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Tag: Philippines

  • Driving Ad-Vantage, Adcounty and Auto Group shift gears in Asia

    Driving Ad-Vantage, Adcounty and Auto Group shift gears in Asia

    MUMBAI: It’s not every day that adtech and the auto world go full throttle together but this partnership is clearly built for speed. Adcounty Media has teamed up with The Automobile Group in a high-octane alliance aimed at turbocharging automotive advertising across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

    Targeting high-growth markets like Indonesia, the Philippines, and the UAE, the duo is set to bring a digital pitstop to brands chasing performance-first strategies. Armed with AI-assisted precision and a keen understanding of local market dynamics, they’re not just selling ads they’re rewriting the playbook for how car brands reach revved-up digital consumers.

    “This partnership underscores our commitment to delivering hyper-targeted, brand-safe, and performance-driven solutions specifically designed for the modern automotive consumer,” said Adcounty Media co-founder & chief revenue officer Delphin Varghese.

    The Automobile Group co-founder Yash Vardhan added, “Our vision with The Automobile Group is to build Asia’s most powerful auto-centric performance network. The partnership with AdCounty is a strategic step toward expanding our footprint in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia and the Philippines markets with immense potential.”

    “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Adcounty, whose expertise and reach will be instrumental in scaling our delivery capabilities in new markets. Together, we aim to redefine how automotive brands connect with their audiences in this region,” said The Automobile Group co-founder, Shwetank Pandit.

    The blueprint? A blend of AdCounty’s programmatic prowess DSPs, contextual targeting, and real-time optimisation with The Automobile Group’s deep-rooted auto domain know-how. Together, they plan to dominate dashboards in high-intent markets where digital media spend is shifting into the fast lane.

    From luxury-obsessed Gulf buyers to EV-curious Southeast Asians, the collaboration promises campaigns that speak the local lingo, respect brand safety lanes, and keep performance metrics in pole position. And as more brands drift toward platforms like Meta, Tiktok and CTV to fuel test drives and showroom visits, this partnership might just be the engine that powers the next era of automotive marketing.

    If digital disruption had a fast car, this duo would be behind the wheel.

  • Lionsgate Play announces its launch in the Philippines

    Lionsgate Play announces its launch in the Philippines

    Mumbai: Lionsgate Play, South Asia-based platform of premium subscription service STARZ, on Friday announced its continued expansion in Southeast Asia by getting ready for launching operations in the Philippines. The media company has appointed Ma Cecilia Marino as the general manager to lead its business in the region.

    With a population of 109 million, the Philippines will become the newest territory added to the STARZ global footprint which now includes 60 countries, the company said in a statement.  

    Lionsgate Play, MD South Asia, and networks – emerging markets Asia, Rohit Jain will continue to spearhead operations in the region. Marino will begin operations in the Philippines under the guidance of Jain, it added.

    “We are thrilled to expand into the Philippines where over a third of the population uses OTT services, a trend that has accelerated in the past two years as Filipinos become avid streaming consumers,” Jain said. “We see this as a great opportunity to reach and engage with them.  As part of this process, we are building a strong leadership team beginning with the appointment of Ma Cecilia Marino to lead our growth there, taking Lionsgate Play to new heights while creating long-term value for our stakeholders,” he added.

    Marino has over 25 years of experience in business strategy & development, brand marketing, and partnerships. She has worked closely with the dynamic telecommunications and fast-paced consumer industries. Most recently, she headed the integrated sales group of KidZania Manila, a global learning and entertainment brand.

    “I am delighted to join the team at Lionsgate and bring my expertise and a fresh perspective to the table,” Marino said. “The Philippines is an indispensable market for the South Asian business, and I am confident that the Filipino audience will enjoy Lionsgate Play’s unique and exclusive streaming offering.”

    According to a recent study by the Trade Desk, 36 million consumers stream two billion hours of OTT content per month in the Philippines, making OTT one of the fastest-growing media channels in the country. The mounting dominance of Hollywood films and soaring OTT viewership in the Philippines, coupled with only a few premium services to meet demand, creates a great market opportunity for Lionsgate Play to thrive in the country.

    The premium video streaming service also recently launched its service in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, after a successful rollout in India last year.

