Imagine a high school rom-com series bursting with Filipino charisma, a Wattpad-born plot that’s equal parts chaotic and charming, and a soundtrack so catchy it’s practically glued to Spotify’s top charts. Welcome to the world of Mutya ng Section E, the Viva One series that didn’t just win over fans with its love triangles and rebellious teens—it also unleashed a musical juggernaut that’s got the Philippines (and beyond) humming along. From Earl Agustin’s soulful Tibok to Amiel Sol’s heart-tugging Sa Bawat Sandali and GAT’s infectious Daleng Dale, the original soundtrack (OST) of this teen drama is rewriting the rules of OPM (Original Pilipino Music) success. Let’s dive into how these tracks became Spotify superstars, why they’re resonating with listeners, and what this means for the future of Filipino music—all with a side of wit and a sprinkle of insight.
The Beat That Started It All
Mutya ng Section E, based on Lara Flores’ (a.k.a. Eatmore2behappy) wildly popular Wattpad trilogy, premiered on January 3, 2025, and quickly became a global sensation. The story of Jay-Jay, a fierce transfer student navigating the rowdy all-male Section E, struck a chord with its mix of humor, heart, and Filipino flair. But while Ashtine Olviga, Andres Muhlach, and Rabin Angeles brought the characters to life, it’s the soundtrack that’s been stealing the spotlight. Released on February 7, 2025, as a five-track EP under Viva Records, the OST features a lineup of rising OPM talents: Earl Agustin, Amiel Sol, GAT, Cup of Joe, and Rob Deniel. Each song captures a different vibe of the series, from swoon-worthy romance to youthful rebellion, and together, they’ve turned Spotify into their personal playground.
Earl Agustin’s Tibok: The Underdog That Conquered Spotify
Let’s start with Earl Agustin’s Tibok, the little song that could—and did. Described as an “upbeat, soulful” anthem about the butterflies of early love, Tibok simmered under the radar for over two years before Mutya ng Section E gave it wings. By March 2025, it had skyrocketed to No. 1 on Spotify’s Philippines Daily Chart, dethroning Amiel Sol’s Sa Bawat Sandali and leaving fans buzzing.
What’s the secret sauce? Tibok is pure ear candy—think Arthur Nery’s smooth vibes with a Mindanao-born edge. Agustin, once labeled an “Arthur Nery wannabe,” has carved out his own lane with this track, blending heartfelt lyrics with a melody that sticks like glitter. Its resurgence is a testament to the power of a good series tie-in; Mutya’s love triangle gave Tibok the emotional context it needed to shine. As of April 2025, it’s still a fixture in Spotify’s Top 10 Viral Songs in the Philippines, proving that slow burns can ignite big flames.
Amiel Sol’s Sa Bawat Sandali: The Heartbreak Anthem We Didn’t Know We Needed
If Tibok is the spark of new love, Amiel Sol’s Sa Bawat Sandali is the warm hug of devotion. Released as a single on December 6, 2024, and later featured in Mutya ng Section E, this acoustic guitar-driven ballad is all about finding solace in a loved one. Its relatable lyrics (“pwedeng pangjowa, pwedeng kay Lord,” as one X user put it) and wholesome vibe have made it a fan favorite. By February 2025, it was dominating Spotify’s Top 50 Most Played Tracks in the Philippines, peaking at No. 1 before settling at No. 2 behind Tibok.
The song’s music video, starring Mutya leads Olviga and Muhlach, was a game-changer. Dropped on February 20, 2025, it racked up views and sent the track soaring to No. 3 on Billboard Philippines’ Top Philippine Songs chart and No. 7 on the Hot 100. X users couldn’t stop raving: “Sobrang nakakarelax yung song,” gushed one fan, while another praised its “calming” quality discovered via TikTok. Ashtine Olviga even recorded her own version, adding a fresh spin that kept the song trending. Sol himself summed it up best: “This song was made from my belief that love in its purest form is gentle, constant, and sure.” And boy, did Filipinos agree.
GAT’s Daleng Dale: The Youthful Bop That’s Got Everyone Dancing
Enter GAT, the rising P-pop boy group whose pre-debut single Daleng Dale is the OST’s secret weapon. This fun, youthful track, featured in the series’ opening episodes, is like a shot of espresso—impossible to sit still through. Released with a vibrant visualizer on February 28, 2025, Daleng Dale quickly climbed to No. 3 on Spotify’s Philippines Viral Songs chart by March 9, 2025, alongside its OST siblings.
