From instantly recognizing Rey Valera-penned classics like “Maging Sino Ka Man” and “Pangako” to singing our hearts out to South Border’s version of “Kahit Kailan” or The Itchyworms’ “Beer” on karaoke, it’s an undeniable truth that Filipinos love ballads.

We have heard countless ballads from all across the spectrum of popular music — from R&B to rock, on radio and as TV or movie themes — that their reach is simply inescapable. While one cannot define the technical elements of a ballad due to the fact that almost all genres have them, what they all have in common is their typically slower tempo, lyrics that are highly relatable, and poignantly delivered melodies that induce specific emotions and, in many cases, rouse everyone else to sing along.

On this latest volume of Billboard Philippines — and the last of our genre-centric issues — we showcase some of the best Filipino artists who have mastered and redefined the art of the Filipino ballad. The celebrated singer-songwriter and Billboard Philippines Women In Music 2024 Hitmaker awardee Moira graces the cover, as she comes out from a period of self-healing to release her most revealing and vulnerable album yet.

Our Ballad Issue also contains features on viral hitmakers SunKissed Lola and Arthur Miguel as well as pop-rock storytellers The Juans. We also give recognition to such greats as Morissette, Erik Santos, and the timeless Martin Nievera, whose enduringly beautiful songs have paved the way for today’s modern balladeers. 

Elsewhere in the issue, The Itchyworms’ Jazz Nicolas talks about how he wrote two of the greatest rock ballads of the last two decades, while writer Mayks Go looks into the history of one of the country’s favorite pastimes — karaoke. Whether we’re listening to them or attempting to birit a popular one in front of our friends, the ballad is here to stay, and this is why we’ve dedicated an entire issue to it.