Isay named first grand winner of Jameson Distilled Sounds Philippines

TAGUIG CITY — On a stage better known in recent weeks for weekend crowds and open-air revelry, a quieter but more consequential moment for Filipino music unfolded as emerging band Isay was named the first grand winner of Jameson Distilled Sounds Philippines, capping a month-long artist search that placed Original Filipino Music at its core.

The announcement came during the finale of the Jameson Distillery on Tour 2025 at Bonifacio Global City, where the competition served as a rare, full-scale showcase for local acts.

While the Distilled Sounds platform has been staged internationally for years, the Philippine edition distinguished itself by mounting a nationwide search, pitting ten original artists against one another through live performances and audience voting.

For Isay — composed of vocalist Isay Olarte, guitarist Jhon Ramos, bassist Don Don Baculo, and drummer Angelo Galendez — the win marked a decisive leap from bar gigs and small venues to broader industry visibility. Hailing from Oriental Mindoro, the band edged out fellow finalists Cen and Angel, who placed first and second runner-up, respectively.

Over several weeks, the Jameson Distillery on Tour became a rotating stage for competing sounds and songwriting styles, drawing crowds eager for discovery as much as entertainment. Final scores combined online votes with assessments from a judging panel that included Lola Amour frontman Pio Dumayas, Billboard Philippines editor-in-chief Bret Jackson, music executive Kelley Mangahas, and singer-songwriter Armi Millare.

Isay’s performances favored cohesion over spectacle, built on tight arrangements, grounded vocals, and songs rooted in everyday emotional stakes. In post-event interviews, the band described the competition as an unexpected proving ground, noting that simply reaching the final round had already exceeded their expectations.

The group exits the competition with tangible rewards, including a recording deal, cash prize, and opportunities for international exposure. More significantly, the win positions Isay within a growing cohort of Filipino acts navigating the space between independent credibility and wider commercial platforms.