The independent music company celebrates its milestone with limited-edition cap release and a series of year-end events honoring OPM, culture, and community
Manila, Philippines – Soupstar Music celebrates its 25th year in the Philippine music industry with a special partnership with global lifestyle brand New Era. The limited-edition cap, which was launched on November 13, 2025, at Hideout Resto & Bar in Quezon City, encapsulates Soupstar Music’s enduring influence in bridging music, street culture, and contemporary Filipino lifestyle.
The launch brought together the label’s vibrant community of artists, partners, and long-time supporters, capped off by performances from Moonstar88 and HEY JUNE!. The event also marks a symbolic intersection of Soupstar Music’s legacy and future direction.
Reflecting on this milestone, Soupstar Music shares that the secret to longevity lies not in treating the journey as a race but rather as a series of challenging laps that foster growth, resilience, and purpose.
“When we started Soupstar, we didn’t set any strict expectations,” the team recalls. “Reaching 25 years is an important event for any management company. It’s a moment that deserves celebration, one that stands as a testament to our hard work, passion, and dedication through the years.”
Soupstar Music’s yearlong celebration includes Soupstar Night at 123 Block, the Soupstar Museum at Velvet Playground, and the packed anniversary event, 25 Years of Torete at Eton Centris. The collaboration with New Era stands as one of the company’s most distinctive commemorative highlights.
A longtime supporter of the headwear powerhouse, Soupstar Music CEO Darwin Hernandez shares how the partnership unfolded. “I am a big fan of caps, especially those from New Era. Through the years, New Era and Soupstar have been supporting each other in different events. One time, lumabas na lang yung idea na magkaroon ng New Era and Soupstar cap collab. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect since we’re celebrating 25 years this year.”
During the launch. Moonstar88 and HEY JUNE! delivered incredible sets that serve as a fitting homage to the label’s history and future. “It’s a simple celebration of Soupstar artists and friends,” adds Hernandez. “Moonstar88 is the first band that we signed and managed. Meanwhile, HEY JUNE! represents the start of our new era.”
Yearlong anniversary celebration
As part of its 25th anniversary festivities, Soupstar Music partners with Eton Centris and Redlines Entertainment Production for two major events this November:
- Beyond Beats: An Eton Celebration of Music and Gratitude
November 5, 2025 – Eton Centris Activity Center, Quezon City
- Eton City Thanksgiving
November 29, 2025 – Eton City, Laguna
Both events will be headlined by Moonstar88, who also celebrated the 25th anniversary of their iconic hit “Torete” this year. The band is gearing up to release new material in 2026, adding excitement to their participation in the festivities.
A legacy of championing OPM
For 25 years, Soupstar Music has shaped the landscape of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) as a dedicated management team and independent record label representing diverse and genre-defining acts, including 6cyclemind, Banda ni Kleggy, Better Days, Gracenote, HEY JUNE!, Imago, Jem, Kiss n’ Tell, Mizael, Moonstar88, Sandwich, Teeth, The Vowels They Orbit, Ultracombo (Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala), and WE GOT.
The label has consistently expanded its reach by producing local concerts, bar tours, mall tours, campus tours, and corporate events. As the industry continues to evolve, Soupstar Music remains steadfast in its mission. “Tuloy-tuloy lang naman kami. Kung ano’ng available platforms, we are present. Furthermore, we continue to collaborate with record labels. I still stand and believe in this partnership,” Hernandez reasserts.
Looking Ahead
As it marks a quarter-century of elevating Filipino talent and artistry, Soupstar Music’s vision for the future remains rooted in its core values. “We’ll keep moving forward and continue to hold dear what we stand for and believe is important. We’ll continue to release songs and manage artists. We’re here to guide and provide quality support to the talents that we manage. We’re here to stay.”