Looking back allows us to perceive how much we’ve changed, progressed, and evolved. It gives us an overview of the path we’ve walked in life so far, showing us the sorrows and the red flags to avoid as well as the things we did right to rinse and repeat. As we step into the new year, contemplating the past empowers us to create a better future. A trip down memory lane is also always entertaining. This is why every year’s end, media and entertainment brands always have a roundup or a retrospection of consumer behavior.
In our technologically driven world, information is king. Highlight reels that list what trends and show us our personal preferences are welcomed with open arms.
Among the media platforms, audio streaming platform Spotify is known for its Wrapped, described as “a celebration of the real, realer, and the realest listening moments that defined our year.” A receipt that the audience would want to keep.
On top of the personalized experience where you could see your most streamed artists, genres, and songs, Wrapped also announces the top artists, playlists, titles, and podcasts that defined how over 574 million people all over the globe listened in 2023.
It was the year of “epic return” with the comeback of major female artists, sonic diversity across the charts, and global music culture that saw the rise of powerful genres. Taylor Swift took the reins as the top artist, followed by Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, Drake, and Peso Pluma.
Locally, the Philippines’ 2023 Wrapped featured breakthrough artists, which prioritizes the discovery of diverse local talents and songs. Also showcased was how music can move across borders, as the top lists include a blend of talent and music from both east and west.

“Pasilyo” by Zambales-based band SunKissed Lola and “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)” by Baguio-based Dilaw secured the top one and two spots, respectively, as the most streamed tracks in the country. Global hit “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift ranked third, while “Kill Bill” and “Snooze” by SZA came in fourth and fifth.
“2023 has been life-changing for us. We went beyond just composing and producing songs in the studio but getting out there to play in front of a packed audience and also getting streamed on Spotify,” says SunKissed Lola. “Through ‘Pasilyo,’ we hope to inspire that endearing feeling of being someone’s special one, especially in a world of uncertainties.”
The most streamed local tracks are songs that hit right in the “feels.” Leading the list are still “Pasilyo” and “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat),” joined by Adie’s “Mahika,” Calein’s “Umaasa.” and Lola Amour’s “Raining in Manila.”

The Philippines’ Top Artist of the Year is Taylor Swift. The Weeknd comes in second spot. Female singers Ariana Grande and SZA are third and fourth. Rounding off the list is Ben&Ben. The nine-piece band also reclaimed their position as this year’s Top Local Artist, marking their fifth consecutive year among local favorites. Other top local artists are Zack Tabudlo, Adie, Moira Dela Torre, and Arthur Nery.
“Honestly, the farther we go with our journey in music, we realize that more than the music itself, it is the stories and experiences that bind us together,” says Ben&Ben lead vocalist Paolo Benjamin Guico. “We envision music written and produced by Filipinos and performed by Filipinos, and most importantly, music that tells stories from the Philippines,” says co-lead vocalist Miguel Benjamin Guico.
The Philippines’ top male artist is Zack Tabudlo. Flow G as fourth and Al James as fifth in the chart, signals the growing popularity of Pinoy hip-hop and rappers.
Moira Dela Torre retains her crown as the top female artist. Just a step down the ranking is mrld, which is also the top RADAR Philippines Artist. Filipina R&B singer DEMI emerged as the Top EQUAL Philippines Artist, among those featured on the audio streaming platform’s gender equity program dedicated to amplifying women creators and their music.

Testament to the nation’s appetite for content for Filipinos, by Filipinos, local podcast creators dominate the list of Top Podcasts of the Year in the Philippines. The chart is topped by Sky Podcast, followed by Barangay Love Stories, Hugot Marcelo, Dear MOR, and Kwentong Takipsilim Pinoy Tagalog Horror Stories Podcast.
“We are humbled to be able to connect with many listeners. It keeps us inspired to keep on pushing and maintain authenticity,” says Kryz Uy of Sky Podcast. “Our conversations on the sky podcast are raw and unfiltered. It’s the type that you would normally have with your close friends, allowing us to relate to our listeners on a truly personal level,” adds co-creator Slater Young.

Queerfully Yours and Gift Podcast won the hearts of listeners with content that inspires. They’ve ranked among the Philippines’ Top New Podcasts.
“We were hoping that our stories would allow people to better understand what it was like for four queer guys growing up. We are grateful for all the support. We feel seen and it truly means the world for all of us. For aspiring podcasters, know your truth and live with it. Your work will find its way to people who need it,” wrote the queens behind Queerfully Yours.