After opening a bigger office, onboarding industry veterans, and establishing more subsidiaries, AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC) continues to expand its horizons with a new creative space unveiled.

AGC PHC’s commitment to innovation and excellence has reached yet another milestone. With great excitement, the media conglomerate proudly welcomes a new studio into its ever-expanding repertoire – another step to success this year. Located at 6F West Wing Estancia Offices, just in conjunction with the AGC PHC headquarters, the studio will cater to the growing brands of the company.

Chairman and CEO Archie Carrasco said, “Exciting times are ahead because we are growing at an unprecedented pace. AGC PHC just recently introduced Billboard Philippines and will soon welcome more remarkable titles. Now more than ever, we need a space to serve all our existing and upcoming subsidiaries. More importantly, it is for our employees to have a home for creativity. The studio becomes a sanctuary where their ideas can take flight, fostering a culture that values and celebrates their artistic expressions.”   

Whether it’s showcasing the latest fashion collections, launching new product lines, or crafting compelling brand narratives, AGC PHC’s studio offers the ideal setting to create impactful visuals. 

As this vibrant hub comes to life, AGC PHC can elevate its visual storytelling to new heights. Its esteemed publishing titles such as Vogue Philippines, MEGA Magazine, and Nylon Manila can now have a prime location for their cutting-edge editorial shoots. Additionally, production companies DigistarPH, KLIQ, and 7640 Inc. will find AGC PHC’s studio to be a game-changer for their campaigns. Aside from these dedicated purposes, the studio also welcomes events and gatherings of various subsidiaries, providing a versatile and inviting venue for a wide range of occasions.

But beyond it all, the studio will serve as a collaborative space where creatives can come together to ideate, strategize, and execute stories that pave the way for new standards. With the limitless possibilities of this creative space, AGC PHC sets the stage for a new era. 

AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC) debuts its inaugural physical store offering an extensive collection of renowned titles including Vogue Philippines, MEGA Magazine, Nylon Manila, and more.

Chairman and CEO of AGC PHC Archie Carrasco makes the announcement of SariSari.Shopping’s pioneering pop-up store at Lower Ground, Estancia Mall, Pasig City. Known as the e-commerce counterpart of the conglomerate that initially ventured into digital commerce, SariSari.Shopping now enters a new and bigger chapter.

“This endeavor marks a significant milestone in our journey, as it expands our ecosystem by finally embarking into retail. AGC PHC started with publishing, stepped into media, marketing, music, and production — but now, we are happy to explore retail with SariSari.Shopping,” Carrasco states with excitement. Additionally, he emphasizes that this initiative will improve convenience for AGC PHC’s market of readers, guaranteeing visibility and easy access to its growing list of print titles, which will be readily available for purchase. 

Print has long been a dying art, but AGC PHC is the first in the industry to strive for its rightful comeback in the age of digital. “It’s 2023 and we all know that the internet is taking over, but the beauty of reading through the tangible pages of a magazine is something that we want to protect and re-introduce to this generation. We can’t say that print is dead because the demand for our physical copies from customers speaks volumes. The next step is really up to the industry and those who have the capacity to bring it back to life. And that’s why we are humbly here today,” Head of Global Circulations, Arriane Sanchez, says. 

Through SariSari.Shopping, AGC PHC proudly champions the revival of print, breathing new life into the world of publishing. Just at the early stages of its action plan, Carrasco says, “This marks the first of the 200 pop-up stores we have planned to launch nationwide in the coming year”. 

Customers may now purchase physical copies of One MEGA Group Inc. with MEGA, MEGA Man, MEGA Entertainment, Lifestyle Asia, BluPrint, and Modern Parenting; MEGA Global Licensing Inc. with Vogue Philippines, and Modern Media Group Inc. with Nylon Manila and soon, Billboard Philippines.

The title launches its June cover star for pride month — Hawaiian-based Filipino social media sensation and his colorful journey.

Groundbreaking firsts for Vogue Philippines and Bretman Rock. Vogue Philippines features its first-ever LGBTQIA+ front-page personality and Bretman Rock takes hold of his first-ever Vogue cover. Captured in his most free-spirited self, Bretman Rock unleashes his story towards authentic self-expression of being nonbinary and being in touch with his true self as he reconnects to his roots. 

