The Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) unveiled its ambitious roadmap for the future of the local music industry during a well-attended press conference held at Viva Café on April 14. Leading the announcement was newly installed PARI President Enzo Valdez, who presented a comprehensive plan designed to benefit both industry stakeholders and music fans alike.
The event drew strong support from 35 recording label members and six partner music organizations, signaling broad industry alignment behind PARI’s renewed direction.
Central to the announcement is the upcoming 39th Awit Awards, which promises to be the most expansive and inclusive edition to date. For the first time, entries will be open to non-member artists, allowing independent musicians and their managers to submit nominations across categories. This milestone initiative reflects PARI’s commitment to widening access and recognizing a more diverse spectrum of Filipino musical talent.
A key innovation introduced by Valdez is the creation of the Awit Voting Community (AVC), a body tasked with selecting final nominees and winners. Eligible AVC members will include Awit Awards judges and finalists from the past five years, as well as designated representatives from PARI’s corporate and associate member labels—ensuring a credible, experienced, and representative voting body.
Further elevating this year’s awards is the introduction of two new major categories: Songwriter of the Year and Producer of the Year, recognizing individuals with the highest number of finalist entries and highlighting the vital contributions of creators behind the music.
PARI also announced strategic partnerships with key music organizations—Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM), the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (FILSCAP), the Asosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino (AMP), the Music Copyright Administrators of the Philippines (MCAP), Philippine Recorded Music Rights (PRM), and the Sound Recording Rights Society, Inc. (Soundsright). Each organization will be given on-stage presentation opportunities during major events, including the 39th Awit Awards—ranging from presenting awards to participating in program segments and delivering messages.
To ensure world-class production, PARI has partnered with Go Live Asia, led by Founder and Director Nico Faustino, Managing Director Ranice Faustino, and Creative Director Paolo Valenciano, for the staging of both the Awit Awards and the Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino Awards. Creative and show direction will be led by Directors Paolo Valenciano and Nico Faustino. The Awit Awards Night is scheduled for September at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, while the Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino Awards will take place in October at the historic Goldenberg Mansion in Malacañang.
Capping off the celebration is AwitFest, a major music festival set for January, featuring top Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artists alongside international guest performers—bringing together the best of Filipino talent on a global stage. Artists from PARI’s partner music organizations will also be invited to perform, reinforcing collaboration across the local music community. Go Live Asia will stage AwitFest, ensuring a world-class festival experience.
In addition, Japanese acts from Music Awards Japan members, through the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA/MAJ), will be featured—creating a dynamic cross-cultural exchange between Filipino and Japanese artists.
PARI also introduced the Official PARI Certification Plaques, which will be available for ordering starting May 2026. These plaques aim to formally recognize and celebrate the commercial achievements of artists and record labels, further strengthening PARI’s certification program.
Proceeds from AwitFest will support the development of the Awit Museum, a flagship PARI initiative envisioned as a permanent cultural space dedicated to preserving, showcasing, and celebrating the rich history of Filipino music.
The Awit Museum aims to serve as a living archive of the country’s musical heritage, featuring iconic recordings, memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and educational programs that trace the evolution of OPM and honor the contributions of Filipino artists across generations. It is also envisioned as a hub for learning and inspiration—supporting future artists, songwriters, and producers through curated exhibits, workshops, and public engagement initiatives.
By linking AwitFest to this long-term cultural project, PARI reinforces its commitment not only to celebrating today’s music but also to safeguarding its legacy for generations to come.
“This is a defining moment for the Philippine music industry,” said Valdez. “We are opening doors wider than ever before—embracing independent artists, strengthening partnerships across organizations, and creating platforms that connect Filipino music to the global stage. Through these initiatives, we are not only celebrating excellence today, but also building a stronger, more inclusive future for generations of Filipino artists.”
PARI Chairman Antonio M. Ocampo underscored the organization’s long-term vision, stating: “The direction PARI is taking over the next few years is both purposeful and exciting. We are laying the groundwork for sustained growth—one that embraces innovation, strengthens industry collaboration, and ensures that Filipino music continues to thrive both locally and on the global stage.”
With these initiatives, PARI signals a dynamic new era for the Philippine music industry—one that champions inclusivity, innovation, and artistic excellence.
