OPM takes center stage as NYE at the 5th ushers in 2026

The final night of 2025 unfolded as a full-scale celebration of Filipino music, as NYE at the 5th once again turned New Year’s Eve into a massive open-air concert that carried thousands into 2026 together.

Held along 5th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, the annual countdown drew huge crowds for a night anchored on Original Pilipino Music. The lineup moved effortlessly between generations, genres, and moods. The program leaned less on spectacle for spectacle’s sake and more on the power of live performance, familiar songs, new anthems, and the collective energy that only a New Year’s Eve crowd can produce.

The evening was led by a diverse roster of artists, including SB19, Parokya Ni Edgar, KZ Tandingan, TJ Monterde, Jay-R, G22, Dionela, and DJ Mars Miranda. Each brought a distinct sound that reflected the breadth of today’s OPM landscape. From sing-along rock staples to polished pop and R&B, the performances traced how Filipino music continues to evolve without losing its emotional pull.

A notable highlight came with the appearance of apl.de.ap of The Black Eyed Peas, whose set added a global accent to the night while still feeling rooted in shared cultural pride. His presence underscored how Filipino artists can move seamlessly between local stages and international platforms.

As performances rolled on, 5th Avenue transformed into a continuous stream of music and light. LED satellite screens and synchronized light choreography extended the experience beyond the main stage, allowing the crowd to feel immersed no matter where they stood. The avenue became less a venue and more a living, moving audience, singing, counting down, and waiting for midnight together.

The night closed with a dual-zone fireworks display, marking the final seconds of 2025 with a moment of collective pause. As the sky lit up, the countdown gave way to cheers, embraces, and the quiet realization that a new year had begun.

Since its early editions, NYE at the 5th has earned its place as one of Metro Manila’s most anticipated year-end events by consistently blending music, scale, and shared experience.