Three icons of Original Pilipino Music are set to receive one of the highest recognitions in the local music scene! APO Hiking Society, Homer Flores, and Lorrie Ilustre have been named as the recipients of the ‘Ryan Cayabyab Awards’ at this year’s Pinoy Playlist Music Festival (PPMF) happening from November 28 to 30, 2025, at the BGC Arts Center.

Named after National Artist for Music Ryan “Mr. C” Cayabyab, the award honors artists who have excelled in the OPM industry. True enough, the APO Hiking Society’s Jim Paredes, Boboy Garovillo, and the late Danny Javier gave us the golden era of OPM with timeless hits like ‘Panalangin,’ ‘Ewan,’ and ‘When I Met You.’

Meanwhile, Homer Flores, often described as a “master sculptor of the Filipino soundscape,” has been recognized for his significant contributions as a producer, composer, and arranger. Lorrie Ilustre is also being acknowledged for his decades of work as a music director and arranger.

With the festival’s theme, “Halo-halo, Sapin-sapin, Sabay-sabay,” this year’s celebration highlights the diversity and togetherness of Filipino music.