Meet the Editorial Team of Music Experts Behind Billboard Philippines

An authoritative music platform in its own right, Billboard Philippines take center stage under the leadership of these music experts.

According to “Digital in 2019,” a global study on internet usage by the social media agency We Are Social and the social management platform Hootsuite, the Philippines has the highest average daily music listening time. In fact, the study details that Filipino internet users listen to an average of two hours and six minutes worth of music each day!

This, coupled with the valuation of the digital music market, which is expected to reach $71.52 million (around PHP 3.91 billion) and the projected market volume of $57.87 million (around PHP 3.16 billion)—both in the year 2023—just shows how the music industry has massive potential for growth in the Philippines.

With that, the global music media brand Billboard is set to debut in local shores this October 2023—with Modern Media Group Inc. (MMGI), under AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC). As the media authority that aims to highlight Filipino music on the global stage, Billboard Philippines will serve as the dedicated source that will usher in a positive and collaborative change to the industry.

Meet the team who will take on this mission of amplifying the power of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

Editor-in-Chief: Bret Jackson

Bret Jackson is a man of many hats—an artist who has composed songs since his teenage years, a producer who has formed his own label from the ground up, an entrepreneur who has taken full creative control, and an all-around enthusiast who has experienced just about everything in between. With music as his North star in an equally multi-faceted career, he fits the part of the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of Billboard Philippines.

His foray into music started when he moved from America to Dumaguete at the young age of 13. Having found his niche in OPM, he traveled around the Philippines—collaborating with artists from the metro and from far-flung provinces. “Hearing their stories really instilled in me a relentless feeling to want to do more for the people and places I loved. This led to becoming a full-time student of the Filipino music industry,” he shares.

As the EIC of Billboard Philippines, he reveals that he plans on using the publication to celebrate and highlight Filipino music in all forms—giving every island in the Philippines and every Filipino worldwide a chance to be in the spotlight.

Editor-At-Large: Kiko Reyes

A respected musician who is foremost known as the guitarist for the Filipino rock band The Dawn, Kiko Reyes takes on the role of the Editor-At-Large of Billboard Philippines. Having cemented his legacy as a composer, arranger, and writer, he will take charge of the storytelling aspect of the publication.

“The Philippine music landscape is healthy and diverse, encompassing countless scenes, communities, tastes, and perspectives,” he explains. “Billboard Philippines will hopefully be able to reflect, report, and create a roadmap of sorts for all audiences—local and international—as a resource. It won’t be easy, but we are excited to take on the challenges and help celebrate the triumphs of Philippine music.”

Executive Producer: Paolo Valenciano

With an illustrious career as a concert and event director, Paolo Valenciano has made a name for himself by directing major shows for stars like Bamboo, Sarah Geronimo, Sandara Park, and Sharon Cuneta, among others. Moreover, he is also credited for directing two of 2022’s biggest concerts: Ben&Ben’s homecoming concert and the Eraserheads reunion.

This, coupled with his decade-long experience in the music career, has made him the perfect candidate as the publication’s Executive Producer.

“I am so thrilled to be a part of such an iconic brand like Billboard,” he enthuses. “I’ve always believed that our local acts deserve to be on a global stage and this new era of Billboard Philippines will give our artists even more opportunities to be seen and heard.”

Podcast Producer: Anton Molina

A veteran radio DJ and audio production head, Anton Molina takes on the important role of the Podcast Producer of Billboard Philippines.

Having been a talent and production member, his expertise in the auditory medium and the podcast platform is an asset for the publication. In his hands, fans and followers will be able to explore not just music—but also the stories behind the lives of artists.

“I envision the brand to be a home for the latest in the local music stage and to be a place wherein a lot of fans discover artists or rediscover their love for other artists,” he states.