As an MVP in the industry, Billboard Philippines’ pioneering editorial team is comprised of champions of Filipino music.
Sports and music have long been intertwined with one another. Tournaments have their own theme songs, players have their game-day playlists, and musicians head halftime shows. This sentiment rings true all over the world, even in the Philippines. Music is a huge part of Filipino culture, and this translates even in the local sports scene. And with Billboard Philippines launching this October 2023 with Modern Media Group Inc. (MMGI) under AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC), the Filipino music industry is about to get that much bigger.
For a brand as iconic and influential as Billboard, only the best of the best could be selected to lead their team to success. Thus, familiar faces and heavyweights in the local music scene will be leading Billboard Philippines to their ultimate goal: to become the media authority that connects Filipino music with the world.
With this in mind, the authoritative music platform introduces four exceptional individuals who will take on this mission of amplifying the power of Filipino music.
Bret Jackson, Editor-in-Chief
Every team needs a captain, and Bret Jackson is ready to take the next step as the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of Billboard Philippines.
Music has always been at the core of his multifaceted career. He has played many positions in the industry: 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.
A Filipino at heart, Jackson spent most of his life in the country after moving from America to Dumaguete when he was 13. With music as his first love, he explored the sound of OPM, traveling around the country and collaborating with artists from the metro and even far-flung provinces. Meeting many different players in the game, he witnessed first-hand the boundless talent of Filipinos. “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 shared.
As EIC, he shares that the title’s very goal is to celebrate Filipino music in all forms. Every island in the Philippines and every Filipino worldwide making waves will get the chance to be in the spotlight. This is where Billboard Philippines comes in, and under his leadership, Filipino music will have an ally to help reach its full potential.
Kiko Reyes, Editor-At-Large
Known as a guitarist for the Filipino rock band, The Dawn, Kiko Reyes is joining the Billboard squad as Editor-At-Large. The musician has cemented his legacy as a composer, arranger, and writer with an oeuvre that has stood the test of time.
Having been a player in the game himself, Reyes will take on the role of storytelling for Billboard Philippines.
“The Philippine music landscape is healthy and diverse, encompassing countless scenes, communities, tastes, and perspectives. 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,” he said.
Paolo Valenciano, Executive Producer
Players can’t perform without a stage to play on, and in-demand concert and event director Paolo Valenciano will be joining the team to make sure the Filipino music industry gets the stage it deserves.
Valenciano’s foray into music comes with a decade of expertise directing major shows for stars like Bamboo, Sarah Geronimo, Sandara Park, and Sharon Cuneta, among others. Recently, he directed two big concerts in 2022: Ben&Ben’s homecoming concert and the Eraserheads reunion. His training in the industry, along with his eagerness to take risks allows him to push the limits of what one can do both onstage and off.
“I am so thrilled to be a part of such an iconic brand like Billboard. 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,” he expressed.
Anton Molina, Podcast Producer
Podcasts have risen to become one of the biggest players in the music industry all over the world, and Heading the podcast production that will feature Billboard’s artists is veteran radio DJ and audio production head, Anton Molina.
Having been in the field himself as a talent and production member, the auditory medium is his specialty. Especially with the podcast platform under his hands, fans and followers will be able to explore not just music, but also the stories behind the artists themselves.
“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 shared.
With these industry heavyweights, The GAME is excited to welcome Billboard Philippines and witness how they elevate Filipino music, and how this, in turn, elevates the local sports experience for athletes and fans alike.
Catch the latest news and updates on Billboard Philippines at https://agcpowerholdingscorp.com/category/news/
Images taken by Shaira Luna.
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