‘Billboard’ to return to the Philippines

Billboard is making its return to the Philippines this year.

Five years after it ceased publication, the leading international entertainment magazine will be coming back under the creative marketing agency Modern Media Group Inc., a new subsidiary under AGC Power Holdings Corp. (Vogue Philippines and NYLON Manila). It announced on Thursday, May 4 that it will be partnering with Penske Media Corporation for Billboard Philippines.

"Get ready to see OPM reach a wider global audience and experience immersive events, concerts, podcasts, and unforgettable music collaborations," they wrote on Instagram, saying that the launch is slated this October.

AGC PHC CEO, Archie Carrasco said that they are bringing the music and entertainment magazine to our country "to fill a gap in the local media industry."

"Billboard’s expertise in music, coupled with our local knowledge and resources, will allow us to create unique content and showcase talent to help take Filipino music to the next level," he added.

Modern Media Group Inc. COO Anne Bernisca, for her part, highlighted the importance of music in the Filipino culture.

“It’s about time we shine a spotlight on our local artists and bring OPM to a wider, global audience,” she said.

The print magazine will also have a digital counterpart and will cover music-related topics and events.

"Our expansion into the Philippine market presents an incredible opportunity to connect with a new audience and to further our mission of providing the most comprehensive and insightful coverage of the music industry worldwide. We believe that our presence in the Philippines will help to foster a new era of creativity, collaboration, and success for the music industry in the region and beyond,” said Billboard president Mike Van.

Billboard Philippines first came to the Philippine shores in 2016 under the management of Algo-Rhythm Communications Inc. It folded two years later, along with its website billboard.ph, but the reason was not disclosed.