Behind your favorite artists, your favorite songs, and the music that captures your life in pieces are industry executives who act as advocates, visionaries, and pioneers for Philippine music and artistry.
As the sonic landscape constantly evolves with new technologies, influences, and emerging artists, the backbone of the industry — artist management, live music production, music distribution, and music rights — ensures these visions come to life. In the local scene, the trailblazers shaping the past, present, and future of Filipino music are the women honored in this year’s iteration of Billboard Philippines Women in Music.
Last Friday (March 28) at Old Manila, Peninsula Hotel, Billboard Philippines Women in Music: The Executive Edition highlighted the women who propel our local music industry. When the inaugural event of Billboard Philippines Women in Music shed light on the powerful female artists who have made great impact on Filipino music, this year’s rendition of the event urged the women who typically work behind the scenes to take center stage in recognition of their great contributions to the Philippine music experience.
From protecting music rights through legal means to spearheading record labels, this year’s honorees have carried the industry on their shoulders as visionaries of the past, present, and future. This reflects equally in the awards these women won throughout the night, as Rhiza Pascua took home The Executive Award for Concerts and Live Entertainment, Atty. Marivic Benedicto for Music Rights, Audry Dionisio for Independent Record Labels, Kathleen Dy-Go for OPM Vanguard, Georgette Tengco for Music Distribution, and Roslyn Reyes Pineda for Industry and Record Label.
Behind Every Great Woman
There’s no single path that leads to the titles these women hold.
Audry Dionisio started out in marketing and advertising, forging ahead with her band at the time, General Luna, Roslyn Reyes Pineda grew up with ballet before graduating university with a Legal Management degree, Georgette Tengco interned for Regine Velasquez and then became a news anchor, and Atty. Marivic Benedicto even took up music as her major in college. Yet, if there’s anything that ties the stories of these women together, it’s a shared love and passion for music.
In an exclusive interview with Billboard Philippines, Live Nation Philippines’ Managing Director, Rhiza Pascua shared, “Music has always been an integral part of my life; In fact, the highs and lows of my life are remembered categorically by what was topping the charts at that time.” For Sony Music Philippines’ General Manager, Roslyn Reyes Pineda, working in the industry served as a means to reconnect with her roots as a creative: “After a year away from performing and being surrounded by artists, accepting the role at Sony Music was a way back into the world I loved.”
For many creatives, passion and livelihood often seem like two separate roads — one fueled by creativity and the other by the need for stability. Nevertheless, these executives go beyond their job descriptions and let their passions for Philippine music steer the industry to a brighter future.
The Heartbeat of the Music Industry: Bringing Vision to Life
In an industry where success is often measured in streams, sales, and sold-out shows, the real driving force behind it all remains the people who bring those visions to life.
Audry Dionisio, General Manager of Offshore Music, knows firsthand that every great artist needs the right support system. She left her corporate desk job to take a chance on the industry, learning every role along the way. “My job is putting out fires, motivating the team, and making sure everything is in sync.” Even her artists testify to her excellence in this regard. “She pushes the artists in Offshore Music to realize their potential by figuring out opportunities in which we can flourish. To me, she embodies an executive presence that makes you wanna do better,” says ALYSON’s Pio Ligot.
For the live music experiences and events industry, decision-makers take on the big responsibility of making musicians and fans’ dreams into reality. This is perfectly exemplified by Rhiza Pascua’s long-established career with Live Nation Philippines. From bringing Coldplay’s historic sold-out concerts to making One Direction’s Manila concert a possibility for Filipino Directioners, Pascua’s vision has turned the Philippines into a must-visit stop for global superstars. “I’ve always been driven by the idea of giving fans the best experience possible,” she shares. On the artists’ side, Rivermaya’s Mark Escuata raves about the executive’s attention to detail: “Not only does she want the audience to have the best possible concert experience, Rhiza also makes sure that the artists get the best possible treatment and support so they can make meaningful, lasting connections with their fans.”
(L-R) Kathleen Dy-Go, Roslyn Pineda, Marivic Benedicto, Georgette Tengco, Rhiza Pascua, Audry Dionisio. Photographed by Josh Tolentino.
Cultivating Beyond Nature
For artists, talent is just the beginning. It takes the right guidance, support, and belief to turn that talent into a lasting career — something that both Roslyn Reyes Pineda and Kathleen Dy-Go have dedicated themselves to.
As General Manager of Sony Music Philippines, Pineda (or as affectionately dubbed by fandoms as “Mama Sony”) understands that success isn’t just about releasing hits — it’s about helping artists grow into who they’re meant to be. “Ultimately, a successful music career is one that not only achieves commercial viability but also leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of listeners,” she emphasizes. “It’s about creating moments that people cherish, and fostering a sense of connection among them through the universal language of music.”
Sony Music Philippines’ Deputy General Manager Maan Atienza could definitely attest that Pineda covers all the ends of the company’s artist management: “Excellence is in her DNA… not just as a leader but as a true advocate for artists and the industry. From running through the busy streets of New York with Ben&Ben to taking on dance challenges with SB19 (coming soon!), the list of stories showcasing her commitment is endless.” Whether it’s helping artists refine their sound or navigate the complexities of the industry, she ensures they have the tools they need to thrive.
