In a landmark year for Original Pinoy Music, Baguio-bred band Cup of Joe emerged as the undeniable breakout act of 2025, clinching the number one spot on Billboard Philippines’ Leading Artists of 2025 while simultaneously ruling Spotify’s year-end lists as the most-listened-to local act and the group behind the country’s most-streamed song.

The five-piece outfit — formed in the cool highlands of Baguio and known for its atmospheric pop sound — saw its hit “Multo” skyrocket from a viral slow-burner into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. The single spent 27 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100, a feat rarely achieved in the local scene. Their awards-season run was just as dominant, with the band picking up two major trophies at the Filipino Music Awards and cementing its reputation as the year’s most influential homegrown act.

Billboard praised Cup of Joe not only for its chart performance but also for its ability to spark nationwide resonance — calling them a band whose youthful lyricism and emotional instinct made them the soundtrack of a generation.

Maki secures top 10 with a breakout Year

Joining the upper ranks is fast-rising Kapamilya singer Maki, who landed at 10th on Billboard Philippines’ list. His year was marked by milestone after milestone, including a sold-out Araneta Coliseum concert and the release of his eagerly awaited debut album, Kolorcoaster.

Billboard highlighted his gift for capturing emotions with clarity and intimacy, calling his songwriting “relatable and witty” and praising his ability to craft lyrics “that help his listeners put emotions into words they hadn’t thought of before.”

Chart-topping powerhouses

The rest of Billboard’s top artists reflect the vibrant tapestry of Filipino music today:

•Second — Dionela, whose “Marilag” remains a mainstay across social platforms

•Third — Arthur Nery, continuing his reign as R&B’s leading voice

•Fourth — Shanti Dope, maintaining his impact with sharp, socially grounded rap

•Fifth — December Avenue, still one of the country’s most-streamed and beloved bands

Rounding out the top 10 are TJ Monterde (sixth), Ben&Ben (seventh), Earl Agustin (eighth), and Hellmerry (ninth), each adding distinct flavors to the year’s musical landscape.

Spotify 2025: Cup of Joe sweeps major local categories

On Spotify Philippines, Cup of Joe achieved a near-clean sweep:

•Top Local Artist — Cup of Joe

•Top Group — Cup of Joe

•Top Song — “Multo”

Trailing behind them on the Top Artists list were December Avenue, Arthur Nery, Dionela and TJ Monterde — clear proof that OPM continues to thrive across genres.

The Top Groups lineup echoed similar favorites, with December Avenue, Ben&Ben, Parokya ni Edgar and Silent Sanctuary following Cup of Joe.

For the year’s most-streamed local songs, “Multo” led the pack, followed by:

1.“Tibok” — Earl Agustin

2.“Marilag” — Dionela

3.“Sa Bawat Sandali” — Amiel Sol (boosted by its prominence in Ang Mutya ng Section E)

4.“My Day” — Hellmerry

Top podcasts of 2025

Spotify also unveiled its most-streamed podcasts of the year, proving that Filipinos’ love for storytelling extends far beyond music.

Leading the pack is “Barangay Love Stories” by Barangay LS 97.1, followed by:

2.“Papa Dudut Stories”

3.“Will Talks”

4.“Dear MOR”

5.“Sitio Bangungot — Pinoy Horror Stories for Sleep Podcast”

Breakout genres also had standout winners:

•Top Love & Relationship Podcast — Barangay Love Stories

•Top Horror Podcast — Sitio Bangungot

•Top Comedy Podcast — The KoolPals

•Top Wellness Podcast — The Bare It All Podcast by Dani Barretto

•Top New Group Podcast — Chicks 2 Go (Ashley Rivera & Hershey Neri)

•Top New Solo-Host Podcast — Dagok Time! by Sophie Prime

A year defined by OPM’s diversity, digital reach

From the indie dream-pop of Cup of Joe to the soul stylings of Maki, the viral charm of Dionela, the lyrical finesse of Arthur Nery, and the storytelling energy of Pinoy podcasts, 2025 showcased a Filipino audience hungry for authenticity, emotion, and cultural identity.

And at the center of it all is a band from Baguio whose music quietly traveled from local airwaves to national dominance — proving once again that in OPM, the next big thing can rise from anywhere, and that great music will always find its listeners.