Isay wins inaugural Jameson Distilled Sounds PH

On a stage better known in recent weeks for weekend crowds and open-air revelry, a quieter but more consequential moment for Filipino music took place. Emerging band Isay was named the first grand winner of Jameson Distilled Sounds Philippines, closing a month-long artist search that placed Original Filipino Music at its center.

Held during the finale of the Jameson Distillery on Tour 2025 in Bonifacio Global City, the competition unfolded as a rare, full-scale showcase for local acts. While the Jameson Distilled Sounds platform has existed internationally for years, the Philippine edition stood apart by staging a national search, pitting 10 original artists against one another through live performances and audience voting.

For Isay, made up of vocalist Isay Olarte, guitarist Jhon Ramos, bassist Don Don Baculo and drummer Angelo Galendez, the win marked a sharp turn from bar gigs and small venues to industry visibility. Hailing from Oriental Mindoro, the band edged out fellow finalists Cen and Angel, who finished 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 that returned as much for discovery as for 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 leaned less on spectacle and more on cohesion, tight arrangements, grounded vocals and songs built around everyday emotional stakes. In a post-event interview, the band described the competition as an unexpected proving ground, noting that simply reaching the final round had already exceeded their expectations.

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

As the dust settles on the inaugural run, Jameson Distilled Sounds Philippines leaves behind a clearer takeaway: in a scene often dominated by covers and viral hooks, there remains a strong appetite for original work, especially when given a stage that allows it to stand on its own.