In the past years, Visayan popular music, better known as Vispop, has seen a gradual rise in popularity. With the presence of well-known events such as the Visayan Pop Songwriting Campaign, as well as TikTok dance challenges, a number of Vispop acts and their songs have started to gain attention from different parts of the country, including areas outside of Visayas.

But this is sadly not enough. Even with a fair amount of loyal supporters and Spotify streams, Visayan artists remain in the shadows. Much of the OPM soundscape is still dominated by the mainstream artists and songs that we’re all too familiar with. Rarely do we hear a Cebuano song playing on the radio, or see a Visayan artist making headlines and dominating Twitter trends. Do we even get Vispop song recommendations from our friends?

The solution to this problem is simple: support Vispop. Thus, to help you get acquainted with the genre and discover hidden gems, below is a list of Vispop acts that deserve a spot in your playlists. With their musical abilities and incredible versatility, these talented artists showcase the beauty and brilliance of Visayan culture.

1. Kurt Fick

(Photo by Kurt Fick/Facebook)

First on this list is Kurt Fick, who will have you bopping your head and tapping your toes in no time with his infectious songs and powerful vocals. Over the years, this Cebuano singer has attracted a huge following among Vispop listeners and cemented himself as a household name in the industry.

He first made waves with his 2015 hit HAHAHAHasula, a catchy, guitar-driven ditty about a relatable story: the struggle with having unrequited feelings for a person who’s seemingly in love with someone else. The same subject carries over into his succeeding hits, Puhon and In Love Ra Kutob, as he sings about falling deeply in love with a friend but fearing that he may only be “friendzoned” by her.

Furthermore, Fick has also veered towards other genres and themes. In July 2022, he released Di Na, an 80s-esque synth-pop track that likens the experience of being trapped in a toxic relationship to alcohol addiction. This was followed months later by TINGBITS, a disco banger with themes of love and money.

2. Oh! Caraga

(Photo by Oh! Caraga/Twitter)

If you’re into country music, Oh! Caraga’s music might be up your alley. Composed of renowned Vispop songwriters Kenneth Corvera, Adam Corvera, and Sherwin Fugoso, all hailing from the CARAGA region (hence the name), this country-pop band creates an authentic blend of country, folk, and pop that’ll surely bless your ears.

Laden with tranquil melodies and tender guitars, Oh! Caraga’s country-pop sound radiates an ambiance of peace and comfort. Whether you’re having a bad day or you just want to vibe to some feel-good tunes, the sound of their music can easily uplift your spirits and put a smile on your face. It’ll make you feel like you’re on a fun road trip with your loved ones—smiling, laughing, and cherishing every second.

But besides the band’s ambient sound, the message of their songs is even more uplifting. With intricate lyrics written by the band members themselves, their songs revolve around the power and persistence of true love. Ipanumpa Ko, their most popular track, is a beautiful oath of unconditional love, wherein the speaker proclaims their everlasting devotion to their partner, promising to stay by their side and always love them despite the trials and obstacles they would face. “Ipanumpa kong di gyud ko mu buhi (I promise you, I’m not letting go),” the band sings in the chorus. “Ang kinabuhi ko kanimo lang (My life is only for you).”

3. Missing Filemon

(Photo by Missing Filemon/Facebook)

It goes without saying that Missing Filemon is a pioneer of Bisrock, a subgenre of Filipino rock that fuses rock and traditional Visayan music. The Cebuano rock band, currently consisting of vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and chief songwriter Lorenzo "Insoy" Niñal, lead guitarist Gumer "Remugs" Entero, and drummer Eimer “Boymerong” Tabasa, has actively shaped the Bisrock scene since 2002 with five studio albums and several hit songs under their belt.

In addition to being phenomenal rockstars, Missing Filemon are intriguing storytellers. Their songs often center on universal themes, such as love, heartbreak, and nostalgia, which they depict through tongue-in-cheek lyrics and rapturous melodies. Moreover, they also employ philosophical themes and portray social issues in their lyrics, which are often masked by their upbeat sound. An example of this is their 2015 hit Suroysuroy. Behind the song’s cheerful tune and Niñal’s peppy vocals, its lyrics speak about a dark reality: Cebuano youths turning to drug addiction, prostitution, and street crime as a result of hunger and poverty.

