The year 2024 has been monumental for Tothapi, a band haling from Tabaco City, Albay. Known for their heartfelt storytelling through music, the band has achieved remarkable milestones, from amassing over 1.7 million listeners to gaining 7.17 million streams across 171 countries.
But perhaps the most prestigious recognition yet is their nomination for Wishclusive Ballad Performance of the Year at the Wish 107.5 Music Awards.
With their hit song “Celeste,” Tothapi is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with industry giants like SB19 and James Reid, proving that OPM (Original Pilipino Music) continues to thrive, especially in the regions.
This nomination is not just a testament to their talent but also a proud moment for Bicolanos as they bring regional stories to the national stage.
First-Time Nominees: A Mix of Joy and Nerves
When asked about their reaction to the nomination, Tothapi members shared that they felt ecstatic despite feeling nervous.
“Nangingibabaw yung saya. Syempre pangalawa na yung kaba kasi first time naming manominate, at kasabay namin yung mga malalaking pangalan sa music industry. We’re proud as Bicolanos na napabilang kami sa ganung ka-prestigious na nomination,” Tothapi shared.
(The joy is undeniable. Of course, the nerves come second because this is our first time being nominated, and we’re alongside big names in the music industry. We’re proud as Bikolanos to be included in such a prestigious nomination.)
Furthermore, the members did not expect to be nominated for the Wish Music Awards.
“Hindi namin inasahan na aabot kami sa ganito, pero naisip naming mag-enjoy lang tumugtog, gumawa ng sariling kanta, at mag-share ng stories through music.”
(We never expected to get this far, but we just wanted to enjoy playing, making our own songs, and sharing stories through music.)
Once they win the award, Tothapi members say that they will treat themselves by treating their families, especially their parents, as this has been their dream.
“At bibigyan namin ng jowa ang aso naming si Bobby—kasama na ang dog food, shampoo, at mas matinong kulungan para sa kanya,” Tothapi members expressed.
(And we’ll find a partner for our dog Bobby—along with dog food, shampoo, and a better cage for him.)
A Global Achievement
Tothapi’s nomination is a testament to their growing reach. With millions of reach all over the globe, the band’s music transcends boundaries. These achievements highlight their potential to bring Bicolano talent to an even bigger stage.
With their immense success, Tothapi is thankful for their listeners and supporters.
“Gusto naming magpasalamat sa lahat ng bumoto at patuloy na sumusuporta sa amin. Araw-araw kayong pwedeng bumoto—one vote per day! Pumunta lang sa Wish 107.5 website o sa page namin para makita ang instructions. Salamat din sa mga bagong tagapakinig, welcome sa family! Sana magustuhan niyo ang iba pa naming mga kanta tulad ng ‘Panata.’ Keep streaming and voting—thank you so much, we love you all!”
(We want to thank everyone who voted and continues to support us. You can vote every day—one vote per day! Just visit the Wish 107.5 website or our page to see the instructions. Thank you also to our new listeners; welcome to the family! We hope you enjoy our other songs, like ‘Panata.’ Keep streaming and voting—thank you so much, we love you all!)
When asked about the song’s most captivating lyric, Tothapi responded with a line that they believe will resonate with new listeners: “Iboto ang sadiri. Pakinggan nang magustuhan para sa OPM.”
Vote for us. Listen and fall in love with OPM.
Encouraging fans to vote, they playfully shared their three-word campaign:
“Happy thoughts, guys!”
How to Vote for Tothapi
- Vote now via: awards.wish1075.com the Wish app is open until January 10,2025, at 12 pm
- One vote per day is allowed, so make it a daily habit!
- Share the voting links with friends and family to spread the word.
This nomination isn’t just for Tothapi but for every aspiring artist from Bicol. Let’s support them by voting and amplifying their music. Together, we can show the world the power of Bicolano artistry. Vote for Tothapi and celebrate the beauty of OPM! I Kimberly Palenzuela