Carmelle Collado's 'Sobra-Sobra' selected as PH's entry to inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia
Female anthem Sobra-Sobra, performed by Carmelle Collado and composed by Nica del Rosario and Mat Olavides, is the Philippines' entry to the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia in Bangkok, Thailand.
The song was selected from among 10 entries performed Sunday, Aug. 30, during the premier Philippine Selection Night held at the New Frontier Theatre.
Mapadama, performed by JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano, landed in third place while Broken Beyond Repair, by SAGA, took second.
Similar to the European leg of Eurovision, the winner and finalists were selected based on the combined votes of a professional music jury, cast onsite, and the public via the Eurovision Asia website. The jury contributed 40% of the score, Filipino online voters made up the next 40%, and votes from international viewers rounded up the remaining 20%.
Per Eurovision, the Philippines was the third country to select its entry, following Bhutan and Malaysia earlier in August.
Combining modern and traditional music with a bit of rap adding to its edge, Sobra-Sobra has a mix of Filipino and English lyrics meant to uplift and empower Filipino women everywhere.
Collado is not a stranger to reality singing competitions, having won first runner-up in The Voice Kids in 2019 and winning Tawag ng Tanghalan in 2025. That year, Collado also appeared as a housemate in Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0.
Del Rosario, an award-winning songwriter, gained nationwide attention when she wrote "Rosas" for Naga Mayor Leni Robredo's 2022 presidential campaign. The collaboration with theater actress Gab Pangilinan won at the Awit Awards 2023 for Best Collaboration.
Among del Rosario's other notable contributions to the OPM industry are Sarah Geronimo's Minamahal and Tala, both of which del Rosario wrote and co-produced, per Billboard Philippines.
DJ and music producer Mat Olavides has several hits under his belt, as well, having co-produced several of BINI's hits, including Salamin, Salamin, Pantropiko, and Karera. He also worked with del Rosario and her wife Justine Peña on another Robredo anthem, Kay Leni Tayo.
