The 38th Awit Awards brought together the country’s top musical artists and industry leaders for a night that honored Filipino creativity while also rallying support for communities affected by recent typhoons. Held at the Meralco Theater on November 16, the event blended artistry with social purpose, culminating in a PHP1 million donation to the Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. (AKFI) to aid ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Organized by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI), this year’s Awit Awards showcased the depth and diversity of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Performances from Ben&Ben, Lola Amour, Over October, BINI, and Dionela set the tone for a memorable evening that paid tribute to both established icons and emerging trailblazers.
The Grand Awards honored the standout achievements of the year:
Album of the Year: The Traveller Across Dimensions by Ben&Ben
Song of the Year: “Misteryoso” by Cup of Joe
Record of the Year: “Namimiss Ko Na” by Lola Amour
Pop powerhouse BINI also walked away with multiple awards including People’s Voice Favorite Group Artist, People’s Voice Favorite Album (Talaarawan), and Best Dance/Electronic Recording for “Salamin, Salamin.” Their fandom, BLOOMS, earned the Vibe Stan Award.
Global sensation SB19 likewise secured several accolades such as Best Global Collaboration Recording (“Moonlight”), Best Rap/Hip-Hop Recording, Best Music Video (“Kalakal”), and People’s Voice Breakthrough Artist for member Stell.
The evening’s highest individual honor, the Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino Award, went to Ely Buendia, recognized for his lasting cultural influence as one of the pillars of modern Filipino music.
A Night of Music with a Mission
Beyond celebrating artistic achievements, the awards night also amplified urgent calls for solidarity. With communities still reeling from the impact of recent typhoons, the event became a platform to highlight the need for sustained assistance.
A pledge of ₱1 million was announced in support of the Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. (AKFI) to contribute to its disaster response and community empowerment programs, including livelihood initiatives and long-term rebuilding efforts under its “Tulong Mga Kapatid” banner.
Meanwhile, Krizia Cortez, Director of Public Relations of PlayTime, emphasized the importance of standing with both artists and communities.
“The power of music has always captured the real stories of Filipino life—our hopes, heartbreaks, and resilience. This support honors not only the artists who shape our culture but also the communities who inspire it. We stand behind our people and the vision of a more empowered Filipino nation,” she said.
The contribution aligns with continuing efforts under PlayTime CARES, the company’s social responsibility program, alongside AKFI’s sustained presence in relief and rehabilitation operations across vulnerable areas.