  • Rewind networks expands Philippines presence with launch of Hits Movies on cignal

    Rewind networks expands Philippines presence with launch of Hits Movies on cignal

    SINGAPORE/MANILA: Rewind Networks has launched HITS MOVIES on Cignal, Philippines’ premier DTH satellite provider. The channel is available on Channel 58. HITS MOVIES joins sister channel HITS, which has been on the platform since October 2016. HITS MOVIES will be available for free to all Cignal subscribers for the first three months of the launch.

    Across Asia, HITS MOVIES is available on major pay-TV platforms in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. The Cignal launch comes shortly after three major milestone launches for Rewind Networks in just the first two months of 2020: the launch of HITS on Tata Sky in India and the launch of HITS MOVIES in CANAL+ (Myanmar) and Astro (Malaysia). The launches signal a growing demand for the channel among leading pay-TV operators in the region.

    “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Cignal and bring HITS MOVIES to their viewers in the Philippines,” said Avi Himatsinghani, CEO of Rewind Networks. “We are confident Cignal subscribers will enjoy HITS MOVIES’ blockbuster line-up of top-rated Hollywood movies from the ‘60s to the ‘90s, just as they have enjoyed its sister channel HITS.”

    Guido R. Zaballero from Cignal said: “The launch of HITS MOVIES on Cignal is a testament to our commitment in giving our subscribers the best viewing experience with awesome curated entertainment. We look forward to working with Rewind Networks to replicate the success of HITS on Cignal with HITS MOVIES. We will have a three-month blowout to all Cignal postpaid, prepaid and SatLite after which, it will be made available to all postpaid plans as well as prepaid load 300 and up and SatLite 299.”

    HITS MOVIES celebrates the best blockbuster films ever made from the ‘60s to the ‘90s. The channel’s slate includes hot favorites like The Sound of Music, Sister Act, Magnificent Seven, Freaky Friday (1976), Mary Poppins, Teen Wolf, Conan The Barbarian, Halloween, Wall Street, French Connectionand Three Men and a Baby. The channel features a carefully curated selection of hit films from Hollywood majors such as The Walt Disney Company, 20th Century Fox, MGM Studios, Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate, Warner Bros and Sony Pictures and will be progressively introducing more titles from other leading studios.

  • FILMART drew over 8,000 visitors, leaders discussed trends & cooperation

    HONG KONG: The 21st Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), ended today. The four-day event is a premier trading platform for the Asia’s entertainment industry. This year’s fair attracted more than 8,000 visitors, up nine per cent from last year.

    Among the visitors who attended this year’s FILMART, participation from Asia rose significantly, with the Chinese mainland, Philippines and Cambodia recording double-digit growth.
     
    This year’s FILMART featured the latest productions of more than 800 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions. Chinese mainland and many overseas exhibitors also set up booths to promote their local entertainment productions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union, Korea, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, India and Vietnam.

    An ideal trading platform featuring global buyers and latest productions

    FILMART has long been an important platform for local entertainment companies to release new productions and announce development strategies. This year’s FILMART featured more than 70 special events, including thematic seminars, press conferences and networking events. There were also some 40 world and international premieres. In addition to such film companies as Emperor Entertainment Group, Sun Entertainment Culture Ltd., Universe and Shaw Brothers announcing their latest projects, TVBI and Fantastic Television Ltd also unveiled the line-up of programmes.

    FILMART is an important promotional platform and one that has facilitated numerous successful collaborations. Asian film and TV productions were the focus among international buyers this year. The Thai delegation promoted “Content Thailand” at this year’s FILMART and concluded more than 10 deals with companies from the US and Korea during the four-day exhibition. The delegation was pleased with the results and is considering expanding their participation next year. Chinese mainland exhibitor Zhejiang Dream Stardom Film and TV Culture Co. Ltd. has been taking part in FILMART for many years. At this year’s show, the company successfully sold the first and second seasons of a Chinese TV series to a buyer from Southeast Asia. With so many business opportunities, a Dream Stardom representative said they would be returning to the fair next year.

    The Cambodia Film Commission also led a delegation of local entertainment companies to exhibit at FILMART. One of the companies, Kongchak Pictures, reached a deal with a Korean buyer for a film and also started negotiations with buyers from the US, Canada, Malaysia and Thailand.

    Leading producers share insights

    FILMART featured an extraordinary line-up of more than 70 speakers, including leading industry representatives from the film, digital entertainment, animation and other sectors to share their views and insights. A total of 12 seminars were organised or co-organised by HKTDC, attracting over 3,000 attendees.