The title immerses the 24-year-old Bretman in the enchanting realm of Siquijor, where he finds solace and serenity. While it is hours away from his hometown in Cagayan, he feels emotionally rekindled. He said, “I’m so glad we went [to Siquijor], that we did a destination shoot because the trip became spiritual for me, almost like the start of an awakening for me and I’ve always kind of considered myself a very spiritual person. I’ve always felt very spiritually guided and that’s the first time in my life where I felt like my ancestors, rooting me on, cheering me, welcoming me home.”

In the headlining piece, Vogue Philippines explores his coming of age from being a little bakla (his favored Filipino term when identifying himself as a gay person) to being nonbinary in full detail. He stated, “I’m too delusional. I’m in my own world, call me whatever you want. That’s why I go by all the genders… Girl, I’m Bretman. I’m not a woman, I’m not a man,” Bretman says. “In the Philippines, we call everybody ‘Ma’am/Sir.’ I call everything ‘girl,’ even when I refer to my dad… ‘I miss my girl.’ At the end of the day, the person that needs to know who you are is you and the people that you love.”

The cover has reached praise and applause on social media, hitting another iconic feat for Vogue Philippines. From messages of admiration to expressions of support, the community and its allies embraced this powerful symbol of representation. 

After the reveal, Bretman also turned to his Instagram account, pouring out his emotions. He shared that gracing the pages of Vogue had been a cherished dream of his, especially as a minority queer Asian who doesn’t get a lot of opportunities like this. “It’s such a big deal, it’s truly a big deal and I really wish, I hope that every brown queer kid gets to have their own Vogue cover one day cause every queer kid deserves to feel like this,” he narrated. 

Bretman raises the flag for the community — to those currently struggling, to those harnessing courage, and to those discovering themselves. He expressed his gratefulness to Vogue Philippines for creating a platform for Filipinos and aspires for a future where individuals like him could also bask in the spotlight of such prestigious magazine covers.

Head on over to https://vogue.ph/magazine/bretman-rock-cover/ to read the full cover story.

After the recent news that Billboard Philippines’ will become a part of Modern Media Group Inc., the company is thrilled to announce its head of operations who will lead the media brand in this exciting new chapter.

AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC) expands its media ecosystem with the addition of Modern Media Group Inc. (MMGI) alongside homegrown publishing pioneer One MEGA Group Inc. (OMGI) and international licensing company MEGA Global Licensing Inc. (MGLI). The first addition to MMGI is Billboard Philippines. Leading operations is a dynamic digital marketing executive with over 15 years of experience in the industry — MMGI’s newly-appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO), Anne Bernisca.

Career Milestones

In 2015, Bernisca was the Head of Digital Media for OMGI. During her tenure, she successfully restructured digital operations, launched bespoke apps, and aligned digital products and social media channels with the media company’s elite branding. 

Bernisca has a successful track record – she’s excelled in media, banking, and retail, working for some of the country’s biggest brands as an AVP and Head of Digital Marketing at Metrobank and as the AVP at The SM Store.

Bernisca’s ability to bridge traditional and digital strategies to create a multi-platform modern approach across industries has helped her gain recognition for her digital media campaigns winning Philippine marketing excellence awards in Asia.

With a proven track record, her love for music, culture, and other emerging trends, it will help shape the future of MMGI.

Taking The Helm

When asked about the recent appointment, “Modern Media Group Inc. — through AGC PHC, I have the honor of bringing Billboard to the local market, and we plan to celebrate Filipino music and get it recognized on a global scale. Through a combination of print, digital, and live events, Billboard Philippines will push boundaries in the local music scene.”

“We know the high standards required to make Billboard a success in the Philippines, and we are building a team that we are excited to unveil, taking this prestigious multi-media music brand to new heights in the country,” she added.

In the coming months, MMGI will announce further developments, including additions to the brand’s infrastructure, strategic plans, and editorial team.

Stay tuned for more details about the Billboard Philippines launch in the coming months.

AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC) celebrated its flourishing success by recognizing the top employees of the year. It also gave a spotlight to the most loyal individuals and the most outstanding department in the ecosystem.

Alluring greenery and lush foliage welcomed AGC PHC employees for the 5th Ten Outstanding Employees of the Year (TOEY) Awards last April 25 at Chardonnay by Astoria, Pasig City. A big LED screen with an immersive display of waterfalls captivated over 200 attendees wearing the colors of nature.

