OPM and local acts of all stripes are about to get an even bigger platform with the impending arrival of Billboard Philippines.
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While the Philippines may have dozens of dialects and cultures spread across thousands of islands, music will always be that universal language every Filipino speaks. It’s practically known worldwide that Filipinos love music. From the karaoke bars to the concert stage, music, and especially OPM, will always have a special place in Filipinos’ hearts. The local music scene is as diverse as the country itself, with artists making a name for themselves in a vast lexicon of genres. OPM and Filipino artists are worth celebrating, a fact that Billboard knows all too well as they are set to launch Billboard Philippines later this year.
ALL ABOUT OPM
Billboard is a name that is familiar to even the most casual of music listeners. Aside from being the home of Stan Twitter’s most talked-about music charts, Billboard is also the go-to place for all things music news, information, reviews, trends, discoveries, and other musical highlights. Now, all that and more will be coming to the country with Billboard Philippines. Modern Media Group Inc., a new subsidiary under AGC Power Holdings Corp. (the same company that owns Vogue Philippines and NYLON Manila), will be publishing Billboard Philippines in partnership with Penske Media Corporation. The official launch is slated for October 2023.
“AGC PHC has decided to bring Billboard to the Philippines to fill a gap in the local media industry,” said Archie Carrasco, CEO of AGC PHC. “Billboard’s expertise in music, coupled with our local knowledge and resources, will allow us to create unique content and showcase talent to help take Filipino music to the next level.”
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While Billboard magazine’s official presence in the country is big news for the local publishing industry, it will mean even more for OPM and local artists with the platform the publication will provide. “Billboard’s DNA is very much aligned with the Filipino’s deeply rooted love for music,” said Anne Bernisca, COO of MMGI. “It’s about time we shine a spotlight on our local artists and bring OPM to a wider, global audience.”
GLOBAL PLATFORM, LOCAL TOUCH
Billboard Philippines is set to be the latest edition to the music company’s global footprint and expansion, all while giving the focus on championing local talent. Aside from publishing a physical magazine, Billboard Philippines will also have a digital presence that will feature a diverse range of music-related topics. The Filipino edition will also showcase events, concerts, podcasts, and collaborations to give the archipelago’s many beats, rhythms, sounds, and tunes its proper platform.
“We are absolutely thrilled to bring Billboard to the Philippines, a nation with a rich history of music and an ever-growing passion for the art form. We are excited to contribute to the vibrant music scene in the Philippines by sharing its stories, talents, and achievements with the rest of the world,” said Mike Van, President of Billboard.
He continues, ”Our expansion into the Philippine market presents an incredible opportunity to connect with a new audience and to further our mission of providing the most comprehensive and insightful coverage of the music industry worldwide. We believe that our presence in the Philippines will help to foster a new era of creativity, collaboration, and success for the music industry in the region and beyond,”
More details on Billboard Philippines’ launch will be revealed in the months to come, but it’s already exciting thinking how the edition will be that ally who hears, values, and celebrates what OPM has to offer. Now, let the speculation of who Billboard Philippines’ first cover star begin.
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