Pasay City, Philippines – March 15 – The country’s premier celebration of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) hit a high note as Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival marked its 10th anniversary at the CCP Open Grounds. With a powerhouse lineup of top OPM icons, rising stars, and immersive festival experiences, Fusion —organized by PraXis—once again proved why it’s the ultimate stage for Filipino music and talent.
A Decade of OPM Excellence
“Fusion’s 10th anniversary celebrates OPM as a vital part of who we are as Filipinos,” said PraXis CEO and Fusion founder Gladys Basinillo. “This is our moment to set a new standard for music festivals—proudly Filipino, and world-class.”
Thousands gathered to witness an unforgettable celebration of Filipino music. The stage lit up with performances from Ben&Ben, December Avenue, Zack Tabudlo, MAKI, The Itchyworms, Barbie Almalbis, Alamat, KAIA, ALLMO$T, and more. Surprise collaborations made the evening more surprising —including Barbie Almalbis and December Avenue’s nostalgic take on Tabing Ilog, and Miguel and Paolo Benjamin’s jam during MAKI’s set.
The festival showcased dance performances from D’Grind, the UP Varsity Pep Squad, and Manoeuvres Ignite. It also gave the spotlight to rising talents like 1ST One, G.A.T., Raya, The Vowels They Orbit, Better Days, Carissa, the Karaoke World Championships artists, and Amiel Sol—proving Fusion’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of OPM stars.
Photos from Jeremy Caisip, Yan Caringal, Harold Burce, Davin Reyes, Garcia, Nina FamosoGuided by the creative vision of director Paul Basinillo, Fusion embraced the theme “Musika Natin ’To”—transforming the event into a full-blown entertainment experience. “Fusion isn’t just about the past decade of OPM. It’s about shaping the future of Filipino music, artists, and fans. It’s about bringing people back to live events and making the festival an experience they’ll always want to be part of,” he shared.
The Fusion experience extended beyond the stage. Festivalgoers, calling themselves “sumakses,” immersed in interactive booths, exclusive merch drops, and perks and giveaways from sponsors like Nestea, Nescafé, Bear Brand Sterilized, Maggi, Dazz and Hapee, Fudgee Barr, VinFast, Tanduay Flavored Mixes, KFC, Chowking, McDonald’s, and more.
The night ended with a surprise finale featuring MAKI and Ben&Ben performing together as fireworks lit up the sky. The celebration continued into the afterparty with sets from DJ Bandit, DJ Ron Poe, and Mars Miranda—cementing Fusion as a landmark moment in OPM history.
Championing Filipino Music
Recognizing Fusion’s impact in elevating Original Pilipino Music (OPM) as both a cultural celebration and tourism asset, the Department of Tourism (DOT) underscored the festival’s role in promoting Filipino music as a pillar of the country’s creative industry. With its ability to draw thousands of fans and travelers, Fusion is helping position the Philippines as a vibrant destination for music lovers—both locally and internationally.
“With the immense talent of Filipino artists and the unwavering support of the Filipino youth, OPM deserves to be one of our country’s primary cultural exports,” said Gladys Basinillo. “This partnership with the Department of Tourism highlights how music and entertainment are deeply woven into our national identity. Through Fusion, we aim to amplify Filipino music on bigger stages—not just here at home, but around the world.”
Fusion’s mission to uplift Pinoy music is also supported by the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), reinforcing a shared advocacy for nurturing Filipino talent and growing the appreciation of homegrown artistry.
Together, these partnerships affirm Fusion’s position as more than just a festival—it’s a cultural movement for OPM’s continued evolution and global recognition.
Bringing the Fusion Experience Nationwide
Fusion continues to set the standard for OPM celebrations—uniting artists, audiences, and communities through the power of music.
Riding on the success of its Manila leg, Fusion is gearing up to take the celebration on the road, bringing the same OPM experience to regional stages across the country this year.
The music, the movement, and the magic of OPM are just getting started. Follow Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X for the latest stories and upcoming destinations.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES
