SOCIAL MEDIA

ONErpm Expands to Philippines, Celebrates 15 Years in Music

Friday, August 29, 2025


The Philippine music scene just got a major boost! 🎶 Global music company ONErpm has officially expanded to the Philippines as part of its 15th anniversary celebration, bringing with it a fresh wave of innovation, artist-centered opportunities, and tech-driven solutions for creators of all levels.

For a country known for its rich musical talent and passionate audiences, this move is a big win—marking a new era of growth for Filipino artists who are ready to take their sound worldwide.

ONErpm: From Global Force to Local Game-Changer

Founded 15 years ago, ONErpm has grown into one of the world’s leading independent music companies. Entirely self-funded and independent, it’s already among YouTube’s top five global music partners, clocking in an impressive 25 billion monthly views. With its strong presence in Asia, Africa, and other fast-growing markets, the Philippines is now set to become its newest strategic hub in Southeast Asia.

So, what makes ONErpm stand out? Beyond traditional distribution, the company offers full label services, catalog deals, joint ventures, and innovative marketing strategies tailored to each artist’s unique journey. Simply put—it’s more than a label. It’s a platform designed to help artists grow and thrive sustainably.

Meet the Power Team Behind ONErpm Philippines

To cement its presence in the local scene, ONErpm has assembled a rockstar team of industry professionals who know the Filipino music landscape inside and out:

Clark Cunanan – Senior Business Development Manager

With years of experience at The Orchard Philippines and Universal Music Group, Clark has worked with both major and indie artists. From artist marketing to touring as a musician himself, he brings the perfect balance of strategy and creativity to help Filipino talents shine.

Alyssa “Pebs” Pe Benito – Marketing Manager

Pebs has spent over a decade crafting viral hits and chart-toppers. With roots in the indie scene and a strong background in marketing and advertising, she’s known for building campaigns that connect with audiences and elevate artists to the next level.

Presh Ong – Business Development & A&R Representative

Fans may recognize her as DJ Alice from Wish 107.5’s The Roadshow. With 11 years in broadcasting and artist relations, plus experience at Radical Music, Presh is passionate about discovering fresh talent and empowering artists with her unique blend of charisma and business know-how.

Louie Tamon – Project Manager

A rising force in music distribution and artist relations, Louie ensures a smooth onboarding experience for artists and labels. He’s also the go-to guy for pitching releases to digital streaming platforms.

Building a Record Label of the Future

According to Isaac Miranda, ONErpm Associate Director for Asia, the company’s strategy is all about “meeting artists where they are and building locally with global standards.” With flexible deal structures, transparency, and a strong local team, ONErpm aims to become the go-to partner for Filipino artists ready to expand globally.

“The Philippines already has the talent pool, a passionate music scene, and strong export potential,” Miranda shares. “Our goal is to provide global reach with local execution.”

Shaping the Future of Filipino Music

As it celebrates 15 years of empowering artists worldwide, ONErpm’s expansion into the Philippines is more than just a milestone—it’s a statement. By investing in local talent and building infrastructure for long-term growth, the company is reimagining what a record label can be: tech-powered, artist-focused, and future-ready.

With this move, Filipino creators now have greater opportunities to break into the global stage—proving once again that the world is ready for more OPM.

ONErpm’s arrival is not just about business—it’s about amplifying Filipino voices and pushing the local music scene into the global spotlight. And we can’t wait to see which homegrown artists will take center stage next.

What do you think of ONErpm’s expansion? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share which Filipino artists you’d love to see go international with ONErpm!
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Shangri-La Plaza Spotlights Filipino Creativity with Ateneo Art Awards Preview and National Artists Exhibit this August

Tuesday, August 26, 2025


Filipino art takes center stage this August at Shangri-La Plaza, as the lifestyle destination opens its doors to two remarkable art exhibitions. From rising talents to legendary masters, visitors can immerse themselves in the country’s rich artistic heritage—all in one venue.

A First Look at the 2025 Ateneo Art Awards

Running until August 25, the Ateneo Art Gallery is giving the public a sneak peek of the 2025 Ateneo Art Awards (AAA) at Shang’s Grand Atrium. The preview follows the announcement of the shortlisted artists and writers competing for the Fernando Zobel Prizes for Visual Art and the Purita Kalaw-Ledesma Prizes in Art Criticism.


Since its establishment in 2004, the Ateneo Art Awards has been a platform for young creatives, shining a spotlight on outstanding talents who continue to push the boundaries of Filipino art and writing. Past awardees include Keb Cerda (2019), Christina Lopez (2021), and Tekla Tamoria (2023) in the visual arts category, while writers Lev Masuli, Chesca Santiago, and Ryan Cezar O. Alcalde were recognized in last year’s criticism categories.

