Set to carry the Philippine flag in Thailand on November 14
“Sobra-Sobra,” a powerful anthem celebrating women’s empowerment composed by Nica del Rosario and Mat Olavides and performed by CARMELLE, has been named the Philippines’ official entry to the inaugural “Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026.”
CARMELLE, who first gained recognition after winning “Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown,” emerged as the winner of the “Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026: Philippine Selection Night” held August 30 at the New Frontier Theatre. She will represent the Philippines at the competition in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 14.
Finishing second was “Broken Beyond Repair,” written by Angelo Gonzales and performed by “Tawag ng Tanghalan” alumnus SAGA, while “Mapadama,” written by Jeremy G and Jungee Marcelo and performed by “Tawag ng Tanghalan Duets” Season 1 champion JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano, placed third.
The three winning entries bested seven other songs in the competition: “Between Bituin” by Jungee, performed by DNA; “Cheri(e)” by Nar Cabico, performed by Esang, Elha, Lance Reblando, and Nar; “Di Yan (Red Flag)” by Jason Marvin, performed by Jason Dy and Sassa; “Good For You” by Hazel Faith Santos, performed by Ryssi Avila; “Make It Exist” by Angelo Calucin, performed by AJAA; “Reason to Live” by Stephen Tan, performed by KHIMO; and “Round N’ Round” by Julius James de Belen and John Michael Conchada, performed by VVINK and WRIVE Russu.
The winners were determined through a combination of jury and public votes during the live competition, with the jury accounting for 40%, viewers in the Philippines for another 40%, and international viewers for the remaining 20%.
The distinguished jury was composed of veteran songwriter and FILSCAP president Nonoy Tan, songwriter Choi Padilla, concert and television director Joane Laygo, musical director Louie Ocampo, and OPM singers Angeline Quinto, Jed Madela, and Vina Morales.
Opening the show was a special performance of “Mabuhay ang Musikang Pilipino,” a competition song composed by ABS-CBN Music’s Jonathan Manalo and performed by AZTER, Bryan Chong, Ian Manibale, Klarisse de Guzman, Lyka Estrella, MIAH, and Reiven Umali.
ABS-CBN serves as the official Philippine broadcaster of “Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026,” highlighting its continued efforts to bring Filipino music, stories, and talent to audiences worldwide.
Hosted by Vice Ganda, Alexa Ilacad, and Darren, “The Philippine Selection Night” streamed live on iWant and was also made available on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live. It also aired on TFC, with a delayed telecast on MYX.