On the other hand, Kathleen Dy-Go, Managing Director of Universal Records Philippines, juggles many arduous tasks to keep the company’s ecosystem alive. “For the last two to three years, our company really decided to start managing (everyone from) artists, actors, [to] influencers and at the same time also doing events.” she shares. In a shared statement to Billboard Philippines, Parokya ni Edgar gushed over their appreciation for Dy-Go’s precise supervision: “We are very lucky to have Ma’am Kathleen as our boss! She truly listens to what the artists need and effectively handles her commitments with poise and professionalism.” Under her leadership, Universal Records has helped local acts find their unique voices while expanding their reach beyond borders.
Both executives play a crucial role in nurturing not just artists’ and teams’ careers, but also the dreams behind them. Whether through mentorship, strategic planning, or simply believing in an artist’s potential, their work goes beyond the business side of music. It’s about building legacies — one song, one performance, and one dream at a time.
Architects of OPM’s Evolution
Behind every chart-topping hit and rising artist is a foundation of industry leaders ensuring that the gears of OPM turn smoothly. Georgette Tengco, Believe Music’s Country Director for the Philippines, and Atty. Marivic Benedicto, the President of Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI), are among the key figures shaping the industry’s infrastructure, making sure Filipino music remains both creatively and commercially viable.
For Tengco, her work at Believe revolves around artist empowerment in the digital space. Emphasizing the power of digital platforms as a means to expand an artist’s reach, she detailed, “There’s room for everyone and there’s really that fighting chance for everyone to really make it big and passions no longer need to stay passions. You don’t need a day job anymore to be able to make money from your art.“ With the industry shifting toward streaming-first consumption, she emphasizes the importance of digital distribution, playlisting, and marketing strategies tailored to OPM. “What we do is we basically give them the tools and we give them the technology and we give them some of the expertise, but without removing their very essence.”
Nevertheless, as testified by those who’ve worked with Tengco, this executive goes above and beyond her role. Mony Romana from Believe Music presses, “Make no mistake about it, throughout her career she has in fact made major contributions to the industry, not least of which is being among the pioneers of localizing the art of the music video by helping establish the music channels by which the artform developed.”
On a broader scale, Atty. Benedicto, through her leadership at PARI, focuses on industry-wide initiatives that protect and elevate Filipino musicians, as she lobbies with the congress to give artists’ rights to exclusivity with their own music. With piracy and evolving digital trends as ongoing challenges, she highlights the need for continuous adaptation. “Dati kasi physical ‘yung ginagawa naming anti-piracy. Ngayon ang PARI is more of the industry na siya, parang trying to get everyone together,” she explains.
(Before, physical mediums were what we would cover with anti-piracy. Now [with the introduction and expansion of digital platforms], PARI focuses on the industry as a whole, getting all labels together to uphold creators’ rights.)
Creative Director of ABS CBN Music, Jonathan Manalo, raves about the attorney’s great contributions to the industry: “Her deep understanding of complex intellectual property laws has not only empowered musicians but also helped build a foundation of integrity and respect in an ever-evolving industry. A true pioneer of the Philippine music industry, she exemplifies the power of music and the importance of protecting the rights of those who create it.”
Through their combined efforts, Tengco and Benedicto work at the intersection of artistry and industry, ensuring that OPM not only evolves but thrives. Whether it’s through digital innovation or industry-wide reforms, they are laying the groundwork for the future of Filipino music.
As the music industry continues to evolve, one thing remains constant — its backbone is built on the vision, dedication, and passion of those who shape it. The women honored at Billboard Philippines Women in Music: The Executive Edition are more than just leaders; they are pioneers, mentors, and advocates who continue to uplift the next generation of artists and executives alike.
From protecting the rights of musicians to redefining the standards of live entertainment, digital distribution, and artist development, these women have carved out spaces where creativity and commerce intersect seamlessly. They have proven that leadership is not just about making decisions — they lead by example, making dreams into reality and being meticulously caring to those around them.
As they continue to steer the industry forward, their legacies will live on in the songs that define generations, the careers they have cultivated and empowered, and the thriving OPM scene they have helped build. And if there’s one takeaway from their journeys, it’s that when a leader embodies true passion and excellence in fostering the Philippine soundscape, the future of Philippine music shines even brighter.
Billboard Philippines POWER Cover, March 2025.
Photographed by Josh Tolentino. Art Direction by Nicole Almero. Styling by Geno Espidol of Curator Incorporated assisted by Jermainne Lagura. Earrings from Erlinda Reyes (Roslyn Pineda). Make up by Mac Cosmetics (Marivic Benedicto, Georgette Tengco, & Audry Dionisio). Make up by Mac Igarta assisted by Ciandro Abellanosa (Roslyn Pineda). Hair by Jean Alorro of Ceestudios by Aira Castor (Marivic Benedicto, Georgette Tengco, & Audry Dionisio). Hair by Mark Familiara assisted by Angelo Torralba (Roslyn Pineda). Production Design by Paul Jatayna. Photography assisted by Anton Vazquez. Produced by Mika Cruz.
On Rhiza: DONA LIM pleated dress and belt. On Marivic: CAROLINA HERRERA silk set. LOVE ROCKS Ring and Bracelet. LOUIS VUITTON White Mules. On Audry: All MASSIMO DUTTI and LOVEROCKS Jewelry. On Kathleen: RAJO Laurel dress. LOVEROCKS earrings and bracelet. GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI sandals. On Georgette: CAROLINA HERRERA top and skirt. LOVEROCKS Jewelry. On Roslyn: RAJO yellow silk top. APOGEE Pleated dress. LOVEROCKS diamond bangle and ring.