SB19, IV of Spades, and Dionela Triumph at the 39th Awit Awards

A Night of OPM Excellence

The 39th Awit Awards once again proved why it remains one of the most anticipated events in the Filipino music calendar. Dubbed the biggest gathering of the country's best in OPM, the ceremony brought together artists, producers, and industry leaders for a night that honored both established icons and rising stars.

Among the evening's biggest winners were SB19, IV of Spades, and Dionela—three acts that represent different eras and styles within the Philippine music scene, yet share a common thread of artistry and cultural impact.

SB19: Continuing the P-Pop Legacy

SB19's presence at the Awit Awards is hardly surprising. Since their debut in 2018 with "Tilaluha," the quintet has consistently pushed the boundaries of what Filipino pop can achieve. Their journey from a talent search under ShowBT Entertainment to becoming one of the most decorated groups in the country is a testament to their perseverance and craft.

The group's mainstream breakthrough came with "Go Up" in 2019, which earned them Song of the Year at the 2020 Myx Music Awards and Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year at the Wish 107.5 Music Awards. Their debut album, Get in the Zone, followed in 2020, with its single "Alab (Burning)" sweeping Music Video of the Year and Song of the Year at the 2021 Myx Music Awards.

In 2021, SB19 made history as the first Southeast Asian and Filipino artist to be nominated for Top Social Artist at the Billboard Music Awards. Their EP Pagsibol won Album of the Year and Pop Album of the Year at the 14th PMPC Star Awards for Music, while standout tracks like "What?" and "Bazinga" earned Awit Awards for Best Global Recording and Best Dance Recording.

Subsequent releases like "WYAT (Where You At)" and "Nyebe" continued their winning streak, and their 2023 EP Pagtatag! further solidified their status as P-pop pioneers. The EP's "Gento" won Best Dance/Electronic Recording at the 2024 Awit Awards, while "I Want You" took home Wishclusive R&B Performance of the Year. Their 2024 collaboration with Gloc-9, "Kalakal," added another trophy to their shelf at the 2025 Wish 107.5 Music Awards.

Beyond music, SB19 has been recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as Youth and Sentro Rizal Ambassadors, reflecting their role in promoting Filipino culture on the global stage.

IV of Spades: A Timeless Influence

IV of Spades may not have been as active in recent years, but their influence on the Philippine music landscape remains undeniable. The band, known for their retro-funk aesthetic and genre-blending sound, captured the hearts of Filipino listeners with hits that transcended generations.

Their recognition at the 39th Awit Awards serves as a reminder of their enduring legacy. Even as members pursued solo projects, IV of Spades' catalog continues to resonate, influencing a new wave of artists who cite them as inspiration. Their ability to fuse soul, funk, and OPM sensibilities created a blueprint that many young bands now follow.

Dionela: The Rise of a New OPM Powerhouse

Dionela's ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. Born Timothy Dionela in Guiguinto, Bulacan, the singer-songwriter began singing at just three years old, raised by parents who were both music teachers. He made his debut in 2019 with the single "Tears," but it was his 2024 releases that catapulted him to national prominence.

"Sining," featuring R&B artist Jay R, became a cultural phenomenon. Its music video—which also marked Dionela's directorial debut—helped propel the track to number one on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100, where it stayed from August 3, 2024. The song amassed over 56 million streams on Spotify and was recognized as one of YouTube Philippines' Top 5 music videos of 2024. Spotify named it the Top 3 Song in the Philippines for the year, while Google ranked it as the most searched song in the country.

His follow-up single, "Marilag," achieved another milestone in January 2025 by becoming the first song to top the new International Federation of the Phonographic Industry Official Philippines Chart. At the inauguration of The Official Philippines Chart in February 2025, Dionela was honored as a top six Local Artist of the Year, with "Sining" ranking among the top three Local Songs of the Year.

Dionela's momentum continued with his "The Grace World Tour" in June 2025, which included stops in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines. His first solo concert is set for November 21, 2025, at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City. Notably, he pledged the tour's proceeds to victims of Typhoon Fung-wong (Super Typhoon Uwan), demonstrating a commitment to community that resonates deeply with his fans.

In September 2025, he collaborated with Alex Bruce on "Fall Season," performed at the Coke Studio 2025 concert at the Araneta Coliseum. By December, Billboard Philippines named him the second leading artist of 2025, while Spotify Philippines included him among its Top Local Artists, placing fourth. "Marilag" and "Sining" were also recognized by Apple Music Philippines among its Top OPM Songs of 2025.

What This Means for OPM

The 39th Awit Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the diversity and vitality of the Filipino music scene. From SB19's global ambitions to Dionela's genre-defying hits and IV of Spades' lasting influence, the night underscored that OPM is not a monolith—it is a rich tapestry of sounds, stories, and generations.

As these artists continue to break barriers and set new records, their wins at the Awit Awards serve as both recognition and encouragement. For fans and industry watchers alike, the message is clear: Filipino music is thriving, and its future is brighter than ever.