Universal Records Philippines, Inc. is a Filipino record label, founded in 1977 as part of Warner Music Group.[1] It has been an independent label since 1992.The label is currently a member of the Philippine Association of the Record Industry.[2]
History
WEA Records Philippines Inc.was founded in the Philippines as a subsidiary of Warner Music Group's East Asia division. The company served as the licensee of WEA in the Philippines for 15 years before undergoing a name change to Universal Records Philippines Inc. in 1992. The company's new name reflected a shift in focus from being just a licensee of WEA to becoming a full-fledged independent record label.
As Universal Records Philippines Inc., the company continued to build its reputation in the industry and signed various prominent local artists, such as Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, and Christian Bautista
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In 2003, the company signed the pop-rock band Sponge Cola, which became a major success in the local music scene.
The band's debut album, "Palabas," achieved double platinum status and won several awards, including Album of the Year at the NU107 Rock Awards.
In 2018, Universal Records Philippines Inc. launched mustard music, a sub-label focused on the growth of homegrown indie acts. The new label aimed to provide a platform for emerging Filipino artists to showcase their music and reach a wider audience.
Artists
Universal Records Philippines Inc. has signed and worked with numerous prominent Filipino artists throughout its history. Some of the label's notable acts include:
Gary Valenciano: A multi-awarded Filipino musician, Valenciano is known for his pop, R&B, and inspirational songs. He has released over 30 albums throughout his career and has won numerous awards, including several Awit Awards and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 Star Awards for Music.
Regine Velasquez: Dubbed the "Asia's Songbird," Velasquez is a well-known Filipino singer, actress, and television personality. She has released over 20 studio albums and has won numerous awards, including several Awit Awards, the 1999 MTV Asia Viewer's Choice Award, and the 2018 Aliw Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sponge Cola: A pop-rock band formed in 2002, Sponge Cola has become one of the most successful bands in the Philippines. The band has released several hit albums and singles, including "Jeepney," "Tambay," and "Nakapagtataka" (covered version originally performed by APO Hiking Society).
Christian Bautista: A Filipino singer, actor, and model, Bautista rose to fame after joining the singing competition "Star in a Million" in 2003. He has released several successful albums and has won several awards, including the 2004 MTV Asia Awards and the 2005 Awit Awards for Best Male Recording Artist.
Universal Music Group is unable to use the "Universal" name in the Philippines due to URPI owning the trademark rights to that brand name.As a result, the UMG business in the Philippines became known as MCA Music, Inc., the latters former global trade name.[5] On November 3, 2021, MCA Music has renamed to UMG Philippines.