In the Shadow of Great Light: A National Artists Showcase


On August 25, Shang unveils another cultural milestone with the launch of “In the Shadow of Great Light: An Exhibition of Works by Philippine National Artists” at the East Atrium. Curated by Ricky Francisco, director of Fundacion Sansó, this extraordinary showcase is organized by Galerie Stephanie in celebration of National Heroes Day.

The exhibit presents rare and significant works from the country’s most revered National Artists for Visual Arts, including Fernando Amorsolo, Benedicto Cabrera, Ang Kiukok, Abdulmari Imao, Arturo Luz, Napoleon Abueva, Vicente Manansala, Victorio Edades, Jose Joya, Larry Alcala, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, HR Ocampo, Cesar Legaspi, Federico Alcuaz, Francisco Coching, Guillermo Tolentino, and J. Elizalde Navarro. Many of these masterpieces are being shown to the public for the very first time, with pieces loaned from private collections and artist estates.

The exhibit is open to the public for free until August 31 at Shangri-La Plaza’s East Atrium, offering a rare chance to witness Philippine art history up close.

Shangri-La Plaza: A Home for Filipino Art

Beyond being a premier shopping and lifestyle hub, Shangri-La Plaza has also built a reputation as a cultural destination that champions Filipino creativity. With galleries like Galerie Stephanie located within its halls, the Shang continues to be a go-to venue for exhibitions that celebrate both emerging and established Filipino artists.

Stay updated by following Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and Instagram at @shangrilaplazaofficial
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How PR Transforms The #1 Storytelling Mistake Brands Make

Monday, August 25, 2025


Millions of brands fight to own the narrative every day, but not all of them succeed. Their mistake? They put themselves at the center of the story instead of their audience.

In the Philippines, many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) make the same storytelling flaw. Your customers want to be the hero, and your role is to guide, support, and inspire them.

When you take this approach in storytelling, you can turn casual buyers into loyal advocates. Here’s how you can produce stories that grab attention and retain connections.

The #1 Brand Storytelling Mistake: Making It All About You

When businesses talk only about their achievements, products, or milestones without connecting to their audience’s needs or values, they unintentionally push people away.

For example:

● Too much self-promotion: “We’ve been in business for 20 years!” Good to know, but why should customers care?

● Overly technical jargon: “Our proprietary solution uses next-gen algorithms to optimize workflow…” Sounds smart, but confusing.

● No emotional hook: “Buy now before the promo ends.” Where’s the connection?

Effective brand storytelling is about making your customer the protagonist while positioning your brand as the dependable guide who helps them reach victory.

Why This Mistake Hurts Your Business

When your story is too focused on yourself, your audience quickly tunes out. People will just scroll past you if your content doesn’t speak to their needs. You also lose the emotional connection that comes from shared values and empathy, leaving your message sounding more like a hard sell than a genuine story.

In our current ad-ridden digital landscape, nothing drives people away faster than sounding too salesy. In fact, Edelman’s Trust Barometer found that 81% of consumers need to trust a brand before making a purchase. Building that trust requires not only self-promotion, but also relevance, empathy, and authenticity.

What Good PR Storytelling Looks Like

Good PR storytelling in the Philippines banks on relationships and community ties. These traits are important in crafting your narrative:

  • Audience-focused: Stories begin with the customer’s perspective.
  • Authentic and relatable: Draw from real experiences, not just marketing copy.
  • Value-driven: Share how your brand improves lives, not just products.
  • Culturally aware: Tap into Filipino values like bayanihan (community spirit) or pakikisama (harmony).

For example, instead of “We launched a new eco-friendly packaging,” a PR agency in the Philippines can frame it as:

“A small bakery in Quezon City helped reduce 500 kg of plastic waste in their barangay. Here’s how your own business can do it too.”

This shifts the story from self-promotion to impact and community value.

How a PR Agency Can Help You Fix This Mistake

A seasoned PR agency that understands both traditional and digital media can help transform your storytelling by:

1. Identifying Your Core Narrative

PR professionals know how to extract the most relatable parts of your brand’s journey. They’ll help you frame stories around your mission, customer successes, and cultural touchpoints that resonate in the local market.

2. Finding the Right Platforms

A good story falls flat if no one hears it. PR agencies use their media connections in print, TV, radio, and online to amplify your story to the right audiences. Your content can shine in a lifestyle magazine in Manila or a community Facebook group in Cebu.

3. Ensuring Consistent Messaging

In integrated marketing communications (IMC), consistency builds credibility. PR agencies align your press releases, social media posts, interviews, and blog articles so your audience hears the same values and voice everywhere.

