Philippine Embassy Abuja

This is the official X account of the Philippine Embassy in Abuja.

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

Philippine Chairship of ASEAN in 2026

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

Filipino-African Voices in Music

As we celebrate Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino 2026, we also celebrate artists whose music carries more than one rhythm, one story, and one home. From https://t.co/HbOlX0NDlP.ap, the Filipino-American co-founder of the Grammy Award-winning Black Eyed Peas, to J. Rey Soul, a Filipina-African-American singer from Laguna who rose from The Voice of the Philippines to perform with the Black Eyed Peas, these artists show how Filipino talent continues to move on the global stage.

This connection also reaches Nigeria through artists such as Rose May Alaba, born to a Nigerian father and Filipino mother, whose music blends her Filipino and Nigerian roots; Ebitimi John, a Nigerian-Filipino artist based in the Philippines who aims to promote Afrobeats in Asia; and Amanda Rowe, a Filipino-Nigerian artist whose music reflects her multicultural background.

We also recognize Riel Lomadilla, a Fil-Nigerian singer and performer who has proudly spoken about representation and opportunities for people of color in Philippine entertainment.
Together, these Filipino-African voices remind us that music can cross oceans, carry heritage, and bring cultures closer — from the Philippines to Nigeria, from OPM to Afrobeats, and from personal roots to global stages.

Through music, they show that identity is not divided — it is harmonized.

#NaijaMeetsOPM #LMP2026 #FilipinoAfricanVoices #OPMInAbuja #LinggoNgMusikangPilipino #PHinNigeria

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

TINIG NG FILIPINA
Filipina Singers with Advocacies

This Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino 2026, we celebrate Filipina singers whose voices go beyond performance — voices that empower, advocate, represent, and inspire. From Lea Salonga’s global stage excellence, Agot Isidro’s civic voice, and Monique Wilson’s women’s rights advocacy, to Bayang Barrios’ work for indigenous identity and peace, and Inang Laya’s powerful women-empowerment music. These artists show that OPM can also be a platform for dignity, inclusion, and change.

Their songs and performances remind us that women’s voices do not only entertain — they lead, challenge, heal, and carry communities forward. To know these Filipina voices is to hear courage, culture, and empowerment in music.

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

The Philippine Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, represented by Vice Consuls Norman Anthony C. Arrieta and Lynn R. Gutierrez hosted a farewell lunch for colleagues from the Embassy of Indonesia and the High Commission of Malaysia who compose the Technical Working Group of the ASEAN Committee in Abuja (TWG-ACA) who are ending their tour-of-duty in Nigeria this month.

The gathering recognized their valuable contributions to the group and to stronger cooperation among ACA members in Nigeria. The Embassy wished them continued success in their future endeavors.

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

Filipinos don’t just sing OPM — we dance it too!

OPM dance hits are the songs that make Filipinos stand up, clap, move, and suddenly turn any gathering into a performance. From classic party grooves and high-energy stage numbers to novelty dance crazes and today’s P-pop dance challenges, these songs show the fun, confident, and community-loving side of Filipino music.

This week, we celebrate the OPM Dance Hits Icons who made generations of Filipinos sing and dance: VST & Company with Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko, Gary Valenciano with Hataw Na, Bayani Agbayani with Otso Otso, Vhong Navarro with Totoy Bibbo, Sarah Geronimo with Tala, SB19 with Gento, and BINI with Pantropiko and Salamin, Salamin.

Like Nigerian music, these OPM hits are full of rhythm, joy, humor, and energy that bring people together.

So when the music starts, don’t be surprised — Filipinos don’t just listen, we perform!

Which OPM or Nigerian dance hit always makes you move?

#NaijaMeetsOPM #LMP2026 #OPMInAbuja #LinggoNgMusikangPilipino #PHinNigeria

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

Tuwing kailan ka kumakanta?

As part of the Philippine Embassy in Abuja’s celebration of Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino 2026, we asked this simple question — and the answers show something very Filipino: we sing almost anytime and anywhere. While working, cooking, cleaning, driving, resting, or simply enjoying the day, OPM becomes part of our daily rhythm. This video is a light and fun reminder that for Filipinos, music is not only for the stage — it is part of life, memory, joy, and home. Join us as we celebrate Naija Meets OPM: 7 Days of Filipino Music and Vibes in Nigeria. Ikaw, tuwing kailan ka kumakanta? (How about you, when do you sing?)