Daleng Dale is the perfect complement to Mutya’s chaotic high school energy. Its catchy hooks and playful lyrics capture the series’ rebellious spirit, making it a go-to for TikTok dance challenges and fan edits. GAT’s pre-debut status only adds to the buzz; fans are already calling them the next big thing in P-pop. With 94.2K saves on Spotify’s “New Filipino Music OPM 2025” playlist, Daleng Dale is proof that GAT is here to stay.
Cup of Joe, Janine Teñoso, and Rob Deniel: The Supporting Stars
The Mutya ng Section E soundtrack isn’t just about the chart-topping heavyweights—it’s also elevated by the soulful contributions of Cup of Joe, Janine Teñoso, and Rob Deniel, whose tracks add vibrant layers to the series’ emotional tapestry. Their songs, Tingin and Miss Miss, bring distinct flavors to the OST, perfectly capturing the highs and lows of teenage life. Let’s unpack how these artists are stealing hearts on Spotify and beyond.
Cup of Joe, known for their breezy, nostalgia-soaked sound, teams up with the luminous Janine Teñoso for Tingin, a dreamy pop track that’s like a warm hug on a rainy day. Released as part of the five-track EP on February 7, 2025, Tingin is a love letter to those fleeting, heart-fluttering glances that define young romance. With Cup of Joe’s signature harmonies and Teñoso’s velvety vocals, the song strikes a balance between playful and poignant, mirroring Mutya’s tender moments. By March 2025, Tingin was making waves on Spotify’s Top 25 Daily Chart in the Philippines, rubbing shoulders with Tibok and Sa Bawat Sandali. Its infectious melody and relatable lyrics have fueled TikTok fan edits, with X users calling it “the ultimate kilig anthem.” The track’s inclusion in the “New Filipino Music OPM 2025” playlist, with 94.2K saves, proves it’s a fan favorite that’s quietly stealing the show.
Meanwhile, Rob Deniel brings his retro-pop swagger to Miss Miss, a funky, upbeat bop that’s pure Mutya mischief. This track, also part of the February 7 EP, is tailor-made for the series’ rebellious, prank-filled vibe, with Deniel’s smooth vocals and groovy production evoking the carefree spirit of Section E’s troublemakers. Think of it as the musical equivalent of sneaking out for a late-night adventure. Miss Miss has been a slow-burn hit, gaining traction on Spotify’s Viral Songs chart by mid-March 2025, thanks to its catchy hooks and Deniel’s knack for blending 80s-inspired sounds with modern OPM flair. Fans on X have been hyping its “retro yet fresh” energy, with many using it as the backdrop for Mutya-themed reels. Deniel’s contribution adds a playful edge to the OST, ensuring there’s something for every mood.
Together, Tingin and Miss Miss showcase the OST’s versatility, bridging the gap between swoon-worthy romance and youthful defiance. Cup of Joe, Teñoso, and Deniel may be the supporting stars, but their tracks are shining bright, proving that every note in this soundtrack is pure OPM gold.
Why These Songs Are Spotify Gold
So, what’s driving this soundtrack’s Spotify domination? First, there’s the Mutya effect. The series’ global appeal—described by The Philippine Star as a “global sensation” on March 8, 2025—has introduced its music to international audiences. Fans from different countries are making edits in multiple languages, boosting the songs’ viral potential. Second, the OST’s diversity is a strength. Each track serves a distinct emotional purpose, mirroring the series’ rollercoaster of love, pranks, and friendships. Third, social media amplification via TikTok and X has been crucial.
The Bigger Picture: OPM’s Moment in the Sun
The success of Mutya ng Section E’s soundtrack is more than a win for Viva One—it’s a milestone for OPM. As one X user noted, “OPM has been thriving way before BINI happened,” and Mutya’s OST proves it. These songs are showcasing Filipino talent on a global stage, blending modern production with the heartfelt storytelling that’s long defined OPM. Earl Agustin’s rise from “wannabe” to chart-topper, Amiel Sol’s viral balladry, and GAT’s pre-debut buzz signal a new generation of artists ready to carry the torch.
Plus, the OST’s success highlights the power of synergy between music and media. By tying these songs to Mutya’s narrative, Viva Records created an emotional hook that resonates beyond the screen. It’s a formula that’s worked for K-dramas and Hollywood blockbusters—why not Pinoy series? As Mutya continues its 16-episode run, expect these songs to keep climbing, fueled by new episodes and fan fervor.
