The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), as the Philippines’ lead organizer for its participation in ASEAN cultural initiatives, continues to champion the country’s artistic heritage and creative talents through international platforms and regional collaborations. Anchoring these efforts is the ASEAN Cultural Center in Manila (ACCM), which serves as the mother program for the Philippines’ ASEAN cultural engagements, providing a central platform for initiatives that promote cultural exchange, regional cooperation, and greater appreciation of the diverse artistic expressions of ASEAN member states. Through these initiatives, the NCCA and ACCM strengthen the Philippines’ cultural presence in the region while creating opportunities for Filipino artists to share their craft with international audiences.
As part of these continuing efforts to bring Filipino talent to the international stage, artists KAIA and TJ Monterde brought the Philippines to the international spotlight at the ASEAN-Korea Music Festival, 2026 ROUND in Korea, held on November 7–8 at Namdong Gymnasium in Incheon, South Korea. Bringing together 15 musical acts from Korea and all 10 ASEAN member states, the two-day festival celebrated the diversity of the region’s music and the power of cultural exchange through live performances. The international lineup featured Brunei’s Fakhrul Razi, Cambodia’s LA CIMA, Indonesia’s Eastern Indonesian Collective, Lao PDR’s BIGPOM, Malaysia’s HAEL HUSAINI, Myanmar’s Velocity, the Philippines’ KAIA and TJ Monterde, Singapore’s GEN NEO, Thailand’s Tilly Birds, and Viet Nam’s marzuz. Joining them were Korean artists 10CM, LEE YOUNGJI, Roy Kim, and LEE SEUNG YOON, with 10CM also serving as the festival’s host. Through their participation, KAIA and TJ Monterde showcased two distinct sides of Filipino music, demonstrating how P-Pop and OPM can find their place in an increasingly connected regional music scene.
Representing the Philippines on the festival’s first day, P-Pop girl group KAIA delivered a solo performance before taking part in a special collaborative stage with Korean girl group EVERGLOW. The collaboration carried a particularly meaningful full-circle moment, as KAIA had previously covered EVERGLOW’s music during their pre-debut days, making their eventual shared stage in Korea a remarkable milestone in their journey as performers. What once began as an expression of admiration for a K-Pop act had become an opportunity to share the same international stage, a testament to how far the Filipino group has come. Beyond their performances, KAIA also connected with fans through a special fan meeting and brought their signature live energy to the Wish Bus. Their visit to the Philippine Embassy in Korea was another highlight, where they were warmly received by Ambassador Bernadette Fernandez and the entire Philippine Embassy team, reaffirming their connection to the Filipino community abroad.
Here are some photos of KAIA’s performance:
The second day continued the Philippines’ strong presence through singer-songwriter TJ Monterde , who earned an award at the festival in recognition of his participation and contribution to the celebration. Known for his heartfelt songwriting and emotionally resonant OPM hits, TJ brought a distinctly Filipino sound to the international audience, proving that music does not always need translation to make an impact. He also reunited with Korean singer-songwriter 10CM for a special collaborative performance, following their previous musical encounter at ROUND in the Philippines. The collaboration brought together two artists from different musical backgrounds, creating another memorable exchange between Filipino and Korean music. Sa isang entabladong pinagsasaluhan ng iba’t ibang kultura, TJ demonstrated how the sincerity and universality of OPM can resonate beyond borders.
Here are some photos of TJ’s performance:
Beyond the individual performances, 2026 ROUND in Korea provided a platform for artists and audiences from across ASEAN and Korea to discover one another through music. From KAIA’s full-circle moment with EVERGLOW to TJ Monterde’s award and collaboration with 10CM, the Philippine delegation contributed memorable highlights to a festival built on regional cooperation and artistic exchange. Their participation also underscored the importance of creating international opportunities that allow Filipino artists to build connections, reach new audiences, and represent the country beyond its borders. The engagements with Filipino fans in Korea and the Philippine Embassy further emphasized that cultural representation extends beyond the stage and into the communities that support these artists. More than simply bringing Filipino performers overseas, the festival created opportunities for Philippine music to be experienced, celebrated, and recognized alongside some of the region’s established acts.
As the ASEAN-Korea Music Festival continues to strengthen cultural ties through music, KAIA and TJ Monterde’s participation stands as another meaningful chapter for the Philippines’ growing presence in the international music landscape. Their performances reflected the range of Filipino artistry, from the vibrant performance culture of P-Pop to the storytelling and emotional depth of OPM. The experience also highlighted how collaborations can transcend language, geography, and musical influences to create shared moments between artists and audiences. Through platforms such as ROUND, Filipino music continues to find new stages, new audiences, and new ways to bring the Philippines closer to the world. Sama-sama, swimming itaguyod ang talento ng mga Pilipino at bigyan sila ng mas maraming pagkakataong marinig at makilala sa buong mundo.
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For details on this press release, contact Mr. Rene S. Napeñas, Head, Public Affairs and Information Office, through paio@ncca.gov.ph or 0945 788 5698. Visit www.ncca.gov.ph and the Facebook page @NCCAOfficial.