This seemingly vibrant oasis meant something more for AGC PHC. The growing nature echoed the company’s journey over the past year. From opening its new headquarters to onboarding the most sought-after journalists, and introducing the biggest titles under its belt, AGC PHC bloomed like never before. And the root of it all, are the employees who defined what it truly means to grow together.

“Growing together means understanding and embracing the unique strengths and talents each of us brings to the table. It means cultivating a culture of collaboration, where we share ideas, tackle challenges, and celebrate each other’s successes,” Chairman and CEO of AGC PHC Archie Carrasco shared in his opening speech. He added, “Success is not only determined by what we achieve individually but by what we accomplish together as a team.” In this light, he gave the stage to employees who contributed tirelessly to the whole company’s achievements.

Prospering Awardees Of The Year

Fresh talent and seasoned expertise were the stars of this year’s TOEY. With a plethora of outstanding achievements and inspiring anecdotes shared, all employees came in unison to applaud the well-deserving winners.

Apart from the top employees of the year, a special segment was also held to honor individuals who have shown loyalty to the company over the years. AGC PHC also recognized its longest-serving employees:

20-Year Service Awardees

• Eric Gallego, One MEGA Group Inc. 
• Peewee Reyes-Isidro, One MEGA Group Inc.

From the TOEY awardees, AGC PHC names its first TODY recipient ever — or the Top Outstanding Department of the Year. Among all subsidiaries, Vogue Philippines wins the title because of its invaluable contribution to the industry.

Its exceptional team has made a significant contribution to the business and media reach with the Apo Whang-Od cover, reaching new heights of worldwide success. The team’s efforts resulted in impressive success, solidifying Vogue Philippines’ position as one of the country’s leading media brands.

To A Sustainable Future

For AGC PHC, growing together does not stop here. Carrasco encourages all employees to remember the true spirit of the company’s growth — creating a long-term impact on the audience it serves. Growing is all about being able to cultivate success and plant new seeds of opportunities as time goes by.  

With more plans ahead of its expansion, AGC PHC is thrilled to share its next steps that will change the Philippine multimedia industry in the coming months. As Carrasco said, “Let us challenge ourselves to think bigger, reach higher, and work harder. I am confident that, by growing together, we will continue to reach new heights and achieve even greater success.”

MEGA Magazine has dominated the industry with purposeful content for Filipinos. After three decades, hundreds of print magazines, and thousands of digital stories, the next era arrives.

The future of fashion is here. On its 31st anniversary last March 29 at KAO Manila, Newport World Resorts, MEGA Magazine stepped into a new light. Established as the Philippines’ first homegrown fashion magazine in the 90s, the title has now transformed into a multiplatform empire with 5 sub-brands under its belt. After all this success in creating stories of style, MEGA is here to say that it is not stopping anytime soon — a bigger chapter is coming up next.

Next-level Team

Entering a new phase calls for a powerhouse of creative minds ready to usher innovation for the industry. Editor-in-Chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro shared, “We are moving at a lightning pace and it is important to us that we always communicate with our core audience and the new-generation readers. MEGA has always been made up of diverse individuals, each one with a distinct and strong point of view. So tonight, MEGA is proud to introduce its powerhouse team.”

With already a set of tenacious individuals carrying the name of MEGA, new additions were announced to complete the roster of this next chapter. Veteran beauty journalist Agoo Azcuna-Bengzon is appointed as Beauty Director and seasoned stylist Kat Cruz is named as Senior Fashion Director.

The team now boasts of industry experts and rising talents who will take the brand further in both print and digital platforms. As one, the new editors take the stage to share their vision. Cruz kept her goal simple — to translate and elevate fashion for the MEGA woman, while Azcuna-Bengzon highlighted her plan to propel classics with a twist.

Next-level Narratives

Beyond celebrating its new talents, MEGA delves deeper into what the next chapter is truly all about. Head of Publishing and Marketing Janine Recto launched the magazine’s April issue with Andi Eigenmann on the cover. She says, “MEGA is changing the course of conversation. We are more inclusive, open, and real.”

As the world changes, MEGA also evolves while anchoring on its DNA and true purpose. “While this foundation remains, it also sees the need to adapt and recognize changes in both the fashion and cultural landscapes. It will continue to evolve with its readers and be a reflection of the sign of the times,” Reyes-Isidro said.

More decades will shape MEGA, but it will remain true to its purpose — to champion fashion for the Filipino, whatever generation it serves. As the magazine forges its past legacy with the present years to come, MEGA is confident to be stronger than ever and will always be on the lookout for what it can do next.

