In preparation for its approaching Philippine debut, the authoritative music platform introduces some of its main key players.
Manila, Philippines – Billboard, a music industry institution that provides music charts, news, reviews, events, and style, has returned to the Philippines, but now operates under the direction of Modern Media Group Inc. (MMGI) through AGC Power Holdings. Leading the team will be industry movers and seasoned producers with a shared objective of connecting Filipino music not only locally, but globally. Billboard Philippines hopes to be the leading source of constructive and collaborative change in the Philippine industry and among music enthusiasts by publishing meaningful content that champions inclusivity, diversity, and global collaboration that will allow the discovery and rediscovery of music by Filipinos for Filipinos.
With these missions in mind, Billboard Philippines announces four extraordinary individuals who will bring these tasks to fruition and strengthen the power of OPM:
Bret Jackson, Editor-in-Chief
Bret has always felt a strong connection to music. He was co-founder of independent record label Paraisla and the production house 7640. He has lived as an artist, producer, an entrepreneur, and an enthusiast, with everything in between. A guaranteed tastemaker in music, he takes his next leap as the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of Billboard Philippines.
Bret relocated from America to Dumaguete when he was 13 years old. A pinoy through and through with a passion for music, he explored OPM and collaborated with artists not just from the Metro, but also from different regions, where he witnessed firsthand the enormous potential of Filipino musicians. “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 narrates.
As EIC, he reveals that the title’s primary objective is to be unbiased and to celebrate Filipino music in all its forms – every island and Filipino creating waves in the Philippines and around the world will be featured. For Bret, it’s a matter of rising above the noise and providing an avenue for talent where Filipino music can reach its full potential. He will ensure that Billboard Philippines serves as a bridge not only for musicians, but also for brands, executives, and businesses.
Francis Reyes, Editor-At-Large
Musician, writer, and host Francis Reyes has joined Billboard Philippines as Editor-at-Large. Francis, a staple in the OPM industry, is not only recognized for his booming voice as one of the pioneering radio jocks for then-Philippine rock radio station NU107, but he’s also a phenomenal guitarist for the iconic Filipino rock band The Dawn. One can truly say that music is deeply ingrained in his DNA. Francis will be one of the storytellers for Billboard Philippines. He shares, “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.”
Paolo Valenciano, Executive Producer
One of the most in-demand concert and event directors, Paolo Valenciano comes in as the Executive Producer for Billboard Philippines. He is notable for directing such successful concerts for OPM titans like Bamboo, Eraserheads, Sarah Geronimo, Regine Velasquez, Sharon Cuneta, and more. Paolo and Billboard Philippines will take OPM music visually to new heights. His eagerness to take risks allows him to push boundaries on what can be done both onstage and off. He shares, “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.”
Anton Molina, Podcast Producer
Anton Molina, who has over a decade of experience as a radio jock and years of expertise as an audio production head, will be in charge of podcast creation for Billboard Philippines. With his radio expertise as a talent and production member, he is more than capable of ensuring that Filipino musicians can connect with their music and life stories with audiences all over the world. “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 says.
Billboard Philippines is set to have its formal launch on October 2023.