Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Francis Magalona Honored at Filipino Music Awards 2026

The Filipino music industry came together for a night of celebration, recognition, and remembrance as two of its most influential figures took center stage at the Filipino Music Awards 2026 last night at the MOA Arena

Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating a career that has spanned decades and left an enduring mark on Philippine music. Meanwhile, the late Francis Magalona, widely regarded as the King of Philippine Rap, was posthumously honored with the Tribute Award, accepted by his wife Pia Magalona and daughter Maxene Magalona.

Regine Velasquez Looks Back on a Monumental Career
Taking the stage to receive her Lifetime Achievement Award, Regine brought her trademark humor to the milestone, joking about what the recognition meant for her career.

“Natatakot ako mabigyan ng Lifetime Achievement Award, kasi ibig sabihin matanda ka na,” she quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. “It’s either matanda ka na, or malapit nang matapos ‘yung career mo, or either that, or malapit ka nang machugi.”

Behind the humor was a deeply grateful artist reflecting on a career that has become part of the country’s musical history. Regine thanked the award organizers, her family, husband Ogie Alcasid, manager Cacai Mitra, and most importantly, credited her faith as the foundation that has carried her throughout her journey.

The recognition arrives at another significant chapter in her career. Regine is set to mount “FINALE,” her grand farewell concert series, on October 17, 18, and 19 at the Mall of Asia Arena. The three-night run will mark her final arena shows, adding another historic moment to a career defined by landmark performances.

Francis M’s Legacy Lives On
The evening took an emotional turn as the Filipino Music Awards paid tribute to Francis Magalona.

Known as the Master Rapper and King of Philippine Hip-Hop, Francis M helped reshape OPM by bringing hip-hop into the mainstream while using his music to express Filipino identity, culture, and nationalism. Songs such as “Mga Kababayan” and “Kaleidoscope World” became enduring anthems, cementing his influence across generations.

Francis Magalona passed away on March 6, 2009, at the age of 44, following an eight-month battle with acute myelogenous leukemia. More than a decade later, his music and message continue to inspire everyone.

Accepting the Tribute Award, Pia Magalona thanked presenters SB19 and the Filipino Music Awards committee, while reflecting on the ability of music to provide comfort and connection.

“We have a song for everything. So find something there that you can resonate with,” Pia said, dedicating the award to their children and grandchildren.

Maxene Magalona later took the stage, speaking directly to the fans who continue to carry Francis M’s music and message with them.

“Para ito sa lahat ng mga fans ni Francis M… At para sa ating lahat na miss na miss na si Francis M,” she said. She then imagined what her father might say if he were there that night: “Mga kababayan, araw-araw piliin ang kapayapaan.”

Through Regine Velasquez-Alcasid’s decades-long career and Francis Magalona’s enduring legacy, the Filipino Music Awards celebrated not only the artists themselves, but the lasting impact of their music on generations of Filipinos

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