Head on over to https://mega.onemega.com/ for more fashion and lifestyle news.

From the fashion scene to the world of publishing, he takes his two-decade expertise to drive new business strategies for the ever-expanding AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC).

Another veteran joins AGC PHC’s new roster of executives. This time, the AVP for Corporate Planning is named — and he’s none other than the multi-faceted creative businessman, Ramon Galicia.

His professional journey always revolved around one common theme: managing and reconciling seemingly conflicting objectives of art and business. Apart from his stint as Academic Chair for SoFA Design Institute, he also has years of experience as Fashion Merchandising Manager of apparel brands Tyler and Memo, and eventually founded his own events styling company. More recently, he moved to publishing and took the role of Business Expansion Manager for Global Acquisition of AGC PHC, supporting the efforts of ushering in new international titles for the organization.

Now moving up as the new lead for the company’s corporate planning, he is thrilled to finally stay in an industry that he is truly passionate about. ”I’ve always loved magazines. I’ve always loved media and now it’s like going back to what I really love,” he shares.

A Stronger AGC PHC

Under Galicia’s leadership, his department will crusade pivotal plans for all subsidiaries under AGC PHC. “The Corporate Planning Department shall be the go-to group that will spearhead not just the ideating, crafting, and finalizing of strategies, but more importantly, its timely execution to ensure that targets are met,” he explains.

His office will also support the Chairman’s direction in setting global benchmarks, securing new assets, managing synergies among units, and building new teams. Galicia adds, “Through new structures, I can help create a strong culture of execution within AGC PHC, where business strategies are created with a nuanced understanding of the interrelationship between people and processes, and with the clear intention that declared plans actually become reality, ” he narrates.

All of his strategies will be based on metrics that evaluate the company’s strengths and weaknesses. “You cannot manage what you don’t measure,” Galicia strongly believes, as he begins to draft long-term goals for the conglomerate.

The Guiding Purpose

“What has drawn me to AGC PHC is that its core values are consistent with mine,” Galicia says. Built with integrity and innovation, he is ready to uphold the company’s mission to all stakeholders involved.

Chairman and CEO Archie Carrasco’s guiding principle, Purpose Over Profit, inspires Galicia to grow impactful businesses with risk-taking entrepreneurs fueled by purposeful aspirations. He is also proud to join an organization that wholeheartedly embraces innovation, especially at a time when technology profoundly changed how the world works.

Looking forward to AGC PHC’s exponential growth, Galicia takes the seat ahead of the business, overseeing all current units and soon-to-announce acquisitions in the coming years with a crystal vision for all subsidiaries — to ultimately reach their greatest business potential.

The Emmy award-winning producer and Making MEGA director returns to the ecosystem after six long years with a new department under his helm.

“This feels like a homecoming,” Mike Carandang says, as he steps inside AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC). He now stands as the AVP for Video Content, ready to bring the future of production home. “I’m very excited to pick up where I left off. I’ve seen the evolution of One Mega Group (OMGI) to AGC PHC, and I’m inspired by what our Chairman and CEO, Archie Carrasco, has built and manifested. It’s an honor and privilege to join this team,” he shares.

A Global Visionary

 Carandang is among the creative innovators of OMGI. From 2013 to 2017, he led TV100, the very studio that brought Making MEGA to life. It was the ultimate fashion documentary in the Philippines that heightened the standards of storytelling. The biggest stars were transformed in a new light as they explore the world such as Anne Curtis in South America, Nadine Lustre and James Reid in Greece, and Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla in Iceland. 

“Mike Carandang has always been part of our family, and I am more than happy and thrilled to welcome him back into our fold. As part of the MEGA family, Mike changed the way the industry approached fashion storytelling through Making MEGA,” Carrasco shares. 

His career as a producer also goes beyond with a body of work that includes international programs: The Jerry Springer Show, The Tyra Banks Show with a Daytime Entertainment Emmy accolade, and America’s Next Top Model. Locally, he has also received nods for directing several projects like It Takes Gutz To Be Gutierrez for Best Reality Show at the 28TH PMPC Star Awards for Television and Jollibee Auditions For G-Force as Best Digital Campaign at the JFC Awards for Marketing Excellence.