    Documentaries were one of the focus areas of this year’s FILMART. The audience raised many questions during the seminar titled “Opportunity for Documentaries in Asia”. Ruby Yang, winner of the Academy Award for Documentary (Short Subject), shared her experience at the seminar. She said buyers tend to prefer productions about universal subjects.

    Also speaking at the seminar was Takahiro Hamano, Senior Producer (Content Development Center, Programming Department) of Japan’s NHK. He said pan-Asian collaboration projects are becoming common; and if the directors could capture promotion opportunities and present well-established stories, finding capital should not be too difficult.

    Jeong Joong Kim, Director of Acquisition and Chief Producer from Korea’s KBS, emphasised the importance of local perspectives. He said Korean audiences favour international stories with a Korean view point.

    Andrew Hevia, co-producer of the latest Academy Award winner for Best Picture Moonlight, also stressed the importance of identity. He said the success of Moonlight is its ability to tell a specific story for a specific audience, narrating the story in an unexpected but down-to-earth way and focusing on ideas.

    The Digital Entertainment Summit shed light on movie content and visual effects. Speakers pointed out that special effects companies in Asia are already quite advanced in the techniques that they use, and therefore should place more attention on enhancing content. At the Digital Entertainment Summit, Genki Kawamura, producer of Confessions and the hit anime Your Name, said that he joined the film industry because he was inspired by Steven Spielberg’s E.T. He said the film’s successful use of visual, audio and story-telling elements also inspired his own productions.

    Daniel Son, Head of VFX Division of Digitalidea, the post production company behind Korean productions Train To Busan and Goblin: The Lonely and Great God, said Chinese filmmakers are highly creative, and have a passion for fantastical works. They also possess advanced technical skills. Felix Xu, CEO, Illumina Technology said that low budgets motivated them to experiment with more technologies to cope with different challenges, enhance efficiency and reduce production time.

    The Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) is a founding event of Entertainment Expo, Hong Kong, and is among one of the expo’s 10 events. Entering its 13th edition, the expo is running from 13 March to 25 April and is featuring 10 spectacular events, including three founding events and seven core events. The three founding events are: the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) and the Hong Kong Film Awards Presentation Ceremony (HKFA); while the seven core events are: the Hong Kong–Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), the Hong Kong Asian-Pop Music Festival (HKAMF), the IFPI Hong Kong Top Sales Music Award, ifva (Incubator for Film & Visual Media in Asia Festival), the Asian VFX and Digital Cinema Summit, the Digital Entertainment Summit and TV World International Forum.

  • Xaxis names Arshan Saha APAC president

    Xaxis names Arshan Saha APAC president

    MUMBAI: Xaxis the world’s largest programmatic media and technology platform, today announced the promotion of ArshanSaha to President, Asia Pacific (APAC). Saha was previously Vice President, South and Southeast Asia. As one of the founding members of Xaxis APAC, Saha helped established offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and India.

    “Arshan has played an integral role in establishing Xaxis as the programmatic advertising platform of choice in Asia Pacific,” said Xaxis global president Nicolas Bidon. “He has done an incredible job of expanding Xaxis’ programmatic footprint and building the region’s business with great management skills, passion for our clients’ success and knowledge of the industry. I look forward to his continued leadership as APAC President.”

    “The tremendous success and growth of Xaxis has culminated in the creation of [m]PLATFORM which we are looking forward to roll out across APAC. Arshan has played a significant role in this success with his ability to understand and navigate clients and publishers in the region. I cannot think of a better candidate to take Xaxis APAC to the next level”, says [m]PLATFORM.
    APAC president Michel De Rijk.

    Over the last 4.5 years at Xaxis, Arshan’s leadership included full charge of all seven markets’ P&Ls, as well as growing the businesses 20-fold within a short span of three years. Prior to joining Xaxis in 2012, Arshan served as Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Innity Corp. where he played a critical role in establishing the company as the leading media network in the region. Arshan’s portfolio included over 300 clients across multiple industries, an array of large to mid-sized publishers, as well as technology vendors across APAC, driving best-in-class -advertising technology and innovation. He was also most recently voted as Campaign Asia’s 40 under 40 most talented individuals in Asia.

    “I am incredibly honored to lead our team of committed programmatic experts here in APAC. As leaders, we will continue to set standards and drive the industry forward with our proprietary technology and unique data so the entire ecosystem is able to benefit from measurable value.” said Arshan “It’s a very exciting time as clients are demanding empowerment and guarantees to be able to navigate through the programmatic landscape whilst at the other end of the spectrum we have a consumer who is seeking relevance and personalization.”

