Three Pinoy acts nominated at Japan Music Awards 2025

SB19, Maki, TJ Monterde among nominees at Music Awards Japan 2025

Story by Hannah Mallorca
Inquirer.net
20 April 2025

SB19, Maki, and TJ Monterde are carrying the glory of OPM as the only Filipino nominees in the upcoming Music Awards Japan 2025, which will take place in May in Kyoto.

The P-pop powerhouse is nominated for Special Award: Oshi-Katsu Request Artist of the Year, while Maki’s “Dilaw” and Monterde’s “Palagi” earned nods for the Best of Listeners Choice: International Song category, as revealed on the awards-giving body’s website.

Joining SB19 in the pool of nominees are J-pop groups Nogizaka46, JO1, and INI, as well as K-pop artists V (of BTS) and Tomorrow X Together, to name a few.

Meanwhile, Maki and Monterde’s songs are nominated alongside aespa’s “Whiplash” and “Supernova”, NewJeans’ “Supernatural” and “How Sweet”, LE SSERAFIM’s “Perfect Night” and “Crazy”, Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “APT.”, Gracie Abrams’ “That’s So True”, Seventeen’s “Shohikigen”, and ILLIT’s “Magnetic”, among others.

Held in collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), the 2025 edition of the Music Awards Japan will be held on May 21 and 22 at the ROHM Theatre in Kyoto, Japan. Global fans can watch the ceremony on the Japan Music Awards’ YouTube channel.

According to its official website, winners will be selected through a “rigorous voting process with over 5,000 voting members” consisting of music professionals, overseas music awards judges, and music critics.

SB19 — composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin — is set to release their third EP “Simula at Wakas” on April 25. The quintet will kick off their “Simula at Wakas” world tour at the Philippine Arena on May 31 and June 1.

Born Ralph William Datoon, Maki gained mainstream popularity after his song “Saan?” went viral on social media. He went on to release a string of hit songs, including “Dilaw” and “Namumula.” The singer-songwriter earlier announced that he will drop his upcoming album “Kolorcoaster.”

Monterde started his singing career in 2013, where he is known for his songs “Dating Tayo,” “Ikaw At Ako,” and “Tulad Mo,” but it was the 2023 song “Palagi” that catapulted him into widespread recognition.

PH clinches Eco crown in Egypt

Alexie Brooks of the Philippines is Miss Eco International 2025

Story by Armin P. Adina 
Inquirer.net
20 April 2025

The Philippines has cemented its status as a powerhouse country in the Miss Eco International pageant when Alexie Brooks posted the country’s third victory in the global competition’s 2025 edition held in Egypt on April 19 (April 20 in Manila).

She also made history as the first black woman to earn the title at the culmination of the ceremonies held at the AlZahraa Ballroom of Hilton Green Plaza in the port city of Alexandria.

Brooks inherited the crown from last year’s winner Angelina Usanova from Ukraine, and thwarted the European country’s back-to-back attempt. Usanova’s compatriot Yelyzaveta Adams finished third overall.

Indonesia’s Yulinarr Fitriani was first runner-up, while Cynthia Murillo from the United States was third runner-up. The United Kingdom’s Vitoria Inglis, whose parents trace roots in Ilocos and Pangasinan, rounded up the Final 5.

Brooks also scored for the Philippines a second consecutive win as “Best in National Costume” with her Philippine Eagle-inspired creation by Tata Blas Pinuela. Her predecessor, Chantal Schmidt, won the distinction in a Masskara-themed costume.

The Ilongga national athlete’s coronation follows the victories of Filipino queens Cynthia Thomalla in 2018 and Kathleen Paton in 2022. Three more from the Philippines finished second: Schmidt last year, Kelley Day in 2021, and Maureen Montagne in 2019.

Brooks took to social media the moment she was crowned and dedicated her victory to her late grandmother. “Lola! I made ittt [three crying emojis][crown emoji]” she wrote in her caption, with an image of her “Lola Basing” who passed away last year.

Her coronation also gives her pasarela coach CJ Opiaza, 2024 Miss Grand International first runner-up, a third victory this year. Aside from Brooks, Opiaza also trained 2025 Reina Hispanoamericana Dia Mate and 2025 Miss Grand Thailand Saranrat Puagpipat.

In an earlier interview, Brooks told INQUIRER.net, “I’m really hoping that I’m gonna be the third. I’m really excited that, just the fact that we had a training together, I felt more confident. I felt more ready knowing that a fellow queen helped a fellow queen. That’s woman empowerment. So I’m really happy. And I hope I get the crown.”