To The Future

Now set with a new role, Carandang is here to usher the pinnacle of video for all media titles and more exciting global brands to come under the belt of the conglomerate. Chairman and CEO Carrasco says, “I am excited to work with him again in producing meaningful video content, this time for major streaming platforms.”

Amazon Prime, Netflix, and HBO Go will soon witness the art of Carandang with upcoming shows under AGC PHC. His vision, he explains, is to uphold the value of excellence by creating Filipino-produced visuals and narratives that are worthy of worldwide recognition.

Up-and-coming CEOs are now joining the forefront with fresh new ideas and perspectives revolutionizing different industries. The Business Manual puts these leaders in the spotlight to unfold inspiring stories of budding success.

Creating a business is no easy feat, but a lot of start-ups on the rise have put together the ultimate recipe from scratch. In an ode to the great thinkers behind new ventures, The Business Manual has launched a new monthly cover series titled “Start-Up” ushered by Editor-in-Chief RJ Ledesma.

Ledesma shares, “The Business Manual serves two purposes. Firstly, it chronicles the innovation story of Filipino start-up entrepreneurs as they disrupt businesses and change the world for the better. Second, it is meant to inspire and motivate the next generation of local entrepreneurs by providing them with tools and ‘hacks’ to survive and thrive in the new business normal.”

The complete story of an entrepreneur’s A to Z is revealed – from the onset of the business until the very milestone reached. All pain points, challenges, and breakthroughs are uncovered.  

Managing Editor Diane Nicole Go explains, “We believe that they have big potential for growth and success, given that they’ve pioneered a new product, service, or concept, paved the way for a new industry, or even did something that no other business has ever done.”

On the first cover is Great Deals E-Commerce Founder Steve Sy who made a name for himself in the industry by creating a business around it. E-commerce is a business model that has taken flight since the pandemic and even so during the height of digitalization. Among its leaders, Sy is one of the biggest innovators in the country who started from zero. 

“We wanted to share his story since it’s a very inspiring one. He had to pay off a massive debt and needed to support his family—all while making ends meet. His big break came when he pioneered the e-commerce model—a risky move, given that no one else has done it, but with high risk comes high reward, and his paid off with a billion-peso business,” Go explains. “It’s the kind of story we want our aspirational audience to read so they too may be inspired to do the same for themselves,” she concludes.

Sy is one of the many start-up entrepreneurs who have changed the course of business in the country. Many more faces will paint the pages of The Business Manual to encourage readers to believe in their own potential. 

Head on over to https://thebusinessmanual.onemega.com/ and subscribe for more stories for P120/year.

The companion of today’s modern parents put together a star-studded cover featuring 100 influential moms and dads of 2022.

After its launch in 2020 with a maiden issue that showcased 100 inspiring families navigating through the pandemic, Modern Parenting presents yet another historical feat, its second print magazine recognizing 100 parents under the spotlight of 2022.

The launch was held last December 15, 2022, at Aruga by Rockwell, with Editor-in-Chief Marga Medrano-Tupaz and the presence of the issue’s main cover stars, Z and Aivee Teo, Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, Cat Arambulo-Antonio, Rosanna Ocampo-Rodriguez, Anthony Semerad and Sam Pinto-Semerad, and Sarah Lahbati-Gutierrez.

“I am so proud and grateful to have the special privilege of creating Modern Parenting’s second printed annual edition following last year’s maiden run. It was important to me and the team that we put together the right mix of stories. After all, we were not just looking to publish a magazine. We sought to create a keepsake,” wrote Marga Medrano-Tupaz in her editor’s note.

The sophisticated affair convened together some of the magazine’s Spotlight personalities also attended: Phoemela Barranda, Katarina Rodriguez, Amanda Griffin Jacob, Kelly Misa-Fernandez, and Aubrey Miles and Troy Montero — to name a few.

Aside from the 100 List, the special print issue includes other remarkable features to empower parents. It also includes stories of moms and dads who are Trendsetters, Modern Homemakers, and advocates of Work-Life Balance. Modern Parenting also curated the highly-anticipated Parents’ Choice Awards where brands and game-changers who support nursing moms as well as parents of infants and toddlers, are presented.

More than a hundred moms and dads are together on this fulfilling journey, each recognized as the best in the eyes of their own children. Modern Parenting closes 2022 as a gesture of gratitude to all of these parents who have opened their hearts and homes to inspire and empower others.

Head on over to https://modernparenting.onemega.com/modern-parenting-2nd-print-issue/ for the full story.