  • Xaxis names Arshan Saha APAC president

    Xaxis names Arshan Saha APAC president

    MUMBAI: Xaxis the world’s largest programmatic media and technology platform, today announced the promotion of ArshanSaha to President, Asia Pacific (APAC). Saha was previously Vice President, South and Southeast Asia. As one of the founding members of Xaxis APAC, Saha helped established offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and India.

    “Arshan has played an integral role in establishing Xaxis as the programmatic advertising platform of choice in Asia Pacific,” said Xaxis global president Nicolas Bidon. “He has done an incredible job of expanding Xaxis’ programmatic footprint and building the region’s business with great management skills, passion for our clients’ success and knowledge of the industry. I look forward to his continued leadership as APAC President.”

    “The tremendous success and growth of Xaxis has culminated in the creation of [m]PLATFORM which we are looking forward to roll out across APAC. Arshan has played a significant role in this success with his ability to understand and navigate clients and publishers in the region. I cannot think of a better candidate to take Xaxis APAC to the next level”, says [m]PLATFORM.
    APAC president Michel De Rijk.

    Over the last 4.5 years at Xaxis, Arshan’s leadership included full charge of all seven markets’ P&Ls, as well as growing the businesses 20-fold within a short span of three years. Prior to joining Xaxis in 2012, Arshan served as Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Innity Corp. where he played a critical role in establishing the company as the leading media network in the region. Arshan’s portfolio included over 300 clients across multiple industries, an array of large to mid-sized publishers, as well as technology vendors across APAC, driving best-in-class -advertising technology and innovation. He was also most recently voted as Campaign Asia’s 40 under 40 most talented individuals in Asia.

    “I am incredibly honored to lead our team of committed programmatic experts here in APAC. As leaders, we will continue to set standards and drive the industry forward with our proprietary technology and unique data so the entire ecosystem is able to benefit from measurable value.” said Arshan “It’s a very exciting time as clients are demanding empowerment and guarantees to be able to navigate through the programmatic landscape whilst at the other end of the spectrum we have a consumer who is seeking relevance and personalization.”

  • Miss Universe 2016 to air on Zee Café live from Philippines

    Miss Universe 2016 to air on Zee Café live from Philippines

    MUMBAI: After the success of stunning events such as Miss World 2016 Live and Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Zee Café, the ultimate English GEC brings to its viewers yet another -global event, Miss Universe Live this January, 2017.

    A bevy of gorgeous women will battle it out at the 65th edition grand finale of Miss Universe in Manilla, Philippines. Pia Wurtzbach of the Philippines will crown her successor at the end of the event.

    India’s very beautiful and talented Roshmitha Harimurthy, crowned Miss Diva Universe 2016, will represent and compete for India at the global pageant with 85 contestants from all over the world to vie for the ultimate crown Last year saw Steve Harvey reading out the wrong name when announcing the winner, which turned out to be a huge sensation. Will Roshmita win the crown for India this year? Will there be another twist to the event?

  • Miss Universe 2016 to air on Zee Café live from Philippines

    Miss Universe 2016 to air on Zee Café live from Philippines

    MUMBAI: After the success of stunning events such as Miss World 2016 Live and Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Zee Café, the ultimate English GEC brings to its viewers yet another -global event, Miss Universe Live this January, 2017.

    A bevy of gorgeous women will battle it out at the 65th edition grand finale of Miss Universe in Manilla, Philippines. Pia Wurtzbach of the Philippines will crown her successor at the end of the event.

    India’s very beautiful and talented Roshmitha Harimurthy, crowned Miss Diva Universe 2016, will represent and compete for India at the global pageant with 85 contestants from all over the world to vie for the ultimate crown Last year saw Steve Harvey reading out the wrong name when announcing the winner, which turned out to be a huge sensation. Will Roshmita win the crown for India this year? Will there be another twist to the event?

  • Scripps Networks leads pay-TV lifestyle programming, brand affinity: Study

    Scripps Networks leads pay-TV lifestyle programming, brand affinity: Study

    Singapore: In a recent pay-TV study of viewer behaviors and lifestyle habits in Asia-Pacific, Scripps Networks Interactive found its channel portfolio significantly outranked its competitors in the food, home and travel lifestyle categories. The channels, which include Asian Food Channel, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel, have a highly engaged audience, who have an affinity to lifestyle brands and content. They are more receptive to advertisers, trusting the channels as an authority in the lifestyle ahead of other pay-TV networks.

