All focus will be on this year’s SUDI National Music Awards, as Southeast Asian Superstar Pop Group SB19 leads the winner’s circle.

The P-pop Kings composed of Pablo Nase, Josh Cullen Santos, Justin De Dios, Stell Ajero and Ken Suson currently finished their North American “Simula At Wakas Concert” which had sold-out shows in key cities of the US, Canada and Hawaii.

Songs from their Simula at Wakas album have charted in global music charts, streamed and topped various streaming platforms; music videos of “DAM,” “Dungka” and “Time” have been viewed by the millions.

National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Commissioner Arvin Manuel Villalon said: “SB19 is being recognized for their outstanding musical achievements, locally and internationally, and yes, it is a known fact that they have significantly shaped the Philippine music landscape, specifically their P-Pop musical campaign and movement.”

Other notable SUDI awardees in the Filipino pop category are Ben & Ben, Philippine diva Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and “Mr. Pure Energy,” Gary Valenciano.

An NCCA-initiated project, the SUDI National Music Awards was launched five years ago.

Villalon said: “Sudi is an Ilokano adjective meaning celebrated, famous or renowned. It reflects the spirit of the award and its commitment to honoring musical excellence.”

Honorees are selected annually and the awards ceremony is held every three years—making the awards night this coming September as the first formal conferment of the SUDI National Music Awards since its inception and it will happen at the Metropolitan Theater.

The Board of Jury that chose the SUDI awardees were National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab (Jury head), and its prominent members: former NCCA chairman Dr. Felipe de Leon, Ma. Cristina Arceo-Dumlao, Roberto Barreiro, Noel Cabangon, Lucenio Letaba, Dr. Grace Nono, Vadim Sisenand “Moy” Ortiz, Dr. Raul Sunico, Dr. Arwin Tan and Melchor Villen.

The roster of 11 awardees from 2021 to 2023 are set to receive their recognition, namely: Ben & Ben and Cebu Arts Foundation, Inc. (for the Cebu Popular Music Festival) 2021; Coke Bolipata, Gary Valenciano, Maria Alexandra Chua, Regine Velasquez and SB19 for 2022; Dr. Marie Jocelyn Marfil, University of Sto Tomas Singers and Vincent De Jesus for 2023.

Additionally, a Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) Foundation, Inc.

The SUDI National Music Awara is also a highlight of the Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (Filipino Music Week), which is celebrated annually during the last week of July.

Koro X OPM

As Filipino music continues to evolve and inspire, this last week of July, NCCA’s Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino remains a vital platform in celebrating the country’s vibrant musical heritage—bringing together creators, performers and audiences in a united chorus of national pride.

A major highlight of this year’s celebration is Koro, a national choral competition designed to elevate Original Pilipino Music (OPM) through the power of vocal ensembles.