Introduction
The 7th Wish 107.5 Music Awards marked the seventh consecutive celebration of contemporary Filipino music hosted by the popular FM radio station Wish 107.5. Launched in 2015, the awards quickly became a fixture in the Philippine music calendar, known for its engaging social media integration, high-profile performances, and the unique “Wish Bus” setup that allows fans to experience the event in a mobile studio environment. The 7th edition, held in late September 2022, expanded the awards’ reach by incorporating a live streaming component that reached audiences across Southeast Asia and among the Filipino diaspora.
History and Background
Origin of Wish 107.5
Wish 107.5, a radio station under the ownership of ABS-CBN Corporation, began broadcasting in 2015 as part of a strategic expansion into the urban contemporary music segment. The station quickly gained popularity for its live “Wish Bus” format, where hosts and artists performed live in a moving bus, capturing authentic reactions from listeners. The bus, equipped with state‑of‑the‑art sound systems and video recording gear, became an icon in Philippine pop culture.
Evolution of the Awards
The first Wish 107.5 Music Awards took place in 2015, celebrating the best in Filipino music across several categories. Initially, the awards focused on mainstream pop and urban genres, but the event evolved to include indie, alternative, and even international collaborations. Over the years, the awards incorporated audience voting through social media platforms, thereby democratizing the selection process and fostering greater fan engagement.
Significance in the Music Industry
By the seventh iteration, the awards had solidified their position as an industry benchmark for emerging artists and established acts alike. The ceremony is often cited by record labels and producers as a barometer for public reception, influencing future collaborations and marketing strategies. The awards also play a role in preserving Filipino music heritage by recognizing artists who blend traditional elements with modern sounds.
Format and Structure
Nomination Process
Nominations for the 7th Wish 107.5 Music Awards were compiled by a committee comprising station DJs, music critics, and industry professionals. The committee reviewed songs released within the eligibility period, which for this edition spanned from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022. The initial shortlist included 200 tracks, from which 40 nominees were selected for each category based on criteria such as originality, cultural impact, and commercial success.
Voting Mechanisms
The awards employed a hybrid voting system. Primary voting occurred through the station’s official social media accounts, where fans could vote by commenting on posts or using designated hashtags. Secondary voting was conducted via a dedicated voting portal on the Wish 107.5 website, which required users to register with an email address. The final tally combined the social media engagement scores and portal votes, weighted equally to balance popularity with a broader fan base.
Event Format
The 7th ceremony was held on September 27, 2022, at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Hall. The event comprised a live broadcast on the Wish 107.5 radio frequency, a simultaneous online stream on the station’s website, and a delayed broadcast on the ABS-CBN network. The show lasted approximately 3 hours, featuring award presentations, musical performances, and tribute segments. A highlight of the format was the “Wish Bus Performance Loop,” where selected artists performed live on the bus while the audience watched via screens installed around the venue.
Categories
Major Categories
- Song of the Year
- Artist of the Year
- Best Pop Song
- Best Hip‑Hop Song
- Best Indie Song
- Best Rock Song
- Best Dance Song
- Best Collaboration
- Best Music Video
- Best Live Performance
Specialty Categories
- Most Viral Song
- Best New Artist
- Best Female Artist
- Best Male Artist
- Best Group
- Best International Collaboration
- Most Influential Artist
- Audience Choice Award
Notable Winners and Records
Winners of the 7th Edition
“Song of the Year” was awarded to “Alab” by Loonie, a track that combined traditional Filipino instrumentation with contemporary pop melodies. The Artist of the Year title went to SB19, a boy band that had gained international recognition through their performances in Japan and the United States. Best Pop Song was claimed by “Di Mapaliwanag” from Jason Dy, while Best Hip‑Hop Song went to the duo Apl.de.Ap and Yung L. Best Indie Song was won by "Gising Ka Na" by the indie band Parokya Ni Edgar, showcasing their continued relevance in the modern music scene. In the Best Rock Song category, “Tadhana” by The Dawn received the award, marking the band's 20th anniversary. Best Dance Song was claimed by the electronic duo Kapatid, for their track “Puso.” Best Collaboration went to a partnership between Moira Dela Torre and Yeng Constantino for the single “Tayo Na.” Best Music Video was awarded to “Sa 'Yo Na” by Sam Milby, which featured a narrative storyline and high production values.
Record‑Setting Performances
SB19’s appearance was historic, as they were the first Filipino group to win Artist of the Year since the awards’ inception. The group’s live performance included a choreography sequence that integrated augmented reality elements, a first for the Wish 107.5 Music Awards. Loonie became the first solo artist to win both Song of the Year and Best Female Artist. The award for Best Live Performance was given to the band December Avenue, whose rendition of “God Gave Me You” incorporated interactive audience participation via mobile voting, a new approach at the time of the ceremony.