    “It is without a doubt that our channels offer a unique proposition for clients looking to break through today’s competitive media landscape to form meaningful relationships with their consumers,” said Derek Chang, Head of International Lifestyle Channels, Scripps Networks Interactive. “The results of the study confirm our audiences are up-scale, affluent, and engaged in both lifestyle programming and its associated products, be that in their kitchen, home or in the holiday they choose.”

    The study, which was commissioned by Scripps Networks in Singapore and conducted by Kadence International, surveyed more than 4,000 respondents, 25-55 year olds who frequently watch lifestyle programming in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

    Survey highlights include:

    Asian Food Channel (AFC):
    • AFC is 47% more likely to be recognized by viewers for local Asian food and cooking content than its channel competitors

    • 50% of AFC viewers visited a restaurant, city or destination featured during a show as compared to 28% of other pay-TV viewers

    HGTV:
    • 87% of HGTV viewers have performed some form of renovation in the past 12 months as compared to 69% other pay-TV viewers

    • HGTV inspires viewers and is their go-to channel for all things renovation, taking the lead when it comes to topics such as “Home Renovations” (47%), “DIY Renovations” (46%) and “House Hunting” (45%)

    Food Network (FN):
    • 91% of FN viewers are willing to pay more for quality ingredients and meals

    • FN has a 31% lead against the nearest competitor channel as being one that presents inspirational cooking content

    Travel Channel:
    • 87% of Travel Channel viewers are likely to travel to a destination featured on a travel show as compared to 69% other pay-TV viewers

    • 74% of Travel Channel viewers agree that advertisements are a good way for them to learn about new products

    * This study was conducted between April and June 2016. It combined over 4,000 online interviews and 12 group discussions with 25 to 55 year old lifestyle and general entertainment channel viewers across Asia.

  • Scripps Networks leads pay-TV lifestyle programming, brand affinity: Study

    Scripps Networks leads pay-TV lifestyle programming, brand affinity: Study

    Singapore: In a recent pay-TV study of viewer behaviors and lifestyle habits in Asia-Pacific, Scripps Networks Interactive found its channel portfolio significantly outranked its competitors in the food, home and travel lifestyle categories. The channels, which include Asian Food Channel, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel, have a highly engaged audience, who have an affinity to lifestyle brands and content. They are more receptive to advertisers, trusting the channels as an authority in the lifestyle ahead of other pay-TV networks.

    “It is without a doubt that our channels offer a unique proposition for clients looking to break through today’s competitive media landscape to form meaningful relationships with their consumers,” said Derek Chang, Head of International Lifestyle Channels, Scripps Networks Interactive. “The results of the study confirm our audiences are up-scale, affluent, and engaged in both lifestyle programming and its associated products, be that in their kitchen, home or in the holiday they choose.”

    The study, which was commissioned by Scripps Networks in Singapore and conducted by Kadence International, surveyed more than 4,000 respondents, 25-55 year olds who frequently watch lifestyle programming in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

    Survey highlights include:

    Asian Food Channel (AFC):
    • AFC is 47% more likely to be recognized by viewers for local Asian food and cooking content than its channel competitors

    • 50% of AFC viewers visited a restaurant, city or destination featured during a show as compared to 28% of other pay-TV viewers

    HGTV:
    • 87% of HGTV viewers have performed some form of renovation in the past 12 months as compared to 69% other pay-TV viewers

    • HGTV inspires viewers and is their go-to channel for all things renovation, taking the lead when it comes to topics such as “Home Renovations” (47%), “DIY Renovations” (46%) and “House Hunting” (45%)

    Food Network (FN):
    • 91% of FN viewers are willing to pay more for quality ingredients and meals

    • FN has a 31% lead against the nearest competitor channel as being one that presents inspirational cooking content

    Travel Channel:
    • 87% of Travel Channel viewers are likely to travel to a destination featured on a travel show as compared to 69% other pay-TV viewers

    • 74% of Travel Channel viewers agree that advertisements are a good way for them to learn about new products

    * This study was conducted between April and June 2016. It combined over 4,000 online interviews and 12 group discussions with 25 to 55 year old lifestyle and general entertainment channel viewers across Asia.