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Jasha Gamao

Entertainment

History at the Big Dome: TJ Monterde claims first-ever KDR Icon of Breaking Boundaries at 11th Wish Music Awards

January 14, 2026 8:24 PM
PST

QUEZON CITY—The Araneta Coliseum vibrated with energy Sunday night, January 11, 2026 as the 11th Wish Music Awards took center stage, honoring the finest in OPM. The star-studded event showcased the best "Wishclusive" performances of the year, blending massive digital hits with high-energy live sets. 

Fans packed the Big Dome to see their favorite artists walk the red carpet and compete for the iconic orange trophies, further cementing the event's reputation as a premier celebration of Filipino musicality and charitable giving.

The night’s most historic moment came with the debut of the KDR Icon of Breaking Boundaries award, a prestigious honor granted to TJ Monterde. 

This inaugural award celebrates artists who have successfully redefined their careers and pushed the limits of the industry. Monterde’s win highlights his remarkable journey as a soulful storyteller who has bridged the gap between mainstream success and artistic independence. 

In true Wish 107.5 fashion, the win also benefited a chosen charity, proving that Monterde’s "breaking of boundaries" extends far beyond the music charts.

Entertainment

Apo Hiking Society honored with KDR Icon Award at the 11th Wish Music Awards

January 16, 2026 2:16 AM
PST

QUEZON CITY—The 11th Wish Music Awards transformed the Smart Araneta Coliseum into a grand celebration of Original Pilipino Music and artistry on January 11, 2026, as the legendary Apo Hiking Society was honored with the prestigious KDR Icon of Musical Excellence award. 

Receiving the award were Jim Paredes and Boboy Garovillo, who described the experience as surprising and unexpected even after a very long stint in the industry. Both of them also expressed their gratitude to their supporters and to Wish 107.5.

“Just wish for it and it will happen”—Boboy Garovillo said in his speech.

Jim Paredes gave a piece of advice to the young generation of bands at the awards night.

“To all the bands, I advise, just keep writing, just keep singing, keep performing to hardships, to rich and poor and just keep doing what you love to do.” Paredes said.

This lifetime achievement recognition celebrates the group’s foundational role in the OPM movement and their decades-long influence on generations of Filipino songwriters. 

As with all WMA honors, the award also includes a generous charitable component, further cementing the group's legacy of both musical brilliance and philanthropy at the Big Dome.

Entertainment

Wishers’ Wonderland: Top 5 most-hyped performances at the 11th WMAs

January 19, 2026 8:49 PM
PST

QUEZON CITY—The Smart Araneta Coliseum became the dome of OPM on January 11, 2026, as the 11th Wish Music Awards showcased the best of live Filipino music. 

Here are the top 5 most-hyped performances:

  1. Over October's Apo Hiking Society tribute

Indie-rock favorites Over October set a nostalgic tone for the evening with a heartfelt tribute to the Apo Hiking Society, blending "When I Met You" and "Panalangin" into a soulful medley that bridged generational gaps. 

Image source: Wish 107.5
  1.  TJ Monterde's "Palagi"

The first-ever KDR Icon of Breaking Boundaries Awardee TJ Monterde, enraptured the Big Dome with a stirring rendition of his all-time favorite hit song, "Palagi," proving exactly why his brand of balladry remains a dominant force in the industry.

Image source: Wish 107.5
  1. fitterkarma's "Pag-ibig ay Kanibalismo II"

Filipino indie-art rock band fitterkarma delivered one of the most anticipated sets of the night, performing their chart-topping anthem "Pag-ibig ay Kanibalismo II."

Image source: Wish 107.5
  1. IV of Spades’ “Monster” and “Aura”

IV of Spades delivered dreamy and ethereal performances of their comeback singles, "Aura" and "Monster," much to the delight of a fan base that had waited years for their return.

Image source: Wish 107.5
  1. Loonie, Arthur Nery, and Frizzle Anne collaboration

Rap icon Loonie, R&B sensation Arthur Nery, and singer-songwriter Frizzle Anne. The trio seamlessly wove their individual styles together, delivering a powerhouse run of hits including the romantic "May Nanalo Na," the introspective "Ikigai," and the grounded "Tao Lang."

