philippines
Editor’s Choice: Philippines Most Inspiring Women in Music 2025 (Jan-May)
The Philippine music scene is a vibrant and ever-evolving landscape, a true testament to the nation’s rich cultural tapestry and boundless artistic talent. In 2025, Filipino women in music continue to be a driving force, not only within the archipelago but also as significant influencers across the Southeast Asian region.
Their ability to seamlessly blend traditional sounds with contemporary global trends, coupled with their compelling storytelling and undeniable charisma, resonates deeply with diverse audiences. This powerful surge of talent is crucial for the Philippines, as it not only elevates the country’s cultural standing on the world stage but also fosters a thriving creative economy, creating opportunities and inspiring a new generation of artists.
This article will delve into the remarkable achievements of the women who have truly defined the year in Filipino music.
“Crazy For You” by Regine Velasquez
At 55, Regine Velasquez remains a towering figure in Philippine entertainment. With a career spanning four decades, she has become a cultural icon. Referred to as “Asia’s Songbird”, she has consistently been credited with inspiring a generation of Filipino singers.
Having sold more than seven million records domestically and 1.5 million in Asia, Velasquez is the best-selling Filipino music artist of all time. Her accolades include two Asian Television Awards, two MTV Asia Awards, 22 Awit Awards, 17 Aliw Awards (including 3 Entertainer of the Year wins), 22 Box Office Entertainment Awards, and 17 Star Awards for Music.
In 2020, she co-headlined at the Unified concert with Sarah Geronimo.
Velasquez rose to prominence after winning the television talent show Ang Bagong Kampeon in 1984 and the Asia Pacific Singing Contest in 1989. She explored Manila sound and kundiman genres on her second and third studio albums, Nineteen 90 (1990) and Tagala Talaga (1991).
“Last Night of the World” by Abigail Adriano (Miss Saigon)
Abigail Adriano, the young Filipino who starred as Kim in the musical Miss Saigon, has everything going for her this season. As Australia’s newest leading lady, Abigail Adriano has just completed the Australian and Asian tours of Miss Saigon to rave reviews. Her portrayal of KIM saw her awarded Best Newcomer at the Sydney Theatre Awards.
Represented by T&E Management she began her performance training at the age of 6 with her passion for singing leading her to study both classical and contemporary under the guidance of Peter Bodnar.
Abigail’s first theatrical experience was in Tim Minchin’s Matilda the Musical in the role of Alice. Recently she was a headliner for the Do You Hear The People Sing concerts in Manila singing the music of both Miss Saigon and Les Misérables.
On the small screen, Abigail played the co-leading role of Rose in the Netflix/ABC television series The Unlisted. She also appeared on The Voice Kids Australia and has worked on numerous advertising campaigns.
Ruby Ibarra, the new Tiny Desk Concert winner of 2025
Community and culture are two guiding forces in Ibarra’s music. She put together an all-Filipino band for this performance, which includes R&B singer Ouida and members of Pinay Voltron and Astralogik, plus rock legend June Millington.
As the recent winner of the Tiny Desk Contest, her performance of “Bakunawa”, a song about Filipino folklore and motherhood, Ibarra performs in English, Tagalog and Bisaya, switching effortlessly between the three languages from one verse to the next.
On “7000 Miles,” she raps about her and her family’s experiences as immigrants. “My mom will make it in America” is a verse she repeats while looking into the teary eyes of her mother, who sits front row in the audience with a box of tissues. At the end of “Someday,” Ibarra changes the song’s refrain from “Mama, we gon’ make it here someday” to “Mama, we gon’ make it here today.”
Watch the performance here.
“Kunwari Lang” by Zephanie
Zephanie Dimaranan’s new single, “Kunwari Lang,” is captivating fans with its heartfelt lyrics and compelling visuals. The music video, featuring Zephanie and actor Miguel Tanfelix, tells a poignant story of unspoken feelings and emotional restraint. Their on-screen chemistry perfectly captures the song’s theme of pretending not to care while harboring deep emotions.
Penned and produced by Kiko Salazar, the track highlights Zephanie’s vocal prowess, blending vulnerability with strength. “Kunwari Lang” has resonated deeply with listeners, earning praise for its relatable message and Zephanie’s emotive performance. The lyrics beautifully express a quiet yearning for a chance at love and the ache of emotions left unspoken.
This single marks another milestone in Zephanie’s burgeoning career, solidifying her status as one of the Philippines’ most promising young artists.
“Lambingan na This” by Ryannah J feat. kiyo
Ryannah J is an 18-year-old Filipino singer-songwriter and songwriter who made her debut in the music scene in May 2024 with “This Na Malambing”. She is signed with O/C Records and has achieved notable success with hits like “Puntirya,” “Halikana,” and “Kuwago,” each gaining millions of streams on Spotify.
Born Ryannah Julia Policarpio, the 18-year-old singer-songwriter debuted in the local music scene last May with “This Na Malambing,” a collaboration with hip-hop artist Nateman. The track has already amassed over 41 million streams on Spotify.
View the song here on YouTube featuring kiyo.
“Back to Bliss” by Kyla
Filipino R&B Queen, Kyla, is back with a deeply personal and soul-stirring new worship single titled “Back to Bliss.” Released on April 25, 2025, this song marks a significant and inspiring turn in her musical journey.
Inspired by an emotional and healing process, “Back to Bliss” is a testament to total surrender and the pursuit of joy and hope after navigating life’s most challenging moments.
Co-penned by Kyla herself with Jonathan Manalo, ABS-CBN Music’s Head of Creatives, Content, and Operations, the track beautifully showcases Kyla’s signature vocal prowess, blending vulnerability with strength. It’s a heartfelt invitation for listeners to find their own path to inner peace and renewed spirit.
Other notable women in the region:
“Tsy Tara” by Razia Said & Timothy James Ambler (Tuanis Maje Publishing)
“Tsy Tara” (It’s Not Too Late) is a call to action urging people to take responsibility for the environmental destruction of the world. “Will we be the ones responsible / For the destruction of our world / Let’s act together with conviction / To protect our only future / Let’s fight / Let’s create some change / Because it’s not too late.”
Razia Said is a Malagasy singer, songwriter, and environmental activist known for blending traditional Malagasy rhythms with contemporary world music. Her travels have shaped her musical style, which addresses social and environmental issues, particularly deforestation in Madagascar. Her 2010 album Zebu Nation gained international recognition for its fusion of Malagasy instruments and Afro-pop melodies. Beyond music, Razia actively promotes environmental sustainability, using her art to advocate for conservation and inspire global audiences.
Recently, we have heard this under the compilation Global Women released by Putumayo Records.
“First Love” by Hikaru Utada
Hikaru Utada’s First Love, released in April 1999, remains one of Japan’s most iconic songs, cementing her status as a defining voice in contemporary music. The track, taken from her second studio album of the same name—one of Japan’s best-selling records—was certified double platinum, with 800,000 copies shipped. It gained further prominence as the theme for the drama Majo no Jōken and later appeared in the PlayStation 2 game Unison.
Utada, widely regarded as one of Japan’s most influential artists, has continued to make waves internationally. She recently returned to the stage at Coachella and appeared on Apple Music 1’s The Zane Lowe Show after a three-year hiatus. Now, she embarks on Science Fiction, a global tour showcasing her enduring artistry.
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