The Filipino music industry has long been a melting pot of diverse sounds, cultural influences, and world-class talent.
While artists are at the front of it all, gaining recognition for their talent and excellence, there are a number of visionary female executives behind the scenes who are elevating Filipino music to great heights. Whether that’s cultivating homegrown artists to be household names or forging strong relationships to take the industry global, these leaders have played crucial role in the rise of Filipino music.
These women have made a significant impact in various facets of the industry, from heading an entire entertainment empire to leading the careers of the biggest names in music.
You have powerhouses like Annette Gozon-Valdes. With her role as the Senior Vice President of GMA Network and President of GMA Films, she is recognized as a force in the Philippine entertainment industry, and rightfully so. Given how she plays a crucial role in shaping the intersection of music, television, and film under her leadership, GMA has consistently showcased and supported Filipino musical talent, integrating OPM into mainstream media through television programs, film soundtracks, and live events — furthering its reach and impact with mainstream audiences nationwide.
Under her guidance, GMA Films has produced movies that highlight both established and emerging Filipino artists, helping their music reach wider audiences. Beyond her contributions to film and TV, Gozon-Valdes has been instrumental in fostering collaborations between local and international acts, reinforcing GMA’s influence in the global entertainment landscape.
Gozon-Valdes has done wonders in uplifting Filipino entertainment within the country, building a community of dedicated fans all while honing tomorrow’s superstars. Her dedication to uplifting Filipino talent and expanding the reach of homegrown music is surely commendable, showcasing just how indispensable she is to the entire entertainment industry of the Philippines.
While on a different side of the industry, you have leaders that help strengthen the bridge between Filipino music and the world.
Mela Ballano, the Country Head of Universal Music Publishing Group Philippines, is undoubtedly a driving force behind the success of both local and international artists in the country. With a deep understanding of music marketing, distribution, and artist development, she has played a crucial role in expanding UMG’s presence in the Philippines while elevating Filipino talent onto the global stage.
Under her leadership, UMG Philippines has strengthened its roster of artists, leveraging international partnerships and innovative strategies to amplify the reach of OPM. Even with her experience as the former Label Head of Star Music, Bellano’s expertise in navigating the evolving digital landscape has also helped reshape how music is consumed and marketed, ensuring that Filipino artists remain competitive on a worldwide scale.
Beyond artists, there’s a number of powerful executives that sit at the helm of music consumption, doing wonders to connect listeners to the artists they love.
It’s one thing to nurture relationships between artists, their labels, and the like — but doing it simultaneously with distributors and platforms like Spotify is no easy feat. This is why Thea Madrideo, the Artists and Label Partnerships Manager at Spotify Asia, has been instrumental in shaping the digital music landscape in the Philippines, as she’s the one bridging the gap between artists, record labels, and the streaming giant. With her expertise in music curation, artist marketing, and digital strategy, she has helped propel Filipino artists to wider audiences, ensuring that homegrown music thrives in the global streaming era.
Through key initiatives, playlisting opportunities, and strategic partnerships, Madrideo has played a vital role in amplifying OPM (Original Pilipino Music) on a worldwide scale while also fostering collaborations between local and international acts. Her work at Spotify has not only provided Filipino musicians with a powerful platform for discovery but has also helped redefine how music is consumed and promoted in the digital age, especially in a mobile-dependent country like the Philippines.
There’s also something that has to be said in the many managers that not only care for but also define a large chunk of an artist’s career — just take a look at the magic of Mylene Quintana Mallari. She has been the driving force behind the success of the Nation’s Girl Group, BINI, and has played an instrumental role in their rise from obscurity to becoming world-renowned musical phenomena. As their manager since their debut, she has meticulously guided the group through rigorous training, honing their talents and shaping their identity in the highly competitive music industry.
Through her strategic vision and unwavering support, Mallari has led BINI to unprecedented heights, securing major opportunities (and even sponsorships) that have expanded their reach beyond the local scene and onto the global stage. It’s worth noting that her expertise in artist development, branding, and industry navigation has turned BINI’s journey into an inspiring ‘a star is born’ narrative — one that not only showcases the power of perseverance but also serves as a blueprint for other aspiring artists in the Philippine music scene.
These women, among many, have continued to drive and push Filipino music farther than it’s ever been. Whether it’s honing and training artists or overseeing an entire entertainment empire or building networks that span the entire globe, there’s no discounting the expertise, innovation, hard work, and dedication that so many of these executives and leaders bring to the table.
Breaking one glass ceiling after another, these leaders prove that Filipino talent — whether it’s onstage or behind the scenes — deserves a spotlight on the world stage.