PPOP FEST 2023: Celebrating Modern Filipino Music

In continuous support of PPOP’s rise into the music scene, Viva Records have spearheaded a mall show entitled ‘PPOP FEST’ at Market Market last February 5. PPOP FEST showcased the music talents of Viva Records and also made meaningful moments through a meet and greet. Carlo Mendoza or also known as CARLO, together with Ken Tiongson as his guitarist, serenaded the audience with their songs — ‘Tahan Na, ‘Hiwaga’ and a rendition of ‘Jopay’. Sam Benwick, singer-songwriter charmingly performed her single entitled ‘Kailan’ and ‘Show Yourself to me’. A 17-year old singer, songwriter, arranger and producer, Kenaniah also jammed the night using his tracks ‘Sana Walang Magbago’, ‘Bahala Na’, and Better Now’. PPOP GEN wowed the fans when their performed their single ‘Princesa’, ‘Ikaw At Ako’, ‘Hanap-Hanap’. The audiences’ energy kept elated as ALAMAT performed their tracks ‘Aswang’, ‘Say u love me’, ‘Sa panaginip’ and ‘Maharani’.

More than a month after and with the unfortunate postponement of this year’s PPOP Convention, many fans were definitely disheartened. But fret not as VIVA Records and A‑WAVE joined hands to celebrate Filipino pop culture and music. Showcasing talented solo and group acts to promote OPM, 10 artists graced the stage of Glorietta Activity Center on a Sunday night, March 19.

Michael Keith, a US-based VIVA artist, opens the show with his single ‘Thrill Me’, followed by Amiel Sol’s latest song ‘Di Na Akin’ – both songs talk about the two sides of love, something we probably all know. Carlo Mendoza serenaded the crowd next with his songs ‘Tahan Na’ and ‘Hiwaga’. From being a TV personality, Wilbert Ross is now a solo artist as he performed ‘Langga’ and his latest song ‘Nakangiti’.

Transitioning to the PPOP group acts, the freshly-debuted four-member boy group HYV opened the main show. Members Sora, Jules, LeeAn, and their leader Kali, impressed the crowd with their unreleased ballad song ‘Tanaw’. Their debut single ‘Alawkulay’ was released 2 days before the show, and was then performed in front of the Glorietta crowd.

5‑member girl group KAIA turned the heat up with their latest song ‘Turn Up’ and pre-debut song ‘Kaya’. Performing their debut song from last year, boy group VXON continued to hype the crowd with ‘The Beast’ and ‘Fiyaah’, while their sister group G22 surprised fans with a ‘Boomerang’ performance and ‘BANG!’. And despite a wardrobe malfunction, leader AJ still delivered an electrifying performance – definitely embodying the female alpha energy!

It ain’t over ‘till it’s over with Ppop Gen, VIVA’s own 7‑member girl group, joining the fun and performing their latest single ‘Hanggang Tingin Ka Na Lang’ and a shout out to all women with the song ‘Prinsesa’. Lastly, ALAMAT ended the show with a lasting impression with their songs full of Filipino sensibilities. The 6‑member ensemble performed ‘Maharani’ and ‘Gayuma’ — which are tracks different in sound, but the unique incorporation of modern and traditional themes surely delighted the fans. Not to mention the captivating choreography of both songs — Magiliws and PPOP fans were lucky to have witnessed it that night.

The 3‑hour showcase of Filipino music ended with all the artists coming up on stage, interacting, dancing, and taking pictures together — truly a Filipino way of celebration. And as more PPOP groups debut and artists start to get recognition, may we see the rise of Filipino music and show support incessantly.

DISCLAIMER: Delayed publication due to technical difficulties

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