“Sobra-Sobra,” a powerful anthem of women’s empowerment composed by Nica del Rosario and Mat Olavides and performed by CARMELLE, has emerged as the winning entry of the “Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026: Philippine Selection Night.”
CARMELLE, who first captured the spotlight after winning “Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown,” will now represent the Philippines at the inaugural Eurovision Asia in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 14.
Taking second place during the “Philippine Selection Night,” held on August 30 at the New Frontier Theatre, was “Broken Beyond Repair,” written by Angelo Gonzales and powerfully performed by “Tawag ng Tanghalan” alumnus SAGA.
Meanwhile, “Mapadama,” penned by Jeremy G and Jungee Marcelo and performed by “Tawag ng Tanghalan Duets” Season 1 champion JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano, secured third place.
Eight Songs Complete the Competition
The three winning entries emerged on top of seven other competing songs:
- “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
- “Round N’ Round” by Julius James de Belen and John Michael Conchada, performed by VVINK and WRIVE Russu
Jury and Public Votes Determine the Winners
The winners were determined through a combination of jury and public votes collected during the live show.
The final results were based on 40% jury votes, 40% votes from viewers in the Philippines, and 20% votes from audiences in other parts of the world, giving both the expert panel and the public a role in determining the country’s representative.
The distinguished jury included 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.
Celebrating Filipino Music
Opening the show was a special performance of “Mabuhay ang Musikang Pilipino,” a song composed specifically for the competition by ABS-CBN Music’s Jonathan Manalo.
The number featured vocals from AZTER, Bryan Chong, Ian Manibale, Klarisse de Guzman, Lyka Estrella, MIAH, and Reiven Umali, setting the tone for an evening celebrating the diversity and creativity of Filipino music.
Bringing Filipino Talent to the World
As the official Philippine broadcaster of “Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026,” ABS-CBN continues its commitment to bringing Filipino stories, music, and talent to audiences around the world.
The “Philippine Selection Night” was hosted by Vice Ganda, alongside Alexa Ilacad and Darren, and streamed live on iWant. It was also made available through ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live, while TFC aired the program through a delayed telecast on MYX.
The selection night also generated significant buzz online, taking X by storm in the Philippines, with several related topics dominating the platform’s trending list, including #PhilipineSelectionNight, #EurovisionAsia, and #PSN2026.
With her winning performance of “Sobra-Sobra,” CARMELLE now carries the Philippines’ hopes onto the international stage as she prepares to represent the country at the inaugural Eurovision Asia in Bangkok this November 14.
