The global media authority in the music industry officially launched its Philippine edition in a star-studded event on October 15, 2023, in Whitespace Makati.

With roots deeply connected to music, the Philippines is fertile ground for the music industry to grow and flourish. In fact, Original Pilipino Music (OPM)—a catch-all term for music produced by Filipinos—surpassed 10 billion streams in 2018, while it dominated the most-streamed tracks in the Philippines in 2017, according to Gautam Talwar, Spotify’s new managing director for Southeast Asia.

What’s more, he asserts that streaming, at least in the Philippines, has contributed to 73% of music industry revenue!

Given the strong presence of OPM and its massive influence on the local market, knowing the ins and outs of the industry, as well as putting in efforts to help nurture the talents are a surefire way to put the Philippines on the global music map.

And what better publication to do that than Billboard Magazine—the ultimate global media authority in the music industry?

Billboard Magazine Takes Root in the Philippines

On October 15, 2023, Billboard Magazine officially launched its local edition: Billboard Philippines in Whitespace, Makati, in the presence of key music leaders: Billboard President Mike Van, Associate Vice President for International Markets of Penske Media Corporation Gurjeet Chima, Filipino artists, representatives from record labels, and other guests from the industry.

Helmed by a team of music experts, Editor-in-Chief Bret Jackson, Editor-At-Large Kiko Reyes, Executive Producer Paolo Valenciano, and Podcast Producer Anton Molina, the Philippine edition will span across various multimedia platforms—from print and on-ground events to digital content that includes videos, podcasts, and social media.

“Billboard is the world’s most influential music media brand with an unmatched authority among artists, fans, and the industry,” says Anne Bernisca, Chief Operating Officer of Modern Media Group, Inc. “Billboard Philippines will create innovative multimedia content that transcends media value and uphold media excellence.”

What to Expect from Billboard Philippines

In a move to allow readers, viewers, and listeners to get the full experience of Filipino music, Billboard Philippines is set to cover all bases through its various assets.

Print Issues

Proving yet again that print is not dead, Billboard Philippines also debuted its first-ever print magazine—a six-volume series, where each issue is dedicated to a particular genre of music. Starting off with a Pop issue, the publication shines the spotlight on not just one, but two cover stars: Asia’s Songbird and the country’s Queen of Pop, Regine Velasquez, and P-pop trailblazers SB19.

Set to highlight the best of Filipino music, the print edition of Billboard Philippines includes:

• Cover Story: features up-and-coming and influential artists at the moment
• Discover: highlights the industry trailblazers—the freshest rising stars
• Rediscover: revisits the icons, legends, and mainstays of the music scene
• Handpicked: shows curated profiles of tastemakers and key opinion leaders
• Market: informs readers about the important music business developments and personalities
• Chartbreaker: showcases chart-topping tracks and artists, along with compelling culture and lifestyle features

Website

Accompanying the publication’s print issue is the quintessential Billboard Philippines website (billboardphilippines.com), which serves as a platform for all things OPM.

The website serves as a space for Filipino music enthusiasts from anywhere in the world to get the latest news on their favorite artists; discover up-and-coming talents making noise in both local and regional scenes; listen to the best new releases; catch up on industry trends; read about momentous concerts and other events, as well as other relevant, music-related content.

Media Channels

With the goal of providing a more visual, performative, and intimate experience with local music, Billboard Philippines will be producing world-class, high-quality video content to be posted across different platforms—housed in its Media Channels.

Music enthusiasts can expect to see:

• Studios: a YouTube series featuring the most sought-after hitmakers performing reimagined versions of their hits in an intimate live setting.
• Soundwave: an exclusive series set on TikTok, which features performances by trending and chart-topping acts.
• Volumes: a Spotify podcast series where esteemed guests discuss themes like creativity, individuality, ever-changing trends, and topics relevant to the music industry.
• Handpicked: a platform where selected artists answer several light-hearted questions, which will premiere on their respective platforms in the following weeks.

Billboard Philippines Charts

As the unparalleled authority figure in the music scene, Billboard will soon launch its own official Billboard Philippines music charts—the most definitive and comprehensive ranking of the hottest OPM tracks. An essential across all Billboard titles, this category aims to build anticipation among avid music fans and listeners in the hopes that their favorite artist makes it on the list.

“Billboard Philippines aims to amplify the power of music and to effect positive change in the industry and all music enthusiasts by providing a dedicated platform with meaningful content that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and global collaboration,” says the company in a statement. “By allowing discovery and [the] rediscovery of music—especially from Filipinos—[we hope] to become the foremost media authority that connects Filipino music and the world.”