In an industry dominated by hyphenates, talent manager-businessman-online innovator-music man-star maker Jojo Ampeloquio is one of the most prominent names who continues to thrive through creative and innovative business strategies amidst the countless challenges and limitations brought about by the pandemic.
Ampeloquio is an industry veteran who jumpstarted the careers of Michele Gumabao and Marco Gumabao when he started to venture into talent management some ten years ago while eventually added popular radio personalities Chico Garcia, Gino Quillamor, and Delamar Arias to his illustrious roster.
“For 20 years, my career has been centered on sales and marketing and some of the companies I have worked for include San Miguel Corporation, Caltex Philippines, GSK, and DKT Philippines,” says Ampeloquio. “Part of my work experience included choosing celebrity endorsers for the brands I represent and negotiating with them. This eventually led me to pursue talent management.”
With an almost prophetic vision, Ampeloquio has been directing and focusing a huge chunk of his operational and creative efforts as a talent manager on social media and online marketing as early as 10 years ago. This is especially useful today in the time of the pandemic where social media and online platforms are currently the ultimate currency of communication and promotion with majority of the public staying indoors with their gadgets and smart phones as their connection with each other and to the outside world.
“For me to represent an artist, it is important that he or she is open to becoming social media savvy and has a strong inclination to digital promotions. I have already predicted that almost every promotional and business platform will soon migrate online and my TMI team and I are working towards this direction for over a decade,” reveals Ampeloquio.
Today, Ampeloquio’s TMI is representing the careers of Camille Prats-Yambao, Neri Naig-Miranda, Denise Laurel, Pauleen Luna-Sotto, Isabel Oli-Prats, Sherilyn Reyes-Tan, Roxanne Guinoo-Yap, Paula Peralejo-Fernandez Pia Guanio-Mago, Chito Miranda, Chico Garcia, Aiana Juarez, Gideon Hermosa, Charisse Tinio of Nice Print and Issa Reyes of Neat Obsessions– all of whom are thriving excellently on social media specifically on Facebook, and Instagram, TikTok as well as on YouTube.
Ampeloquio’s 10-year head start in the crucial transition to digital media from the traditional platforms of radio and television proved to be very effective as his talents are enjoying the financial benefits of online monetization as well as the cognitive equity of aggressive digital presence, which is extremely helpful in a time where the showbiz industry is one of the business enterprises that is majorly affected by the pandemic.
“Almost everybody is working from home and a lot of brands are partnering with us and this basically sustains my company and the livelihood of my artists,” says Ampeloquio. “The collaborations that we have with our corporate and brand partners is the ideal venue to earn in the safety of our homes and it is also a vehicle to explore and hone our creativity in content creation.”
Aside from talent management, Ampeloquio also owns an advertising agency that does digital campaigns called AmplifyD Social Influence, a production company called AmplifyD Media, and a recording company AmplifyD Records as well as an HR Solutions company that services local and international companies.
With all his projects, Ampeloquio reveals that his current pet project is Silver Lining – a mental health hope line where people can just call if they need someone to talk to. “Silver Lining is the digital version of dial-a-friend. Our hope is to be able to help people who are experiencing sadness, depression, and grief,” says Ampeloquio
Jojo Ampeloquio’s vision and formula for success is truly something that is nothing short of amazing as it is the perfect blend of business savoir-faîre and a heart that cares that transcends profits – a rare combination that the industry desperately needs today.
