MANILA, Philippines—Spotify puts the spotlight on the outstanding achievements of Filipinas shaping the Philippine audio landscape. With music by Filipina artists garnering over 15 billion streams on the platform in 2023—a remarkable surge of more than 3.5 times since 2018 — their growing impact resonates strongly with listeners.
The music, lyrics, and narratives crafted by these talented Filipinas are as diverse as they are vibrant. Throughout the year, Spotify champions women’s voices, notably through initiatives like EQUAL — a global program committed to fostering equity for women in music.
Image Courtesy of Spotify.
Among these voices is Illest Morena, Spotify EQUAL Philippines’ Ambassador for the month, who shares, “As a female artist in a male-dominated industry, being part of EQUAL has amplified my music’s reach, both locally and internationally.” Leading the charge for a new wave of hip-hop artists, Illest’s hits such as “Faded (Raw)” and “Slow Burn” have garnered massive streams, captivating audiences not only in the Philippines but also in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Beyond Illest, other Filipinas on Spotify are making waves, expanding their global presence, and forging deeper connections with fans. Artists like mrld, Moira dela Torre, Denise Julia, and Sarah Geronimo stand tall among those exporting their music worldwide.
In a dynamic shift, Filipina creators are harnessing the power of podcasts to uplift and inspire. Through this medium, they dive into crucial conversations, addressing topics essential to the Filipina experience and cultivating a sense of community.
Image Courtesy of Spotify.
In an episode of “Paano Ba ‘To: The Podcast”, Bianca Gonzales, alongside Myrza Sison of You Can Do This! and Ceej Tantengco-Malolos of “5 Minutes Lang“, delves deep into the mantra “empowered women empower women.” Their illuminating dialogue underscores the significance of women supporting each other, nurturing empowerment and resilience.
Similarly, Joelle of “Paano Kung…,” Jo Sebastian of “The Donut Box“, and Liz Lanuzo of “Project Vanity“ unite in an episode to explore the impact of societal norms and beauty trends on their relationships with other women and their bodies. They shed light on the collective need for society to listen to women more attentively.
For a wealth of inspiring Filipina voices, explore Spotify’s EQUAL Hub and EQUAL Philippines.