who was nominated for four Filipino Music Awards, brought her own vocal power to the performance as Kamikazee revisited one of its most enduring anthems.
P-Pop Takes Center Stage
Following the presentation of the Genre Awards, the Filipino Music Awards turned the spotlight toward some of the leading names in P-pop with a special performance block featuring BGYO, KAIA, VXON, G22, and Alamat.
The Aces of P-pop, BGYO, opened the segment with “Sinta,” performing from the floor area among the guests’ tables before transitioning into the funkier “Fresh.”
Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Pop Song of the Year nominees KAIA followed with their nominated song “hulog,” while VXON raised the energy with “sikretong malupet,” showcasing the group’s precise choreography and commanding stage presence.
G22 brought their fierce, female alpha personas to the forefront with the anthemic “Filipina Queen,” before Alamat closed the segment with the sultrier “Sinigang” — the R&B Song of the Year winner.
Together, the performances of the five distinct groups underscored the sonic range and growing presence of P-pop within the broader Filipino music landscape.
Cornerstone Entertainment Artists Unite for Special Showcase
After the People’s Choice Awards, artists from across eras of Cornerstone Entertainment came together for a special performance celebrating the revered talent agency and label’s roster.
Inigo Pascual opened the showcase with “Pagdating Ng Panahon,” followed by Zephanie with “Kunwari Lang” and Kyle Echarri with “Pangako.”
The country’s Prince of Pop, Erik Santos, then joined forces with the Philippines’ Queen of R&B, Kyla, for “Pagbigyang Muli,” bringing together two of Cornerstone’s premier artists for a duet performance that highlighted the organization’s longstanding presence in Filipino pop.
Gary V. Delivers a Legacy-Worthy Performance
Following the presentation of the Legacy Awards, Gary Valenciano took the stage for a special performance that served as a fitting celebration of his enduring career.
“Mr. Pure Energy” lived up to his iconic moniker with the upbeat 1994 classic “Hataw Na,” getting the entire SM Mall of Asia Arena on its feet.
After the performance, FMA 2026 host KC Montero summed up Valenciano’s seemingly timeless energy with a playful observation, calling him “part vampire” for seemingly never aging.
An All-Star Finale Brings the Night to a Close
After the final Grand Awards were presented, the Filipino Music Awards 2026 entered its closing stretch with a finale that brought together some of the evening’s biggest names.
Skusta Clee opened the final sequence with his latest single “Lason,” followed by Flow G with his most recent release, “FeedxCortez.” The two artists then joined forces for a much-awaited rendition of “Since Day One,” their chart-topping collaboration that took home the awards for both Song of the Year and Hip-Hop Song of the Year.
The seasoned comic rockers Parokya Ni Edgar then followed with the anthemic “Inuman Na,” before Kamikazee vocalist Jay Contreras joined the band for “Halaga.”
The finale reached its peak with “Bagsakan,” as Parokya Ni Edgar, Flow G, and Elmo Magalona shared the stage. Flow G took on Gloc-9’s rap parts, while Elmo deftly executed the verses originally made famous by his father, Francis M, who was honored with the Tribute Award earlier in the evening.
The performance brought the Filipino Music Awards 2026 to a fitting close: artists from different generations, genres, and eras sharing one stage in celebration of the music that continues to shape the Philippines.
The Filipino Music Awards 2026
Presented by:
AGC Power Holdings Corp.
In cooperation with:
One MEGA Group Inc.
MEGA Global Group Inc.
Modern Media Group Inc.
Digistar PH Inc.
Co-Presented by:
IQOS
ZYN
BingoPlus
Powered by:
Clear
Dove
Security Bank
Sony
GAOC
HONOR
Jinro
Coke Studio
RPS Aesthetic
Purse Maison
Special Thanks to:
SM Supermalls
Official Mobility Partner:
Toyota
Official Catering Partners:
Privé by Illo’s
Fedici PH
Sundaes at the Bar
Official Mobile Bar Partners:
Nyctophile Mixology and Bar Hosting
The Black Box Cocktail Bar
Pour Hotel
Barcato Mobile Bar
Official Coffee Partner:
The Brewing Studio
Official Hydration Partner:
Absolute Distilled Drinking Water
Official Photobooth Partner:
Kodaki Express
Official Venue Styling Partner:
Spruce Designs
Official Hotel Partner:
Microtel by Wyndham