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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Music and Concerts devider Emerging PH band Isay band wins in music search

Emerging PH band Isay band wins in music search

Published Dec 17, 2025 10:05 am
A historic moment for Original Pilipino Music (OPM) unfolded on Dec. 13 as emerging Filipino band Isay was crowned as the first-ever Jameson Distilled Sounds (JDS) Philippines winner held during the culmination of Jameson Distillery on Tour (JDOT) 2025 in Taguig City.
JDS Grand Winner Isay with Pernod Ricard Head of Marketing Tony Atayde
JDS Grand Winner Isay with Pernod Ricard Head of Marketing Tony Atayde
JDS Philippines grand winner Isay – composed of talented musicians Isay Olarte on vocals, guitarist Jhon Ramos, bassist Don Don Baculo, and drummer Angelo Galendez – brought home an extraordinary prize package: a record deal to kickstart their musical journey, an endorsement contract with Jameson Irish Whiskey Philippines, a trip to Ireland – the home of Jameson, the world’s #1 Irish Whiskey; and P1 million in cash.
Jameson Distilled Sounds is a global platform that celebrates music and creativity in countries such as Indonesia, India, Australia, Thailand, and Portugal. In most countries, JDS selects an artist to join an international tour and take part in a bootcamp led by an international artist partner. The Philippines, however, stands out as the first to host a full-scale artist search, giving local musicians a unique platform to showcase their skills and earn the right to represent the flag.
The road to victory
From Nov. 20 leading up to the Dec. 13 grand showdown, JDOT transformed BGC’s 9th Avenue Activity Center into a vibrant destination for whiskey enthusiasts and music fans. Ten JDS finalists—Nin (Jenine Fernandez), Rachel (Rachel Gabreza), Renata’s Rain (Lie Clemente & Reisa), Isay (Isay Olarte with Jhon Ramos, Don Don Baculo, and Angelo Galendez), Saint Cooper (Ryan Pineda), Ezra (Ezra Celeste), Jeremy (Jeremy Novela), Angel (Angel Lyn Balastigue), Lorenzo (Lorenzo Jan Valenzuela), and Cen (Aubrey Abo-Abo)—delivered electrifying performances week after week, showcasing the richness of OPM.
Joining Isay on the top 3 podium were Cen (first runner-up) and Angel (second runner-up), both impressing audiences with their uniqueness and stage presence.
Fans cast their votes online, while an impressive panel of judges evaluated their artistry and originality:
Pio Dumayas, frontman of Lola Amour, a chart-topping Filipino band fresh from their Record of the Year win at the Awit Awards, and Jameson Philippines brand endorser for two years.
Bret Jackson, Editor-in-Chief of Billboard Philippines, is the official media partner of Jameson Distilled Sounds. Kelley Mangahas, seasoned music executive who has worked with artists such as Lola Amour, Dilaw, Arthur Miguel, Felip, and Jason Dhakal, and a founding member of iconic bands Kjwan and Dicta License.
Armi Millare, an acclaimed singer-songwriter who shaped the Filipino music scene and is known for her hit songs “Tadhana, and “Oo,” among many others.
Meet the champion
Isay, a talented band from Oriental Mindoro, led by powerhouse vocalist Isay Olarte, captivated audiences and judges with their dynamic stage performance and heartfelt storytelling. The group’s strong chemistry and authentic sound reflect their shared roots and years of playing together, making their win a true celebration of homegrown talent.
In an exclusive post-event interview, Isay shared: “Music has always been our safe place and playground. We’ve been together for three years, starting from small local gigs and regular sets in restaurants and bars to bigger stages. Every step has been about finding our sound and connecting with people through honest stories in our songs.
Joining Jameson Distilled Sounds has been such an unexpected yet refreshing experience. Coming into this competition, we honestly just gave it a shot without any expectations, so making it to the final 10 still feels surreal. It’s rare to find a brand that values authenticity the way music does, and Jameson strikes that balance between craft and joy. We’re thankful for Jameson Distilled Sounds for giving us this opportunity to show who we are and what we can do,” she added.
Championing Filipino creativity
Handing off Isay’s grand prize on stage was Pernod Ricard Philippines & Indonesia Head of Marketing Tony Atayde, who extended his congratulations for the band’s well-deserved win.
“We’re proud to see Isay take the spotlight as our Distilled Sounds winner and now our newest Jameson ambassador. Music is the most common passion point among Jameson consumers worldwide—and if there’s anyone who knows singing contests best, it’s Filipinos! And more than a contest, Jameson Distilled Sounds is our way to celebrate Filipino artistry and foster shared experiences within the community,” he affirmed.
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