Filipino music took center stage in South Korea. Two musical acts represented the nation at a major regional festival.
The event happened on November 7 and 8. It took place at the Namdong Gymnasium in Incheon. The gathering was the 2026 ROUND Festival.
Fifteen musical acts performed at the venue. They came from Korea and ten ASEAN member states. The festival celebrated regional music diversity. It also highlighted the power of cultural exchange.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts led the Philippine participation. The NCCA acts as the lead organizer for ASEAN cultural initiatives. The agency champions the country’s artistic heritage. It also promotes creative talents through international platforms.
The ASEAN Cultural Center in Manila anchored these efforts. The ACCM serves as the mother program for Philippine ASEAN engagements. It provides a central platform for cultural exchange. It also fosters regional cooperation and greater appreciation of diverse artistic expressions. These initiatives strengthen the cultural presence of the Philippines. They also create opportunities for local artists to share their craft globally.
KAIA represented the country on the first day. The P-Pop girl group delivered a solo performance. They also joined a special collaborative stage. They performed with the Korean girl group EVERGLOW.
The collaboration carried deep meaning. KAIA had covered EVERGLOW music during pre-debut days. Their shared stage in Korea became a remarkable milestone. What began as admiration for a K-Pop act turned into a joint international performance. This moment proved the growth of the Filipino group.
KAIA connected with fans through a special meeting. They also brought signature live energy to the Wish Bus. Another highlight was their visit to the Philippine Embassy. Ambassador Bernadette Fernandez and the embassy team warmly received them. This visit reaffirmed their ties to the overseas Filipino community.
Singer-songwriter TJ Monterde performed on the second day. He earned an award at the festival. The recognition honored his participation and contribution.
TJ is known for heartfelt songwriting. He sings emotionally resonant OPM hits. He brought a distinctly Filipino sound to the global audience. His performance proved that music needs no translation to make an impact.
He also reunited with Korean artist 10CM. They shared a special collaborative performance. The two previously met at ROUND in the Philippines. This collaboration united different musical backgrounds. It created another memorable exchange between cultures. Sa isang entabladong pinagsasaluhan ng iba’t ibang kultura, TJ demonstrated how the sincerity and universality of OPM can resonate beyond borders.
The 2026 ROUND Festival offered a vital platform. Artists and audiences discovered one another through music. The Philippine delegation delivered memorable highlights. These moments built on regional cooperation and artistic exchange.
The events created new international opportunities. Filipino artists built connections and reached new audiences. Community engagements emphasized that representation extends beyond the stage. Philippine music was celebrated alongside established regional acts.
KAIA and TJ Monterde showcased two distinct sides of Filipino music. They demonstrated how P-Pop and OPM fit into a connected regional scene. Their performances reflected the range of Filipino artistry. This range spans vibrant P-Pop culture and deep OPM storytelling.
The experience highlighted how collaborations transcend language and geography. Through platforms like ROUND, Filipino music finds new stages. It reaches new audiences and connects the Philippines to the world. Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang talento ng mga Pilipino at bigyan sila ng mas maraming pagkakataong marinig at makilala sa buong mundo.