4. Using Data to Shape Stories

With media monitoring and sentiment analysis, PR pros can track which stories resonate and adjust messaging accordingly. This avoids wasted effort on narratives that don’t land.

5. Turning Everyday Moments into PR Wins

A small act can become a full-fledged brand story if packaged well. Experienced PR agencies know how to spot and amplify these moments.

Why Good PR Is Essential for Success

In the Philippines, word-of-mouth still drives much of purchasing behavior, which makes public relations about publicity and credibility. Good PR ensures you’re telling the right stories to the right people, building trust and loyalty instead of pushing empty sales, and positioning your brand as authentic, relevant, and socially aware.

Without that expertise, even well-meaning efforts can fall flat or, worse, harm your reputation
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South Korean math rock band DABDA brings beautiful chaos to Makati in upcoming Philippine debut

Saturday, August 16, 2025


 
The critically acclaimed indie outfit joins forces with GABBA and (e)motion engine for a night of dreamy soundscapes

South Korean indie rock powerhouse DABDA marks their long-awaited Philippine debut on September 5, 2025, with a headlining performance at Sari-Sari bar, Makati City.

The tour, spanning key cities across East and Southeast Asia, will showcase DABDA’s signature math rock sound on the live stage. Known for creating beautiful chaos, the four-piece band integrates intricate rhythms, lush sonic textures, and pop sensibilities into a singular style that has captured audiences worldwide.

Their debut full-length album, All The Shining Things Are, cemented their place as one of the most exciting acts in Korean indie scene, earning unanimous praise from critics and ranking among the year’s best Asian releases.

For the Manila leg, DABDA will be joined by two standout Filipino acts: prolific post-rock artist GABBA and emo/noise-pop collective (e)motion engine—both promising a night of genre-bending performances.

Tickets to Dabda: Live in Manila is now available via https://www.bit.ly/dabdamnl. This event is presented by Swan Zoo and GNN.
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Manila Prince Hotel Showcases Masterpiece Gown by Celebrated Designer Ryan Chris

Thursday, August 14, 2025


Filipino artistry takes center stage at the Manila Prince Hotel as it proudly displays a stunning bridal gown crafted by renowned fashion and wedding designer Ryan Chris. This elegant piece, now featured at the hotel’s showroom, is a continuation of the glamour witnessed during the first-ever Manila Bridal Fair held last July 26–27, 2024 at the Grand Ballroom.

The event, which featured a dazzling bridal fashion show, saw Ryan’s creations win hearts for their modern sophistication blended with timeless elegance — a signature style that has made him one of the country’s most sought-after designers.

A Designer with a Timeless Vision

As CEO and President of Ryan Chris House of Fashion, Ryan has built a brand that champions refined silhouettes, soft ivory tones, and understated details. His designs often weave in elements from Philippine heritage, paying homage to traditional craftsmanship while giving it a fresh, contemporary twist.

From a young age, Ryan knew fashion was his calling. A wedding-themed coloring book from his grandmother sparked a fascination that would evolve into a celebrated career.

“My journey has always been about creativity, perseverance, and telling each bride’s unique story through her gown,” Ryan shared. “This partnership with Manila Prince Hotel is about inspiring others and celebrating timeless beauty.”

From Childhood Sketches to Iconic Fashion Shows

Ryan’s path to becoming a designer was anything but ordinary. He began in the wedding industry as a planner, helping brides choose gowns before deciding to design them himself. Over the years, he has staged fashion shows featuring over 100 original looks and participated in charity events such as Ofrendas de Flores and Sketches + Stitches, which support indigenous students and children battling cancer.

A Celebration of Filipino Creativity

Manila Prince Hotel Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Marvin Kim Tan, expressed the hotel’s pride in partnering with Ryan:

“His designs embody the style and quality we value. We are delighted to showcase his work and support Filipino talent.”

Visitors can now view Ryan Chris’s exquisite gown up close at the Manila Prince Hotel showroom, an experience that not only showcases fine craftsmanship but also celebrates the vibrant creativity of Philippine fashion.

Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a fashion enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates artistry, this display is worth visiting. It’s a rare opportunity to witness how one Filipino designer transforms heritage and modernity into a piece of wearable art.
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Muri and Shigge Drop Cross-Cultural Dance EP “SETSUNA” Celebrating the Beauty of Impermanence

Tuesday, August 12, 2025


When Filipino Soul Meets Japanese Beats

What happens when a Filipino indie pop/soul artist teams up with a Japanese electronic producer? You get SETSUNA — a fresh, genre-bending EP that captures the fleeting beauty of life’s moments while making you want to move to the beat.