Interestingly, the vibe of Missing Filemon’s music may be reminiscent of iconic OPM rock bands Eraserheads and Parokya ni Edgar. Similar to the aforementioned bands, Missing Filemon’s songs are relatable, lighthearted, and subtly poetic. What makes Missing Filemon stand out, however, is the strong presence of Visayan folk influences in their arrangements, which gives their songs a distinctive Visayan touch.

4. Jerika Teodorico

(Photo Jerika Teodorico/Facebook)

Sweet and sincere are the perfect words to describe singer-songwriter Jerika Teodorico’s music. With a gift for both singing and songwriting, she conveys compelling stories through her heartfelt lyrics and warm vocal tone.

She first made herself known in 2014 when she released Labyu Langga, one of the first Vispop songs she wrote. Coupled with jazzy beats and country influences, Teodorico sings about her passionate feelings for a special someone, whom she refers to as “langga,” a Bisaya word that translates to “my love” in English. The song won first place in Vispop 2.0, the 2014 edition of the Visayan Pop Songwriting Campaign, marking the singer-songwriter’s first-ever win in the songwriting campaign.

Aside from Labyu Langga, Teodorico has more masterpieces to offer. She also has Baklay, a sentimental country tune recounting her memories in hometown Cebu with a beloved friend; Anino, a heartbreak anthem that makes creative use of idiomatic expressions to depict heartbreak; and Downtown Disco, an ABBA-esque disco-folk track that describes Colon, the historical downtown area of Cebu City.

5. Midnasty

(Photo by Midnasty/Facebook)

Hailing from Dumaguete City, hip-hop trio Midnasty has established a remarkable legacy in the local hip-hop scene spanning more than twenty years. Since their formation in 2001, they have released several hit singles and earned widespread recognition. The group’s current members include rapper-songwriters Jose Ramon Kho, Earl Neil Kho, and Mark Ausejo, better known as Arkho, Nikko, and Makoy, respectively.

Midnasty’s music is heavily inspired by their home city, which they proudly represent through their music. As Arkho explained, Dumaguete is a “city of gentle people” that taught them to be “calm and peaceful,” and such positivity is echoed in their music. Hence, their songs portray stories of love, peace, triumph, and resilience that arouse positive emotions in listeners. Moreover, the trio blends their signature laid-back raps with soft electronic beats, which creates a relaxing, dreamy sound that listeners may find therapeutic.

If you wish to check out Midnasty’s discography, Ilongga, MYstakes, and Lame are recommended first listens. These songs contain catchy melodic raps and electronic rhythms, which the trio specializes in, as well as clever lyrics that showcase their creativity. Another recommendation is Solo Na Lobo, one of their most recent singles, as it ventures into drill music and flaunts the trio’s impressive versatility.

6. Route 83

(Photo by Route 83/Facebook)

Looking for a new electropop artist to obsess over? Route 83 might be the one. This Cebu-based duo, composed of music producer Carlisle Tabanera and singer-songwriter Relden Campanilla, has everything you need in an electropop act: dance-ready drops, catchy hooks, and a variety of genres. Their greatest trump card, however, is the spectacular combo of Campanilla’s soft, mellifluous vocals and Tabanera’s bright, buoyant production—truly a match made in heaven.

The duo debuted in 2018 with an inventive electropop rendition of Vanessa Carlton’s iconic A Thousand Miles—arguably one of the best covers of the Vanessa Carlton hit yet. Throughout the cover, the duo gives a glimpse of their abilities, from Campanilla’s smooth voice to Tabanera’s punchy drops. Additionally, the cover also features a section sang in Cebuano towards the end, giving the song a palpable Cebuano vibe.

Following their A Thousand Miles rendition, the duo went on to produce a catalogue of bangers, often combining English and Cebuano languages in their lyrics. Some of their best gems are Ania Ko, a nostalgia-inducing track reminiscing about childhood memories with a loved one, I Don’t Wanna Go, a collaboration with Kurt Fick that presents contrasting emotions of two ex-lovers after breaking up, and Katapusan, a bold declaration of independence from a toxic partner.

7. Joseph Gara

(Photo by Ryan Macalandag)

This talented Bohol-based singer-songwriter could be your next favorite ballad singer. His voice is soulful, soothing, and can portray a variety of emotions, from bliss and excitement to angst and despair. And on top of that, his songwriting prowess is even more laudable.