Image source: Wish 107.5

Beyond the trophies, the 11th WMAs remained true to its charitable roots, with each performance dedicated to the artists' chosen beneficiaries. 

As host Christian Bautista and Karylle closed the night, the event stood as a testament to the thriving state of Filipino music. W

With a mix of legendary reunions and the crowning of new hitmakers, the 11th Wish Music Awards didn't just celebrate songs; it celebrated a culture that continues to redefine itself on the global stage.

Entertainment

A Night of Icons: The 11th Wish Music Awards crowns OPM’s finest at the Big Dome

January 14, 2026 11:23 AM
PST

QUEZON CITY—The 11th Wish Music Awards electrified the Araneta Coliseum last night, January 11, 2026, celebrating a stellar year for Filipino music. From P-pop dominance to soulful balladeers, the "Big Dome" witnessed a powerful showcase of talent and philanthropy.

Here is the complete breakdown of the night’s big winners.

The Top Honors

The evening's most prestigious titles went to the artists who defined the airwaves over the past year:

  • Wish Artist of the Year: TJ Monterde
  • Wish Group of the Year: Cup of Joe
  • Wish Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Earl Agustin
  • Wishers’ Choice Award: SB19

Performance of the Year (Wishclusives)

These awards honor the best live recordings captured inside the iconic Wish Bus:

  • Pop: SB19 – “DAM”
  • Ballad: SB19 – “Time”
  • R&B: Lil Eddie and Jay R – “Statue (Tagalish Version)”
  • Rock/Alternative: Cup of Joe – “Multo”
  • Hip-Hop: Paul N' Ballin – “POGI”
  • Contemporary Folk: Amiel Sol – “Sa Bawat Sandali”
  • Contemporary R&B/Neo-Soul: Janine – “Hulaan”
  • Collaboration: James Reid and TJ Monterde – “Pahinga”

Song of the Year Categories

  • Pop Song: “DUNGKA!” – SB19
  • Ballad Song: “Darating Din” – TJ Monterde
  • R&B Song: “Marilag” – Dionela
  • Rock/Alternative Song: “Multo” – Cup of Joe
  • Hip-Hop Song: “Gusto Ko Sakin Ka Lang” – Robledo Timido
  • Contemporary Folk Song: “Saranggola” – Ben&Ben
  • Contemporary R&B/Neo-Soul Song: “Tayong Dalawa” – Earl Agustin
  • Song Collaboration: “Umaaligid” – Sarah Geronimo and SB19

Special Recognition & Icons

Wish 107.5 also paid tribute to legends who have shaped the industry:

  • KDR Icon of Musical Excellence: Apo Hiking Society
  • KDR Icon of Music and Philanthropy: Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM)
  • KDR Icon of Breaking Boundaries: TJ Monterde

SB19 and TJ Monterde emerged as the night's heavy hitters, with the P-pop kings sweeping performance and fan-voted categories, while Monterde solidified his status as a premier solo artist. True to the Wish tradition, each winner also received a cash prize for their chosen beneficiaries, proving that OPM sounds best when it gives back.

Politics

Sen Imee Marcos quits flood control probe, alleging high-level cover-up

January 9, 2026 7:40 AM
PST

PASAY CITY—Senator Imee Marcos officially withdrew from the Senate investigation into the flood control scandal, branding the entire proceeding a "moro-moro" or a sham. 

During a press conference, the presidential sister claimed that invisible hands are actively suppressing the truth to protect "big time" government officials. 

She revealed that investigators are being restricted to targeting low-level DPWH employees and contractors while being forbidden from climbing the political ladder to find the real masterminds.

Marcos expressed deep frustration over the selective nature of the probe, noting that her speaking time is frequently cut short whenever she nears sensitive topics. 

She pointed out that while former House Appropriations Chairperson Zaldy Co is frequently mentioned, names of much higher-ranking officials are being intentionally omitted from the official narrative. 

The Senate leadership immediately fired back, dismissing the Senator’s claims as pure fabrication. Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III denied that any restrictions were placed on members, calling Marcos’s allegations "invented".

Meanwhile, Blue Ribbon Committee Chairperson Panfilo "Ping" Lacson refused to engage further, labeling the accusations as "unfair, untrue, and baseless." 

Despite the internal bickering, the scandal continues to cast a long shadow over the 20th Congress and the Department of Public Works and Highways.