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.

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