With a knack for vivid imagery, Joseph Gara can add complexity to simple and overused themes. In Paghunas, a duet with Jayneil Enriquez, Gara uses figurative language to describe the sorrowful experience of missing a loved one and longing for their return. This is very evident in the following lines: “Hinaut na unta mabadlong ni'ng adlaw (I hope that the sun will be blocked) / Ang paghuyop ni'ng hangin (The wind’s blowing will end) / Sa ikaduhang paghunas makita ka (So that in the second tide, I will see you).”

Another example of Gara’s genius can be seen in Foodie Song, a food-themed love song hiding a deeper meaning. Throughout the track, Gara tells a partner to not worry about gaining weight from their food dates, arguing that diets are not really effective and that diet pills are too expensive. In addition, the lyrics also mention the high costs of eating at dining restaurants, which is truly clever. Who would’ve thought that a song called “Foodie Song” would turn out to be a subtle critique of diets and dining restaurants?

8. Jacky Chang

(Photo by Xavier G. Solis)

No, we’re not talking about the Hong Kong martial artist and actor Jackie Chan. We’re talking about Jacky Chang, the Cebuana singer of Filipino and Korean descent known for her heartbreak or “hugot” songs.

With an expressive voice and a wide vocal range, Chang powerfully evokes heartbreak in her songs. There’s a lot of power and vulnerability in her voice, which truly elevates the emotions she sings about. Her biggest and arguably best hugot song is Pero Atik Ra, which has been covered by famous OPM singers KZ Tandigan and Morissette. The song revolves around the experience of trying to get over someone you once loved, a task that proves to be easier said than done. “Diri na lang ko kutob (This is where I stop) / Diri na lang ko taman (This is where it ends),” Chang sings poignantly. “Dili na ko mogukod (I’ll stop chasing) / Sa taw'ng kusog modagan (Someone who runs too fast).”

Some of Chang’s other hugot songs include Sinsilyo, a power ballad about hoping for an ex-lover’s return, Husto Ka Pero Husto Na, a ghosting anthem told from the perspective of the ghosted, and Sulti Pa Lang Ka, a duet with Kurt Fick that speaks about missed opportunities between former lovers. Recently, she has also explored a different sound with BAYHANA, a dance-pop anthem of female empowerment that has major K-pop vibes and house influences.

9. Juan Paasa Band

(Photo by Juan Paasa Band/Facebook)

Ever heard of an anime-rock band from the Philippines? Allow Juan Paasa Band to introduce themselves. Consisting of Cebu-based musicians Mlex Villahermosa, Bangkai Alas, Miggy Cerna, Joe Marc, and Van Mande, this band might just be the most unique Filipino band out there. They combine the sound of Bisrock with elements of Japanese anime, while also putting their own humorous twists in it.

Their anime-rock style first gained attention in 2019 when they released Summoning Eru, a song about a wild dog that bites anyone in its way. Backed with thundering guitar riffs and pounding drum beats, vocalist Villahermosa sings Cebuano lyrics in a convincing Japanese-sounding accent, which makes the song sound like the opening theme of an action anime like Naruto or Dragon Ball Z. And what’s even more interesting is how the witty lyrics describe the dog as if he’s an anime villain everyone should beware of.

Other anime-rock tracks by Juan Paasa Band include Take A Roll, TAKIROB, and SiLouie, a parody of Silhouette, the opening theme song for Naruto. But aside from anime-rock, the band has also experimented with other unique sounds, including ballads that sound like K-drama OSTs. Yes, even K-drama OSTs—listen to 80 and prepare yourself for a shocking twist.

Hopefully, this list will urge you to recognize and appreciate our very own Vispop music. After all, this is a pretty diverse list—there’s pop, rock, country, dance, and hip-hop to cater to all your tastes.

Keep in mind, though, that the nine artists featured here aren’t the only Vispop acts you should check out. There are hundreds more out there that are working hard to build a name in the industry and make their music known. But because the Vispop genre, like any other genre, can be hard to navigate at first, the artists listed here are great starting points. Soon, you’ll probably find yourself belting out Jacky Chang’s songs while thinking of your ex, dancing to Kurt Fick’s Di Na in the shower, and perhaps serenading a crush with Jerika Teodorico’s Labyu Langga. Whichever artists you’d end up liking, you are guaranteed to get hooked.

As the saying goes, support local. Support Vispop!