OPM Hits you need to hear: 5 Filipino artists who speak to the soul

There’s just something magical about OPM that hits differently. Whether you're stuck in traffic, staring out the window on a rainy day, or crying over someone who doesn’t even know you exist (ouch!), Filipino music has a way of capturing the raw emotions we all experience and putting them into the perfect melody.

For young Filipinos, OPM is more than background music—it’s a soundtrack to life. From late-night heartbreaks to those unexpected kilig moments, these artists are making waves with songs that feel like they were written just for you.

So if your playlist is ready for an upgrade, these five must-listen OPM artists are here to make sure every beat, every lyric, and every melody speaks directly to you.

1. Cup of Joe – a fresh favorite for young Filipinos in love

Cup of Joe has a knack for turning emotions into melodies, and "Tingin" is their ultimate heart-stealer. This hit collab with Janine Teñoso, hailed as one of Billboard Philippines’ top songs of 2023, captures that electric moment when one look from someone special makes the world fade away. It’s a song about being completely drawn to someone—captivated by their gaze, lost in their presence, and wrapped in a feeling that’s impossible to shake.

With its dreamy vibe and magnetic lyrics, "Tingin" hits especially hard for young Filipinos navigating love, attraction, and all the chaos in between. Whether you’re deep in your feelings or just vibing with good music, "Tingin" is the kind of track that makes you believe in the magic of a single glance.

2. Ben&Ben – when heartbreak meets healing

No list of Filipino must-listen artists is complete without Ben&Ben. This nine-piece indie folk-pop band has become the soundtrack of a generation—blending heartfelt lyrics with rich, homegrown melodies that feel undeniably Pinoy.

Their breakout hit “Kathang Isip” is a gut-punch of a song that tackles unrequited love with poetic honesty. Singing about the pain of holding on to feelings that were never real, the band turns heartbreak into art, resonating deeply with listeners across the country.

If you’ve ever loved someone who didn’t love you back, this track feels like it was written just for you. Ben&Ben’s music doesn’t just speak to Filipinos—it speaks like Filipinos: full of emotion, truth, and soul.

3. Lola Amour – for rainy days and remembering

If there’s one band that knows how to make you dance and cry at the same time, it’s Lola Amour. This Muntinlupa-based group mixes funk, pop, and rock into a sound that feels both nostalgic and new.

Lola Amour’s “Raining in Manila” became a viral anthem for every Filipino who’s ever felt the ache of someone leaving. Blending upbeat city pop with emotional lyrics, the song captures the bittersweet reality of friends and loved ones moving abroad, leaving behind memories, questions, and quiet longing. Lines like “Hindi ka ba nilalamig?” hit hard, turning personal heartbreak into a shared experience. More than just a love song, it’s a tribute to the emotional storms of separation—wrapped in a melody that makes you want to sing along, even through the tears.

4. Hale – the soundtrack of nostalgia and love lost

One of the pillars of 2000s OPM, Hale is known for crafting emotional, alternative rock anthems that defined a generation of heartbreak. With hits like “The Day You Said Goodnight,” “Blue Sky,” and “Broken Sonnet,” they quickly rose to the top of the charts and into the hearts of countless Filipino listeners.

Their sound is melodic, their lyrics heartfelt, and their songs feel like the soundtrack to your quiet, late-night thoughts.

Among their most unforgettable releases is “Kung Wala Ka”—a breakup classic that dives deep into the pain of losing someone who once meant everything. The song speaks to the feeling of emotional disorientation after a relationship ends, where the world keeps moving, but you’re left stuck in a loop of memories.

The repeated line “Hindi ko maisip kung wala ka” perfectly captures that feeling of emptiness and denial, when you can’t quite picture life without that one person.

5. Zack Tabudlo – when modern beats meet classic feelings

Zack Tabudlo is one of the most prominent voices of today’s OPM scene. Blending alt-pop, R&B, and heartfelt lyricism, he writes songs that hit right at the core of love and heartbreak.

Few songs have captured heartbreak quite like “Pano.” It tells the story of unrequited love—when one person gives everything, only to be left behind. Through soft guitar, stripped-down R&B-pop production, and painfully real lyrics like “Pano naman ako?” Zack channels the voice of someone who feels forgotten. Words like “marupok” and “alipin” drive home how vulnerable love can make us, but there’s also a quiet demand for dignity underneath all the pain.

Inspired by Zack’s own breakup, the song became an unexpected anthem for anyone who’s ever asked, “Wasn’t I enough?” It’s a slow, emotional gut-punch that doesn’t try to fix heartbreak—it simply lets you feel it.

Why OPM hits from these Filipino artists belong on your playlist

In a world full of international hits, there’s something deeply personal about listening to music made by Filipinos, for Filipinos. These OPM artists don’t just create songs—they tell the stories we often struggle to put into words. From heartbreak to healing, from first love to final goodbyes, their lyrics echo the moments we hold closest.

For young Filipinos growing up in a fast-paced, ever-changing world, this music brings a sense of grounding. It reminds us of who we are, what we’ve felt, and that no matter what we’re going through, someone else has been there too—and turned it into something beautiful.

These artists deserve a spot on your playlist not just because they sound good—but because they feel real. And in the end, that’s what makes music unforgettable.

Keep your heart open and your feed inspired. Find more stories from Inkspired by Nery on Facebook: Nerelyn M. Fabro.