Who Run The World: Highlights From Billboard Philippines Women In Music: The Executive Edition

Billboard Philippines‘ celebration of Women in Music: The Executive Edition has ended in the same grand fashion it started. The 2025 Billboard Philippines Women in Music marks its sophomore iteration, and this time, we shed light on those who’ve propelled the local music industry from off the stage and behind the artistry. Dedicated to honoring the impact and achievements of women in the music industry, this year’s edition puts the spotlight on the powerful women behind the scenes who have made significant contributions to the growth and amplification of Filipino talent.

Yesterday (March 28), at Old Manila in Manila Peninsula, Makati City, the most powerful female figures empowering the Philippine music scene were celebrated in an array of awards, special moments, and more. This grand commemoration gathered some of the industry’s brightest stars as well, with special guests like SB19’s Josh Cullen, Ely Buendia, Rico Blanco, and more.

This year, as well, at the Billboard Philippines Women in Music: The Executive Edition, female solidarity shone its brightest, as artists and executives alike shared an intimate moment of celebrating the force of women in the industry. Paying ode to one another, the honorees of the night showcased the true power of what women can do when

Honoring the female executives who have led the industry as trailblazers in uplifting Philippine music and artistry, the night was the first of its kind. As the sole artist honoree of the night, as well, BINI made history as well, after being named Billboard Philippines Women of 2025. Th

On this grand note, here’s what you missed at Billboard Philippines Women In Music: The Executive Edition:

Rico Blanco presents Rhiza Pascua with Concerts and Live Entertainment Executive of the Year award

One of the standout heartwarming moments of the night remains Rico Blanco’s speech when he presented the Management, Concerts and Live Entertainment award to Live Nation Philippines’ Managing Director, Rhiza Pascua. Talking about how live music is an integral part of the music industry’s ecosystem while making the dreams of music fans a reality, the OPM rock icon added, “The foremost champion of live music is a woman — a strong, intelligent, beautiful woman, inside and out.” On that note, he thanked her dearly: “She made it possible for me to experience a long-standing dream I thought would never become a reality — reuniting with my Rivermaya brothers.”

Rhiza Pascua empowers the Philippine economy with live music experiences

Despite having teared up at Rico Blanco’s introduction, Rhiza Pascua graciously accepted her Executive of the Year Award with poise. Thanking and congratulating the honorees present, she joked that while she and BINI have yet to become friends, “We’re definitely in the same age bracket.” Following this, she ends her speech by sharing that, in the music industry’s contribution to the Philippine GDP, Live Nation contributes a whopping 40%. This solidifies her work as uplifting not only Filipino artistry, but also the country’s economic growth as a whole.

Darren Espanto presents Marivic Benedicto with the Music Rights Executive of the Year award

Next to take the podium was the beloved TV personality and renowned singer, Darren Espanto, as he presented Atty. Marivic Benedicto with the Executive of the Year Award for Music Rights. Mentioning her legacy in protecting Philippine artistry, he noted, “In an era when piracy and many unauthorized means of music consumption still prevail, the Philippine Association of the Record Industry — or PARI — stands as the forefront of championing music rights in the country.”

Atty. Marivic Benedicto’s award is for “the women who keep Philippine music alive”

As she continues to empower the rights of musicians all across the local scene, Atty. Marivic Benedicto graciously accepted her Executive of the Year award on behalf of the women who keep Philippine music alive, thanking everyone from marketing teams in labels to artist management. “I always wonder what more we can do to help this industry,” she said. “This is for them. Sa atin po itong lahat at mabuhay ang musikong Pilipino (this is for everyone, and long live OPM).”

Ely Buendia presents Audry Dionisio with the Independent Labels Executive of the Year award

While the independent music scene of the Philippines keeps the overall local music ecosystem alive and thriving, support for these independent artists go a long way. When presenting Offshore Music general manager Audry Dionisio with the Executive of the Year award for Independent Labels, Ely Buendia spoke about her affectionately: “Audry has an incredible knack for learning. But it wasn’t until Offshore Music that I saw the full extent of her genius. Three years in, the label was struggling. We needed a miracle, and that miracle was Audry Dionisio.” He added, “It’s no exaggeration to say that she single-handedly saved Offshore Music.”

Audry Dionisio pays tribute to the women who run the industry

As female solidarity resonated as an integral theme of the night, Audry Dionisio shared, “I’m so grateful for all the women who have paved the way for someone like me.” Furthermore, she delivered a strong message: “To all the women who are here, shaking up the industry, keep pushing, keep breaking barriers, and keep showing the world that we don’t just belong here. We run this [world].” On a humorous note, she concluded, “Lastly, I’d like to thank Beyoncé.”

