18/10/2026
2ND ELYU MUSIC AWARDS (EMA) 2026
OFFICIAL NOMINEES, MECHANICS, NOMINEE REQUIREMENTS & NEXT STEPS
Real Music. Real People. Real Union.
Congratulations to the following local artists! Your band or solo act has been nominated for the 2nd Elyu Music Awards (EMA) 2026, celebrating the talent, creativity, and contribution of La Union's local music community.
ANDY
Meet After Set
SunnyStories
BRYN
Kat de Loria
Local Kiddos
Lvndrs.
Tape Monkeys
Tagaelyu
VintageCore
sagrado BAND
Please review the mechanics below and submit the required information to confirm your entry.
1. OFFICIAL AWARD CATEGORIES
1. Artist of the Year
Recognizes the most outstanding artist or band based on overall musical excellence, artistic identity, consistency, achievements, live performance and online engagements.
2. Song of the Year
Recognizes the strongest original song based on songwriting, melody, composition, originality, arrangement, and overall musical impact.
3. Breakthrough Artist of the Year
Recognizes an emerging or developing artist or band demonstrating significant artistic growth, promising releases, originality, and increasing recognition in the local music scene.
4. Best Live Act
Recognizes the strongest live-performing artist or band based on musicianship, vocal and instrumental delivery, stage presence, audience connection, and overall performance quality.
5. People's Choice Award
Recognizes the artist or band receiving the highest number of valid votes through the official EMA online voting platform.
2. JUDGING MECHANICS
- Artist of the Year will be based on the judging of their nominated song plus live performance during the finals and online engagement.
- Song of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and Best Live Act: 100% evaluated by a panel of music-industry professionals.
- People's Choice Award: 100% determined through official online public voting.
- Judges will use category-specific scoring criteria to ensure consistent and fair evaluation.
- For Song of the Year, entries must be original compositions, with songwriter/composer credits provided.
- For Best Live Act, shortlisted artists must be prepared to perform live during the EMA finale.
- The organizing committee will verify eligibility and address disputes according to the published mechanics.
3. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Please submit the following in one complete package.
A. Band/Artist Information
1. Official band or artist name.
2. Name of band leader or authorized representative.
3. Complete names of band members and their roles/instruments.
4. Contact number, LGU La Union represented and email address.
5. Official page and other available social media links.
B. NOMINATED SONG TITLE AND LINK
- Spotify profile and song link
- Song title and songwriter/composer credits for Song of the Year.
- Release date, if applicable.
C. One-Page Band/Artist Portfolio
Submit a one-page PDF containing:
- Band/artist name and short biography.
- Names of members and their roles/instruments.
- One band or artist photo.
- Original song nominated Spotify link
A simple, professional, one-page portfolio is sufficient.
4. SHORTLISTING AND LIVE PERFORMANCE AT THE FINALE
The organizing committee will review the submissions and evaluate eligible entries and consolidate for judges reference.
The selected artists will perform as front acts for Hale during the 2nd Elyu Music Awards finale on:
Date: October 31, 2026
Venue: San Juan Surf Break Festival Main Stage, San Juan, La Union
Please be available for soundcheck on October 31, 2pm onwards.
Selection for a live performance does not automatically determine the award winners. Final awards will be based on the applicable judging criteria.
5. AUTHORIZED USE OF SUBMITTED MUSIC FOR SURF BREAK 2026
As part of the collaboration between EMA and the San Juan Surf Break Festival, participating artists may authorize the festival organizers to use their submitted songs solely for event-related promotional and documentation purposes connected with the San Juan Surf Break Festival and the Elyu Music Awards.
This may include event teasers, promotional videos, social media content, event recaps, and festival documentation.
By submitting music for this purpose, the artist or authorized representative must confirm that they have the necessary rights or permissions to grant this limited, non-exclusive permission, including any required consent from co-writers, labels, publishers, or other rights holders.
The artist retains ownership of their music. This permission does not authorize unrelated commercial use, transfer ownership, or waive third-party rights. Any use beyond the stated event-related purpose requires separate permission where necessary.
Please notify the organizing committee if any submitted track has restrictions that would prevent its use for these purposes.
6. KEY DATES
- October 31, 2026: 2nd Elyu Music Awards finale at the San Juan Surf Break Festival Main Stage, San Juan, La Union, featuring HALE.
Please prepare to perform the ORIGINAL SONG YOU HAVE NOMINATED. We will require 4-5 songs to be performed during the finale (mix of other original songs and cover will be allowed to complete the set)
7. NEXT STEPS — PLEASE COMPLY
Submit the following:
1. Completed band/artist information.
2. La Union LGU represented
3. Song Spotify link
4. One-page artist portfolio
5. High resolution photo and logo
Submission deadline:OCTOBER 20, 2026
Submission channel: EMAIL requirements to [email protected] SUBJECT EMA 2026 (NAME OF BAND)
Please ensure that all information is accurate and that links are accessible. Incomplete submissions may delay eligibility verification and evaluation.
Thank you for being part of the growing La Union music community. We look forward to recognizing your talent and celebrating local music at the 2nd Elyu Music Awards 2026.
BEST OF LUCK!
EMA 2026
Real Music. Real People. Real Union.
