Rising OPM sensation Dionela turned the 38th Awit Awards Powered by Vibe into a night of music, purpose, and powerful advocacy. Held at the Meralco Theater, the event celebrated excellence in Original Pilipino Music — but it was Dionela’s voice offstage, not just on it, that made the deepest impact.
The “Sining” hitmaker emerged as one of the evening’s biggest winners, clinching the Solo Artist Award and the Best Collaboration Award for his chart-topping partnership with R&B King Jay-R on the beloved track “Sining.” He also captivated the audience with a stirring, soulful rendition of “Oksihina,” further cementing his place as one of OPM’s most compelling new voices.
But the highlight of the night came when Dionela stepped up to the podium to accept his award—transforming what could have been a routine speech into the ceremony’s most talked-about moment.
Standing before music icons, industry leaders, and fellow young creatives, Dionela delivered a heartfelt and daring message urging artists to recognize the responsibility that comes with influence.
“Maraming-maraming salamat po,” he began, addressing the audience with humility and sincerity. “Gusto ko lang i-grab itong chance na ’to to share this beautiful thing. I don’t think inilagay tayo ng Panginoon kung nasaan tayo ngayon just for popularity, fame, and money. Naniniwala akong there’s a greater purpose kung bakit tayo nandito.”
He continued by emphasizing the deeper role musicians play in society:
“Let me remind everyone na, yes, we are artists at nandito tayo to express ourselves through our craft and through our songs. But there are people who look up to us, and we’re not here just to entertain them but also to inspire them.”
Then came his most powerful statement of the night — a call to action that drew emotional reactions throughout the theater.
“Naniniwala akong tayong mga manlilikha ay isa sa mga may pinakamalakas na boses sa mga panahong ito, and I am encouraging everyone to use that loud voice against sa korapsyon na nangyayari sa bansa natin ngayon.”
His message resonated even more deeply as it coincided with the day’s protest rallies at the People Power Monument, where citizens demanded accountability over alleged anomalies in the government’s flood control projects.
Vibe & PARI: Elevating OPM Through Purpose and Innovation
Dionela’s fearless expression perfectly echoed the mission behind this year’s Awit Awards, powered by the youth-driven platform Vibe, in partnership with the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI). The 38th edition focused not just on honoring talent but on elevating OPM through innovation, greater access, and deeper engagement with the next generation of artists and fans.
The ceremony recognized outstanding achievements across five major areas:
- Performance
- Genre Recording
- Special Recording
- Technical Achievement
- Grand Awards
A Night That Redefined What It Means to Be an Artist
While the trophies celebrated musical mastery, Dionela’s speech reminded everyone that artistry extends far beyond the stage. In a landscape where creators command massive influence, his call to stand against corruption showcased a rare courage — one that could inspire a new era of socially conscious OPM.
The 38th Awit Awards Powered by Vibe will be remembered not only for its triumphs but for a defining moment when an artist used his voice for something greater than music.
And in doing so, Dionela proved that OPM’s future is not just bright — it’s brave.
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