Rolling Stone Philippines made its highly anticipated debut, shaking up the Philippine media scene with an unforgettable “ICONS ONLY” night at The Peninsula Manila’s Salon de Ning. The event was a celebration of culture with rockstars, icons, and luminaries in attendance to mark the brand’s arrival.
The evening was led by the core team behind Rolling Stone Philippines, as they shared the magazine’s bold vision. MMGI COO Anne Bernisca kicked things off, emphasizing that Rolling Stone Philippines would be a game-changer for the industry. “By adding Rolling Stone Philippines to our roster of international titles, we are taking a step toward revolutionizing the local media landscape,” she said. Chief of Editorial Content Jonty Cruz followed, unveiling the new “attitude” the publication would bring: “Rolling Stone Philippines is not just here to honor what came before; it’s here to create new narratives.” Digital Editor Sai Versailles, equally excited about the magazine’s potential, added, “We want to create immersive experiences that push boundaries while staying true to the values of gonzo journalism that Rolling Stone has always been known for.”
Indeed, Rolling Stone Philippines aims to continue the brand’s legacy by covering not just music, but also societal issues and culture through a distinctly Filipino lens. With a wealth of untold stories, Rolling Stone Philippines is here to reflect the unique voice of the nation. Cruz put it perfectly: “It’s all about cultural impact. Even within the editorial team, we all have our own definition of a rockstar. For me, it’s all of these people who’ve changed culture and the industries they’re part of.”
This was exemplified by the highlight of the evening—the launch of the Rolling Stone Philippines website. The site went live with its first digital rollouts, including an exclusive interview with Ely Buendia, who reflects on his legacy and his new solo album, Method Adaptor. The digital lineup also featured Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, delving into her activism, the state of Philippine politics, and the path to a progressive future. Both Buendia and Hontiveros are icons in their own right: one revolutionizing music, the other reshaping the political arena.
The night capped off with a performance by Filipino classic rock band Razorback, who lit up the event with their hits, including “Payaso” and crowd favorite “Wakasan”. The energy then continued with the afterparty scored by DJ Honey.
Rolling Stone Philippines’ first print issue is slated for release in March 2025. This edition will mark the publication’s 15th international edition and the only one currently available in Southeast Asia, cementing the Philippines as a key player in the global Rolling Stone family.