Event Highlights
Performances
The event featured over 25 performances, ranging from acoustic sets to full‑band productions. One of the most memorable moments was the surprise collaboration between Regine Velasquez and SB19, performing a medley that bridged classic and contemporary pop. Another highlight was the inclusion of a tribute segment for the late Filipino composer Levi Celerio, where multiple artists performed his iconic compositions in a nostalgic, candlelit setting.
Special Segments
The ceremony included a “Wish Bus Takeover” segment where the bus was parked in the heart of the venue, allowing attendees to watch live recordings of upcoming performances. Additionally, a “Fan Awards” segment was introduced, giving the audience the chance to vote for the Best Social Media Presence award in real time. This segment garnered over 500,000 live interactions across platforms.
Broadcast Details
The live broadcast on radio reached an estimated 1.2 million listeners across Metro Manila and major provincial centers. The online stream drew an average of 200,000 concurrent viewers, with peaks reaching 350,000 during the Best New Artist announcement. The ABS-CBN television broadcast was scheduled at 10:00 PM local time, attracting an audience of 4.8 million viewers, as measured by the Nielsen Media Research ratings system. These numbers placed the awards among the top 5 most-watched music events in the country that year.
Sponsorship and Partnerships
Main Sponsors
- Jollibee Foods Corporation – Official Food Sponsor
- Smart Communications – Official Telecommunication Partner
- Metrobank – Official Bank Sponsor
- Red Bull – Official Beverage Partner
Media Partners
The awards were supported by various media outlets, including The Philippine Star for print coverage, ABS-CBN News for televised segments, and online platforms such as Rappler and The Manila Times for exclusive post-event interviews. A partnership with Spotify provided a curated playlist featuring the nominated tracks, which was promoted through the platform’s “Philippines” channel.
Impact and Reception
Industry Influence
Following the 7th Wish 107.5 Music Awards, several record labels announced new investment in emerging artists who received nominations. The awards’ emphasis on social media engagement prompted several artists to refine their digital strategies, leading to a noticeable uptick in streaming numbers across Spotify and Apple Music for the nominated songs. The event also served as a launchpad for SB19’s upcoming international tour, which saw sold‑out venues in the United States, Canada, and Japan.
Public Reception
Audience feedback on social media indicated high levels of satisfaction with the event’s format and inclusivity. The “Fan Awards” segment received particular praise for giving the public a tangible influence over the outcomes. However, some viewers expressed concerns over the perceived commercial bias, citing the heavy presence of corporate sponsors during award presentations.
Criticisms and Controversies
A few critics questioned the transparency of the voting system, arguing that the equal weighting of social media and portal votes may advantage artists with more established digital followings. There was also a brief controversy regarding the inclusion of a non-Filipino artist in the Best International Collaboration category, which prompted discussions about the awards’ national identity. In response, the organizing committee clarified that the award’s purpose is to recognize collaboration between Filipino artists and international partners, regardless of the non‑Filipino collaborator’s nationality.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the Wish 107.5 Music Awards plan to incorporate a new “Music Innovation” category, aimed at honoring technological advancements in music production and distribution. There are also indications that the awards will explore hybrid event models, combining live in‑person and virtual reality experiences to accommodate global audiences. The station has expressed intent to further expand its sponsorship portfolio, seeking partnerships with emerging tech firms to integrate interactive elements into future ceremonies.
List of Winners
Below is a concise list of the winners for the major categories at the 7th Wish 107.5 Music Awards. For detailed nominee lists and voting statistics, refer to the official Wish 107.5 archives.
- Song of the Year – Loonie: “Alab”
- Artist of the Year – SB19
- Best Pop Song – Jason Dy: “Di Mapaliwanag”
- Best Hip‑Hop Song – Apl.de.Ap & Yung L
- Best Indie Song – Parokya Ni Edgar: “Gising Ka Na”
- Best Rock Song – The Dawn: “Tadhana”
- Best Dance Song – Kapatid: “Puso”
- Best Collaboration – Moira Dela Torre & Yeng Constantino: “Tayo Na”
- Best Music Video – Sam Milby: “Sa 'Yo Na”
- Best Live Performance – December Avenue: “God Gave Me You”
- Most Viral Song – Moira Dela Torre: “Tadhana”
- Best New Artist – SB19
- Best Female Artist – Loonie
- Best Male Artist – Jason Dy
- Best Group – SB19
- Best International Collaboration – Kyla & Khalil: “I Want It All”
- Most Influential Artist – SB19
- Audience Choice Award – SB19
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