The question is no longer if Filipino music can conquer the world, but how – and this year’s SONIK Sessions, presented by CreatePhilippines, brought together the minds to map that journey.
As Fête de la Musique celebrations energized Makati, The Astbury hosted a different kind of symphony: a day of strategic dialogue among Asian creatives, French cultural delegates, and Philippine music industry leaders. Under the theme “Un Monde” (One World), the event spotlighted actionable strategies to propel Original Pilipino Music (OPM) onto international stages.
From Local Roots to Global Reach
“Since 2019, we’ve seen Filipino artists’ hunger to collaborate globally grow exponentially,” shared Mike Constantino, Homonym founder and SONIK co-creator. The packed venue – exceeding capacity with extended discussions – reflected this urgency. “Our mission is to transform showcases and festivals into springboards for export-ready talent,” he added, hinting at expanded future initiatives.
Sabrina Durand, Regional Music Attaché of the French Embassy in Singapore, framed key challenges in her keynote:
- Copyright evolution in the streaming era
- Tech adaptation for digital-native audiences
- Tour financing hurdles for Southeast Asian acts
“SONIK 2025 has elevated cross-border music policy dialogues,” Durand noted, praising its role in aligning regional creative economies.
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges
Three critical focus areas emerged across panels:
- Market penetration: Strategies for international bookings and distribution
- Creative ecosystems: Policy reforms to incentivize artistic growth
- Digital leverage: Optimizing platforms for viral impact
Industry veterans identified systemic gaps – outdated copyright frameworks, scarce funding, and fragmented planning – as key obstacles. “We’re playing catch-up in a fast-moving industry,” emphasized one panelist.
Soundtrack of Change
The theory gave way to practice as homegrown talents Tarsius and Indistinct Chatter delivered electrifying sets, while DJ Escu closed the night with a pulsating showcase of Manila’s underground scene.
A collaborative effort by Homonym, the French Institute, and Alliance Française Manila, with support from IPOPHIL, SONIK Sessions 2025 proved that while the path is complex, the Philippines’ musical future is being written – and heard – worldwide.
Explore upcoming initiatives: sonikphilippines.com
#SONIKSessions #OPMGoesGlobal #MusicExport
(Photos courtesy of SONIK Philippines)
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