The night honored visionary women who continue to drive and redefine the music landscape with their innovation and leadership
On March 28, 2025, at Old Manila of The Peninsula Manila, Billboard Philippines brought together musicians, industry leaders, and cultural figures for a powerful evening recognizing the Filipina executives, producers, and visionaries shaping the future of Filipino music.
Now in its second year, Women in Music returned with its Executive Edition—a purposeful shift in focus to the women leading behind the scenes. “From managing artists and heading labels to forging global partnerships, these brilliant women continue to take OPM to new heights,” shared Billboard Philippines Publisher Anne Bernisca.
An Evening of Distinction: Honoring Women Who Lead
This year’s celebration highlighted the women working behind the scenes—mavens whose leadership, creativity, and dedication are reshaping the music industry. Their influence goes beyond charts and recognition—they cultivate a more inclusive, dynamic future for Filipino music. The night’s honorees were:
Rhiza Pascua: Management, Concerts, and Live Entertainment Executive of the Year Awardee
OPM rock icon Rico Blanco presented the award to Rhiza Pascua, acknowledging her role in orchestrating some of the country’s most highly anticipated concerts, redefining and enhancing the live music experience, and fondly recalling an unforgettable moment made possible by Pascua, “She has extended her vision of delivering international-level concerts to Filipino artists as well, as Live Nation Philippines has produced Rivermaya’s long-awaited reunion of its classic lineup. She made an impossible dream come true, reuniting [me] with my Rivermaya brothers,” he said.
Management, Concerts, and Live Entertainment Executive awardee Rhiza Pascua, Managing Director of Live Nation Philippines and OPM icon Rico Blanco
Atty. Marivic Benedicto: Music Rights Executive of the Year Awardee
Singer and TV personality Darren Espanto presented the award to Marivic Benedicto who he met at ABS CBN. He shared his admiration for Benedicto’s commitment to shaping OPM’s future and her dedication to inspiring artists in writing future OPM hits, “Nearly two decades as PARI’s president, she continues to help educate creators on intellectual property rights and how to monetize their art, empowering them to write and record the next big hit that could catapult OPM onto the global stage.”
Music Rights Executive awardee Atty. Marivic Benedicto, PARI President and Asia’s Pop Heartthrob Darren Espanto
Audry Dionisio: Independent Record Labels Executive of the Year Awardee
Eraserheads’ Ely Buendia praised Audry Dionisio as he presented her Independent Record Labels award, acknowledging her pivotal roles in Offshore Music. “From playing guitar in a prominent all-female rock band, to becoming a studio engineer and producer, and now managing artists and operations in one of the country’s leading independent labels, she has taken on almost every job in the music industry,” he said, and continued to commend her leadership in guiding the artists of Offshore Music to establish their identity and build their brand, to finding the right audience without compromising their sound.
Independent Record Labels Executive awardee Audry Dionisio, Offshore Music General Manager and Offshore Music Founder and Partner, Ely Buendia
Kathleen Dy-Go: OPM Vanguard Executive of the Year Awardee
Singer-hearthrob Donny Pangilinan, who started out under the label of Kathleen Dy-Go, praised her for her strong dedication to music, reiterating her pivotal role in nurturing and driving the growth and success of Filipino artists, “Under her leadership and vision, Universal Records remains the foremost vanguard of OPM, as she ensures the relevance of its past, defines the sound of its present, and creates the icons of its future.”
OPM Vanguard awardee Kathleen Dy-Go, Managing Director of Universal Records Philippines with her daughter and award-winning actor Donny Pangilinan
Georgette Tengco: Music Distribution Executive of the Year Awardee
Rapper and singer Al James presented the Music Distribution award to Georgette Tengco, recognizing her year of unwavering support and dedication to uplifting hip-hop and indie artists under Believe Music Philippines. He particularly cited her dedication in shaping artists and fostering connections, “Georgette is in her element as she has always considered music to be an anchor to millions of Filipinos’ daily lives, soundtracking our chores, commutes, celebrations, and so on,” he said.
Music Distribution Executive awardee Georgette Tengco, Country Director of Believe Music and Believe label artist Al James
Roslyn Pineda: Industry and Record Label Executive of the Year Awardee
With pride and admiration, SB19’s Josh Cullen presented the Industry and Record Label award to Roslyn Pineda, celebrating her relentless commitment to championing Filipino music and empowering artists and her team. “Mama Sony” (as she is fondly referred to by Sony artists) “…nurtures her artists and looks after her team, empowering them to keep putting out great music that transcends audiences and leaves a lasting legacy.”
Industry and Record Label Executive awardee Roslyn Pineda, General Manager of Sony Music Philippines and SB19’s lead rapper Josh Cullen
BINI Named Billboard Philippines’ Woman of the Year
The highlight of the night is the honor being declared Billboard Philippines’ Woman of the Year. This honor is reserved for female artists who have not only achieved outstanding success but have also made a profound and lasting impact on the music industry. Their groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire, shape, and elevate the landscape of music, solidifying their place as trailblazers and leaders within the industry.
Billboard Philippines’ 2024 Woman of the Year awardee Sarah Geronimo proudly awarded the nation’s girl group BINI with the 2025 Woman of the Year award. Not only has their music brought attention to the Filipino artist, but they have opened the door to endless possibilities, becoming an inspiration to different generations of artists and women. Sarah proudly proclaimed “Isang malaking karangalan para sa akin na ihandog ang Billboard Philippines Women of the Year award sa grupong patuloy na nire-redefine ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging Filipino artist.”
Woman of the Year awardees BINI, ang pambansang girl group and Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo
Celebrating the Future of Filipino Music
Billboard Philippines continues to champion the wide array of talent within the nation’s vibrant music scene. From emerging artists making waves to hitmakers capturing audiences, the publication brings attention to a diverse group of individuals. Among them are influential music leaders and executives driving innovation, all contributing to the evolution of Philippine music.
Billboard Philippines’ Women in Music: The Executive Edition truly serves as a testament to their contributions, celebrating the passion and commitment that make the music scene exceptional.