The 10th Wish Music Awards (WMA), held on January 19, 2025, at the Araneta Coliseum, was a night to remember for the Filipino music scene. Featuring electrifying performances and well-deserved recognitions, the awards celebrated the best in Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
However, amidst the glitz and glamour, the night was not without its share of controversies. From perceived snubs to genre debates, the WMAs once again became a reflection of both the triumphs and tensions within the industry.
The Big Winners
The WMAs crowned some of the most celebrated names in OPM, with SB19 and BINI leading the winners’ circle. Known for their global reach and fan-driven success, the two P-pop powerhouses cemented their positions as top-tier acts.
The 10th Wish Music Awards celebrated Filipino music talent, creativity, and philanthropy in a star-studded evening at the Araneta Coliseum. Here’s the complete list of winners across all categories:
Wishclusive Performance Awards
Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year
- Winner: “Karera” by BINI
- Beneficiary: Leukemic Indigents Fund Endowment (L.I.F.E), Inc.
- Winner: “ILAW” by SB19
- Beneficiary: Leukemic Indigents Fund Endowment (L.I.F.E), Inc.
- Winner: “Guiding Star” by Jay R
- Beneficiary: Enhancing Nurturing Disciplining Empowering Restoring Daycare Inc. (IT Tender)
- Winner: “Orasa” by Dilaw
- Beneficiary: Center for Excellence in Special Education (Stepping Stone) Foundation, Inc.
- Winner: “Tugmang Preso” by Loonie
- Beneficiary: Leukemic Indigents Fund Endowment (L.I.F.E), Inc.
- Winner: “Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Pipiliin Ko” by Cup of Joe
- Beneficiary: PGH Medical Foundation, Inc.
- Winner: “BABALA” by Yeng Constantino
- Beneficiary: PGH Medical Foundation
- Winner: “Gusto” by Zack Tabudlo and Al James
- Beneficiaries: Leukemic Indigents Fund Endowment (L.I.F.E), Inc., Tondo Community Initiative for Development Foundation, Inc.
Wish Song of the Year Awards
Wish Pop Song of the Year
- Winner: “Pantropiko” by BINI
- Beneficiary: Philippine Foodbank Foundation, Inc.
- Winner: “Di Ko Masabi” by Stell
- Beneficiary: Center for Excellence in Special Education (Stepping Stone) Foundation, Inc.
- Winner: “Sining” by Dionela featuring Jay R
- Beneficiaries: Enhancing Nurturing Disciplining Empowering Restoring Daycare Inc. (IT Tender), PGH Medical Foundation
- Winner: “Kanako” by FELIP
- Beneficiary: Enhancing Nurturing Disciplining Empowering Restoring Daycare Inc. (IT Tender)
- Winner: “GET RIGHT” by Josh Cullen
- Beneficiary: Leukemic Indigents Fund Endowment (L.I.F.E), Inc.
- Winner: “Umaycan” by Noel Cabangon
- Beneficiary: Tondo Community Initiative for Development Foundation, Inc.
- Winner: “Segundo, Siguro” by Arthur Nery
- Beneficiary: PGH Medical Foundation, Inc.
- Winner: “Kalakal” by SB19 and Gloc-9
- Beneficiaries: Leukemic Indigents Fund Endowment (L.I.F.E), Inc., PGH Medical Foundation, Inc.
Wish Breakthrough Artist of the Year
- Winner: Stell
- Beneficiary: Center for Excellence in Special Education (Stepping Stone) Foundation, Inc.
- Winner: BINI
- Beneficiary: Enhancing Nurturing Disciplining Empowering Restoring Daycare Inc. (IT Tender)
- Winner: PABLO
- Beneficiary: PGH Medical Foundation, Inc.
- Winner: Ogie Alcasid
- Winner: Apl.de.ap, Founder of Apl.de.Ap Foundation International
- Winner: Stell
Spotify Awards
Spotify KALYE Song of the Year
- Winner: “Babaero” by gins&melodies (feat. Hev Abi)
- Winner: Hev Abi
Snubbed Artists: Where Was Maki?
While the night celebrated many deserving artists, fans of rising star Maki were left disappointed. Known for his hauntingly beautiful tracks like “Dilaw,” “Namumula,” “Saan,” and “Kailan,” Maki’s absence from the winners’ list sparked a wave of criticism online.
Maki’s introspective lyrics and unique voice have resonated with a growing audience, making him one of the standout artists of 2024. His exclusion from categories such as R&B or Pop Song of the Year left many questioning the selection process.
Fans took to social media with hashtags like #JusticeForMaki, expressing frustration over what they perceived as an oversight. Some speculated that Maki’s indie status might have contributed to his exclusion, as major labels often dominate award shows.
One Twitter user wrote, “Maki gave us ‘Dilaw’ and ‘Namumula’—songs that speak to the soul. How is he not even a nominee? The industry needs to do better at recognizing indie artists.”
The Hip-Hop Song of the Year Debate
Another hot topic of the night was the Hip-hop Song of the Year award, which went to Josh Cullen for his track “GET RIGHT.” While undeniably popular, the song’s classification as "hip-hop" raised eyebrows among fans and industry insiders.
Critics argued that “GET RIGHT” leans heavily on pop influences, deviating from the core elements of hip-hop, such as intricate lyricism and storytelling. Many believed that tracks like “Tugmang Preso” by Loonie, which won Wishclusive Hip-hop Performance of the Year, were more representative of the genre.
One Facebook comment summarized the debate: “GET RIGHT is great, but it’s more pop-rap than hip-hop. If this is what we’re calling hip-hop now, we need to redefine the category.”
Josh Cullen’s fans, however, were quick to defend the win. They argued that modern hip-hop is evolving and that blending genres is part of that growth. As one fan pointed out, “Music changes, and so does hip-hop. Josh is bringing a fresh sound that resonates with today’s audience.”
What Defines Hip-Hop Today?
The controversy over “GET RIGHT” reignited a long-standing debate about the definition of hip-hop in the Philippine music scene. Traditionally, hip-hop has been rooted in rhythm, poetry, and cultural storytelling. Pioneers like Francis M. and Gloc-9 set a high bar with tracks that explored social issues and personal struggles.
However, younger artists like Josh Cullen are blending hip-hop with pop, EDM, and R&B, creating hybrid tracks that appeal to a wider audience. While some purists resist this shift, others embrace it as a natural evolution of the genre.
The WMAs’ decision to honor “GET RIGHT” reflects this ongoing transformation, highlighting the tension between tradition and innovation in modern music.
Despite the controversies, the WMAs remain a cornerstone of the Filipino music industry. By recognizing both established acts and emerging talents, the awards provide a platform for artists to gain exposure and celebrate their craft.
However, events like this also underscore the need for greater transparency and inclusivity in the selection process. Whether it’s addressing perceived snubs or clarifying genre definitions, the WMAs have the potential to lead meaningful conversations about the future of OPM.
The 10th Wish Music Awards celebrated the best in Filipino music while sparking debates that reflect the complexity of the industry. Whether it’s Maki’s exclusion, the evolving definition of hip-hop, or the dominance of P-pop, the WMAs captured the pulse of OPM in 2025.
As fans and artists continue to voice their opinions, one thing is clear: the Filipino music scene is alive, dynamic, and worth celebrating—even amidst its growing pains.
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