#NaijaMeetsOPM #LMP2026 #OPMInAbuja #LinggoNgMusikangPilipino #PHinNigeria

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

Get to Know OPM Legends

The story of Original Pilipino Music is shaped by individual artists and bands whose voices, songs, and performances became part of Filipino memory. From kundiman and folk to Manila Sound, Pinoy rock, disco, ballads, and socially conscious music, these OPM Legends helped define the sound of generations and gave Filipinos songs for love, family, friendship, identity, humor, and nationhood. Some of them include the following:

Hagibis helped bring performance-driven, dance-oriented OPM to Filipino audiences, adding energy, showmanship, and fun to the Manila Sound era. One of their popular songs is Ilagay Mo Kid.

VST & Company became one of the defining groups of Manila Sound, popularizing Filipino disco and dance music that continues to be played across generations. Their iconic hits include Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko, Rock Baby Rock, and Disco Fever.

Asin is an OPM legend for blending folk, rock, indigenous sounds, and socially conscious lyrics that spoke about nature, peace, and Filipino identity. Their well-loved songs include Masdan Mo ang Kapaligiran, Himig ng Pag-ibig, and Balita.
Leah Navarro helped shape classic OPM pop with her clear and heartfelt voice, becoming one of the memorable female voices of the late 1970s and early 1980s. She is best known for Isang Mundo, Isang Awit.

Pilita Corrales, known as Asia’s Queen of Songs, helped elevate Filipino music through her graceful performances and long career in local and international stages. Among her signature songs are A Million Thanks to You, Kapantay ay Langit, and Dahil Sa Iyo.

The Juan de la Cruz Band is regarded as a pioneer of Pinoy rock, proving that Filipino language, identity, and everyday stories could thrive in rock music. Their landmark song Himig Natin remains one of the most important songs in Filipino rock history.

Sylvia La Torre, known as the Queen of Kundiman, helped preserve and popularize Filipino folk songs, kundiman, and classic Filipino music across radio, television, stage, and film. Her memorable songs include Waray-Waray, Maalaala Mo Kaya, and Mutya ng Pasig.

Celeste Legaspi helped raise the standard of OPM through her powerful interpretations, theatrical style, and contributions to Filipino musical theatre and pop music. She is known for songs such as Saranggola ni Pepe and Mamang Sorbetero.

Rey Valera is one of OPM’s most influential singer-songwriters, with songs that shaped the Filipino ballad tradition and became part of many Filipino love stories. His beloved hits include Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko, Maging Sino Ka Man, and Pangako Sa’yo.

Bing Rodrigo became known for his smooth Tagalog ballads and jukebox-era songs that resonated with Filipino listeners. One of his best-known songs is Bakit May Pag-ibig Pa.

APO Hiking Society became one of the pillars of Original Pilipino Music, known for songs that captured Filipino friendship, humor, love, growing up, and everyday life. Their beloved hits include Panalangin, Ewan, Batang-Bata Ka Pa, and Awit ng Barkada.

Freddie Aguilar brought Filipino folk-rock to the world, with songs that carried themes of family, identity, nationalism, and social consciousness. His iconic hit Anak became one of the most internationally recognized Filipino songs.

Together, these legends remind us that OPM is not only music we listen to — it is the living soundtrack of the Filipino heart, carried across generations and wherever Filipinos are in the world.

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

What is OPM?

OPM, or Original Pilipino Music, is more than just Filipino-made music — it is the soundtrack of our lives: love, family, faith, heartbreak, dance, resilience, and home.

Like Nigerian music, OPM is full of rhythm, storytelling, community, and feeling — the kind of music people sing, dance to, and carry with them wherever they go.

Read and get to know the music that makes Filipinos sing from the heart.

OPM is not just music. For Filipinos, it is life in a song.

#NaijaMeetsOPM #LMP2026 #OPMInAbuja #LinggoNgMusikangPilipino #PHinNigeria

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

This Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino 2026 (Filipino Music Week 2026), we celebrate the theme “Musika at Himig Natin: Tradisyon, Industriya, at Bagong Tinig” (Our Music and Tunes: Tradition, Industry and New Voice) — honoring the songs that shaped us, the artists who continue to move Filipino music forward, and the new voices bringing original Pilipino music (OPM) to the world.

