Make way for the future of OPM! Billboard Philippines welcomed these young artists and plenty more to the blue carpet as they celebrated the launch of the brand.
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One thing about the Billboard Philippines launch—it was an epic celebration of Filipino music. From legacies to futures, the night was all about OPM and the rich, diverse musical culture of our nation. As Billboard Philippines sets sail with the iconic Regine Velasquez and the indomitable SB19 on the covers of its maiden issue, it builds a foundation on which Filipino music stands, ready to bring it to greater heights.
These young stars and musicians are continuing to weave the tapestry of Filipino music and artistry, blazing their own paths and honing their craft. With diverse sounds, genres, and styles, inspired by a myriad of both global and local influences, these Gen Z artists prove just how rich our culture of music is and why Billboard Philippines is such an exciting new development in the industry. Check out the young stars of OPM who were in attendance and what they’ve been up to in their musical endeavors.
Juan Karlos Labajo
Photographed by Kim Angela Santos for Billboard Philippines
The ERE singer partied with everyone as he also celebrated the many achievements his song attained. An honest and multitalented artist, Juan Karlos is currently starring in teen drama Senior High and recently released a new album, Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 1.
Mikha & Aiah of BINI
Mikha and Aiah of girl group BINI graced the blue carpet in exquisite rock chic attire. BINI recently released their new single Karera, and are working on their upcoming EP set to drop in November.
Vivoree
Sweet young singer-actress Vivoree (1/2 of our September cover stars!) arrived with a big smile. The star, currently starring in teleserye Can’t Buy Me Love, recently dropped Sayaw Ng Mga Tala, a collaboration with Benedix Ramos.
Arthur Miguel
The rapidly-rising artist made waves with chart-topping and romantic single Lihim, earning a shoutout from Billboard and praise from the whole industry. Arthur Miguel is currently on a mini tour of sorts called Mga Lihim Ni Arthur, an intimate gig series across different venues in Metro Manila.
Gelo & Nate of BGYO
P-pop boy group BGYO was represented by members Gelo and Nate at the launch party. While the group is still mum on future music, members Akira and JL recently collaborated on a single, Be Mine.
G22
Members AJ, Alfea, and Jaz of girl group G22 looked stunning as they walked the blue carpet. After member Bianca left the group earlier this year, the girls assured fans that they were still continuing on as a trio with their lovely single Musika.
Unique
Solo artist Unique Salonga attended the launch of the magazine, fresh from the release of his much-awaited new album Daisy.
Kyle Echarri
Instagram/Cornerstone
The 20-year old singer and actor dropped by the party and shared a few laughs on the carpet with Juan Karlos and other artists. Having had his start as a singer-songwriter, Echarri has been killing the acting game lately, starring in Beach Bros, Lyric and Beat, and The Iron Heart in 2022, and currently stars in Senior High.
Ena Mori
Instagram Story/enamorimusic
The artistic young singer-songwriter is the first guest on Billboard PH’s Volumes, a podcast all about the stories of Filipino artists. The half-Japanese singer recently dropped remix albums just in the last couple of months and is gearing up to perform at Axean Festival 2023 in Singapore.
Darren Espanto
The multi-hyphenate was the definition of cool as he made the most of the night. Espanto, a long-standing artist in the industry at only 21 years old, recently dropped an upbeat single, Bibitaw Na, which he wrote and composed himself.
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