Donny Pangilinan presents Kathleen Dy-Go with the OPM Vanguard Executive of the Year award

When the nation’s beloved actor, singer, and host, Donny Pangilinan took the podium to present the OPM Vanguard Executive of the Year Award to Universal Records Philippines’ Managing Director Kathleen Dy-Go, he shared his personal experience of working with Dy-Go as she helped him shape his musical career. “Driven by her passion for music, Kathleen learned everything she needed to become an industry game-changer herself, and eventually took over the label,” he shared. “While the label can boast of having one of the strongest and most revered artist rosters to this day, she is still always on the lookout for fresh talent and sounds.”

Kathleen Dy-Go stresses the importance of supporting local artistry

“I’m deeply honored, and I’d like to congratulate my good friends, Audry, Roslyn, Marivic, Georgette, and my BFF, Rhiza, [as] you all inspire me to be a better version of myself,” said Kathleen Dy-Go upon receiving her Executive of the Year award. As the OPM Vanguard awardee, she further stressed the importance of supporting local artistry: “May we continue to be an instruments to all kinds of artists who have a vision, and goal to achieve their dreams in life.”

Al James presents Georgette Tengco with the Music Distribution Executive of the Year award

Digital streaming has been a great means in which local music has been amplified on an international scale. As such, as the hit-making rap legend Al James presented the Executive of the Year award for Music Distribution to Believe Music’s Georgette Tengco, he shed light on Tengco’s legacy in the music scene: “Under her, Believe has revolutionized the Filipino music scene — tripling streams, dominating trending charts, and elevating hip-hop and indie artists alongside powerhouse rock bands, all while fueling the rise of multiple labels and music networks.”

Georgette Tengco represents the people behind the scenes in supporting independent artistry

As Believe Music’s Country Director for the Philippines, Georgette Tengco expresses gratitude to those who support her work in the scene, “I really only represent the people behind me in the Philippines who tirelessly share their expertise to our artists, because it’s really a testament to what we do. This is in support of independent artists and labels as we try to help them navigate the digital ecosystem.” She adds, “This award inspires us to do better with what we do and what we do best, with transparency and respect, and expertise.”

SB19’s Josh Cullen presents Roslyn Reyes Pineda with the Industry and Record Label Executive of the Year Award

Dubbing Sony Philippines’ General Manager Roslyn Reyes Pineda (or affectionately known by the A’TIN as ‘Mama Sony’) as SB19‘s “second mother,” Josh Cullen presented her the Industry and Record Label Executive of the Year award. The P-pop powerhouse shared his appreciation for Pineda, sharing an anecdote in which she joined him on a trip to Hong Kong and took him on a vacation where he was able to check off many items from his bucket list, adding, “I was like, ‘Hey, this is how you feel when you’re resting after a long year of endless working.'”

On that note, he was in awe of Pineda’s fortitude in the industry: “But behind all that, she’s been building the music industry from the ground up for over 20 years — 20 years. Starting as a marketing manager in 2001, rising to general manager of Sony [Music] Philippines. And now, she’s been a part of the music industry for over 20 years.”

Roslyn Reyes Pineda expresses gratitude for the industry

Marching to the beat of a similar drum with female solidarity, Roslyn Reyes Pineda expressed her appreciation for the Philippine music industry as a whole. As she graciously accepted her Executive of the Year award, she noted that this year would mark her 24th in the industry as a true veteran. “When Billboard Magazine launched in the Philippines last October 2023, I was there,” She doted, “To me, that signaled for the music industry, papunta na tayo sa exciting part (we’re getting to the exciting part). To the artists that I’ve worked with and to all the Filipino artists that I will work with. It’s my life’s honor to champion you.”

Sarah Geronimo presents BINI with the Women of the Year award

Passing the torch as the first-ever Billboard Philippines Woman of the Year to this year’s awardees, pop royalty and Billboard Global Force Sarah Geronimo took the podium to bestow the honor to BINI. She said that she felt like she was hosting, introducing herself with an undeniable charisma and gumption. In her speech presenting BINI with the Women of the Year Award, she said, “Hindi lang lumayo pa sa music charts, gumawa sila ng marka sa global music scene, at pinalawak nila ang posibilidad para sa mga Filipino artists (Not only did they go further up the music charts, they also made a mark in the global music scene, and widened the possibilities for Filipino artists).”

BINI look back on their growth, leading up to this moment

As BINI accepted their award, Jhoanna reflected on last year’s Women In Music event where they were honored with the Rising Star award: “Back then, we were simply dreaming of bigger things, hoping to make a mark.” Summarizing the journey from then to the present, she added, “Now, standing here as Women of the Year, grabe. God works quietly talaga.” In closing, she expressed the group’s desire for even more growth: “As women in music, we want to continue growing, inspiring, and learning.”

Billboard Philippines Women in Music: The Executive Edition was powered by Hyundai and IQOS. Special thanks to MAC Cosmetics as Billboard Philippines’ Glam Partner, Remy Martin, and Love, Kelly.