Here in Abuja, the Philippine Embassy has prepared “Naija Meets OPM: 7 Days of Filipino Music and Vibes” — a fun and heartfelt online celebration featuring why Filipinos love to sing, our karaoke culture, OPM icons, dance hits, world-class Filipina voices, Filipino-African musical links, and the songs that remind us of home.

To our Filipino community in Nigeria and our Nigerian friends: stay tuned, sing along, and get to know the music that carries the Filipino heart — because OPM is not just music we listen to, it is music we live.

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) Hearing

In fulfillment of its responsibilities in the continuing Overseas Voters Registration for the 2028 National Elections, the Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) of the Philippine Embassy in Abuja held its hearing for applications received from 01 April 2026 to 30 June 2026 on 20 July 2026.

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

Philippine Embassy Attends BEMA Graduation Ceremony

Vice Consuls Lynn R. Gutierrez and Norman Anthony C. Arrieta of the Philippine Embassy, attended the 16th Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony of BEMA Homes Schools Piyowi on 18 July 2026. The regular presence of the Philippine Embassy in milestone events of BEMA Homes is a reflection of a partnership that aims to benefit students including orphans who are under the care of BEMA Homes.

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

Philippine Embassy Attends Nigerian–Korean Film Screening

The Philippine Embassy in Nigeria, represented by Vice Consuls Lynn R. Gutierrez and Norman Anthony C. Arrieta, attended the special Nigerian–Korean Film Screening organized by the Kaduna International Film Festival in partnership with the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria. The event showcased Nigeria’s The Bystander and the Republic of Korea’s The Host, celebrating cinematic excellence and fostering cultural exchange through film.

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

In an interview with Barr. JD Oludotun of Diplomatic Vista, Ambassador Mersole J. Mellejor shared his experiences in Nigeria. He also provided insights on the relations between the Philippines and Nigeria and the potential to further elevate the ties of the two (2) democracies. 🇵🇭🇳🇬

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

Ambassador Mellejor with his colleagues from the ASEAN Committee in Abuja (ACA) as they bid farewell to Ambassador Bui Quoc Hung of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam who ended his tour-of-duty in Nigeria on 15 July 2026. As an esteemed member of the ACA, Ambassador Hung is known for his steadfast efforts in helping promote ASEAN in Nigeria. 🇮🇩🇲🇾🇵🇭🇹🇭🇻🇳

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

Ambassador Mersole J. Mellejor greeted Ambassador Édouard Nduwimana during the diplomatic reception to commemorate the 64th Independence Day of Burundi at the Barcelona Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria. The country gained its independence from Belgium on 01 July 1962. 🇵🇭🇧🇮

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

The Philippine Embassy received the President/CEO of FITCOREA at the Philippine chancery in Abuja. The business executive is in Nigeria to assess the possible introduction in the country of SKD and CKD agricultural machinery from the Philippines using core components from South Korea that have been tested in farming conditions in the Philippines. He was accompanied by representatives of the Korean business sector and the Korean International Cooperation Agency in Nigeria. Philippine Ambassador Mersole J. Mellejor expressed his readiness to support the trilateral initiative involving the Philippines-South Korea and Nigeria to help modernize and increase agricultural productivity in Nigeria. 🇵🇭🇰🇷🇳🇬

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

Ambassador Mersole J. Mellejor congratulated High Commissioner Leilani Bin-Huda of Australia during the diplomatic reception to mark the 50th National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Nigeria. NAIDOC Week, which is held during the first full week of July, celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. It is observed not just by Indigenous Australian communities but also by government agencies, schools, local councils, and workplaces. The reception in Abuja was highlighted by the movie Gurrumul, about the famous aboriginal Australian musician of the same name. The theme of this year's NAIDOC Week is 50 Years of Deadly. 🇵🇭🇦🇺

[Philippine Embassy Abuja @PHInNigeria]

Ambassador Mersole J. Mellejor signs the Book of Condolences at the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Abuja, Nigeria, to express Philippine solidarity with the victims of the devastating earthquake that hit the country on 01 July 2026. 🇵🇭🇻🇪