The year 2023 is indeed a good one for Filipino pop music —from homegrown songs being noticed by international artists to receiving millions of streams on the popular streaming platform Spotify.
Ben&Ben, Zack Tabudlo, and Moira dela Torre reigned as the country’s top acts on Spotify, showcasing the power of Filipino pop among local and international listeners.
Ben&Ben, who is widely recognized for their emotional songs “Pagtingin,” “Kathang Isip,” “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay,” and more, has garnered 371 million streams on the platform, with 15 million listeners across 184 countries.
The folk-indie band wrote a heartfelt message on Instagram to acknowledge the achievement: “THANK YOU for bringing us to #1 this year. This hits deep, because we realized that somehow, we’ve become a constant part of each other’s lives through these songs that connect us. You brought us here. No words can express the depth of how much we treasure you, Liwanag. Iba kayo magmahal. LABYU!”
Being crowned as the most streamed Filipino group since 2020, Ben&Ben added that they would work harder in the future: “We’ll keep on working our hardest to serve you through the music we make and the stuff we create. Let’s make our dreams happen together and keep carrying on, with courage. This is for all of us!!”
Zack Tabudlo proved that he is a force to be reckoned with. After releasing his third album, 3rd Time’s A Charm, last month, he is back as the most streamed male artist in the Philippines who has achieved great success and huge numbers on the platform with 479 million streams.
Hailed as the country’s most-streamed Filipino pop artist in 2022, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter took to Instagram to express his gratitude to everyone who has become a part of his music journey.
“I was just a kid dreaming so big in a small room making music with my grandmother’s laptop 7 years ago. a lot of people doubted and a loooooot of people threw shit at the music I created. but I never stopped because of the family and friends I had behind all of this that believed in me. what a blessing. thank you all so much for showing love to the music I’ve been creating despite of the craziness that’s been happening for the past 2 years,” Tabudlo wrote in his post.
“Being #1 male artist in the Philippines for 2 years straight is something that never ever crossed my mind. but you beautiful people made all of this possible. I will never ever take this for granted. you are the reason why I’m here. thank you thank you thank you so much to every single one of you. all of my love to the fans and cheers to more music. ily 4 ever.” he added.
On the other hand, Moira dela Torre has been unstoppable in serving hugot and soulful songs through the years as she was named the streaming platform’s most streamed female Filipino artist. Earning the title since 2017, the “Paubaya” singer has proven that her discography would stand the test of time.
Finally, the emerging rock band SunKissed Lola’s popular love song “Pasilyo” is Spotify Philippines’ most streamed Filipino pop song this year. The song, which was released in October 2022, gained popularity this year and earned over 160 million streams on the platform.
The great achievement was acknowledged by the sextet with a short yet heartfelt message: “Salamat sa pagsama, mahaba man ang biyahe (Thank you for being with us despite the long journey).”
Here is the 2023 Spotify Wrapped Philippines Top Lists:
Most-Streamed OPM Artists
Ben&Ben
Zack Tabudlo
Adie
Moira Dela Torre
Arthur Nery
Flow G
Lola Amour
Al James
December Avenue
Parokya ni Edgar
Most-Streamed OPM Songs
“Pasilyo” by Sunkissed Lola
“Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)”
by Dilaw
“Mahika” by Adie
and Janine Berdin
“Umaasa” by Calein
“Raining In Manila”
by Lola Amour
“YK” by cean jr.
“Gusto” by Zack Tabudlo
and Al James
“Fallen” by Lola Amour
“Ikaw Lang” by Nobita
“Elevate” by Jeff Grecia
Most-Streamed Male Artists
Zack Tabudlo
Adie
Arthur Nery
Flow G
Al James
Skusta Clee
Shanti Dope
Juan Karlos
Arthur Miguel
TJ Monterde
Most-Streamed Female Artists
Moira dela Torre
Mrld
Janine Berdin
Janine
rhodessa