Released by Muri in collaboration with Shigge, this 4-track record blends pop, soul, and intricate dance production, offering a unique soundscape that’s both emotional and electrifying. The title “SETSUNA” comes from the Japanese word for “instant,” perfectly capturing the project’s theme: impermanence in a fast-paced world.

A Sonic Journey Through Fleeting Moments

Created remotely between Manila, Tokyo, and London, the EP merges cultural influences and styles in a seamless, hypnotic way:

Afternoon – Starts breezy and chill, then suddenly shifts into an adrenaline-pumping drum n’ bass groove.

Bad News – Infectious grooves and pulsing beats that feel freeing and vibrant.

Midnight Calls – An after-hours anthem with late-night energy and smooth sophistication.

Sayaw – A bilingual dance floor delight mixing English and Filipino lyrics, soulful melodies, and heavy bass.

The result? A record that’s as unpredictable as life itself — playful yet profound.

Behind the Collaboration

Muri admits the project wasn’t always smooth sailing. Working across different countries and styles meant navigating unfamiliar creative territory.

“The first song we did together felt uncomfortable at first because it was out of our comfort zone,” Muri shares. “But in the end, that uncertainty made it exciting. We didn’t know how it would turn out, but we both loved what we created.”

This willingness to experiment is exactly what gives SETSUNA its charm — it’s fearless, boundary-pushing, and alive with personality.

Why It Matters to OPM Fans

Filipino listeners will love how “Sayaw” injects Pinoy flavor into a global collaboration, proving OPM can hold its own on the world stage. In an era where artists can collaborate across continents without leaving their home studios, SETSUNA is a prime example of music’s power to transcend borders.

If you’re craving music that makes you dance while also making you reflect, add SETSUNA to your playlist. Whether you’re chilling at home or out for the night, Muri and Shigge’s cross-cultural beats will keep you hitting replay.
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A new symbol of tech-style: The POVA 7 Ultra 5G is arriving soon

Monday, August 11, 2025


Official gaming phone of the Philippine National Esports Team


AI-driven innovative technology brand TECNO is bringing to Filipino youth its culture defining tech style icon, the POVA 7 Ultra 5G on August 8. Bold, sleek and minimalist with pure interstellar spaceship design and hyper gaming engine for elite esports, the POVA 7 Ultra 5G is trusted by champions to push limits.

 



As the official gaming phone of Philippine national esports team SIBOL, the POVA 7 Ultra 5G is the perfect power partner for SIBOL to dominate the global gaming arena at the Southeast Asian Games and World Esports Games.


From galaxy to your grip - lighting up your world, dancing to your life



The POVA 7 Ultra 5G will capture the imagination of a new generation of edgy and futuristic users with its full customization capability - distinctive appearance and iconic styling designed to delight. Generic phones will be a thing of the past for the Filipino youth with this ultra stylish smartphone.


The POVA 7 Ultra 5G redefines trendy tech art with its “Line & Lighting” theme, featuring upgraded 104 mini-LEDs surrounding the camera for the innovative “Status Light,” enabling customizable lighting patterns for notifications and enhancing both style and functionality.






Beyond visual distinction, the POVA 7 Ultra 5G excels in performance, offering a full suite of AI-powered tools supported by a high-performance chipset and robust battery. It is truly a symbol of TECNO’s dedication to continuing its mission of empowering next generation users with trend-tech styles and advanced technology.

Get it first on TikTok Super Brand Day on 8.8


Be among the first to own the POVA 7 Ultra 5G during its first launch on TikTok on Super Brand Day. Running from Aug 8 to Aug 14, customers who purchase the new smartphone will get freebies worth up to PhP1,999 - buy 1 get 1 POVA wireless powerbank + 1 Customised Dito UNLI PUBG Prepaid Gaming SIM card + 1 Special Edition PUBGM case card.


Experience POVA 7 Ultra 5G’s superpower at the POVA Gaming Fiesta


Make your way to SM Fairview on August 9 to experience firsthand POVA 7 Ultra 5G’s futuristic features and powerful performance. Immerse yourself in esport games like never before and feel the difference when you outperform opponents and light up your wins in celebration.

Meet and greet the gamechangers and trendsetters, starting with POVA 7 Ultra 5G’s Chief Gaming Officer. Take front row seats and watch a top gamer Showmatch. See why SIBOL picked POVA 7 Ultra 5G as its official gaming phone, and TECNO Mobile Philippines as its official smartphone partner.


Similar to TECNO’s mantra, SIBOL will "Stop At Nothing" in its quest to bring honor to the Philippines in the esports arena. Game on!


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