Universal Records (Philippines)

For the Philippine branch of this label's former parent, see Warner Music Philippines. For the Philippine branch of Universal Music Group, see UMG Philippines.

Universal Records Philippines, Inc. is a Philippine 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]

Universal Records (Philippines)
Parent company	Warner Music Group (1977–1992) Independent (1992–present)
Founded	1977 (as WEA Records Philippines)
Founder	Warner Music Group Bella Dy Tan
Status	Active
Distributor	self-distributed
Genre	Various
Country of origin	Philippines
Location	9/F, Universal Tower, 1487 Quezon Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

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. 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.

Previously distributed labels

Local

• 12 Stone Inc.
• GMA Music
• Jesuit Communications Foundation
• Jesuit Music Ministry
• Soupstar Music

Foreign

• 618 International Records
• AI Entertainment
• All Around the World Productions
• American Laundromat Records
• Angular Recording Corporation
• Arts & Crafts
• Avex Group
  • Avex Taiwan
  • Avex Asia
    • Armada Music
    • Johnny's Entertainment
    • Kontor Records
    • / Major Chord Records
    • Purple Communication
    • S.M. Entertainment
    • Vandit
• Beggars Banquet Records
• Blanco y Negro Records
• Bonnier Amigo Music Group
• Brickhouse Direct
• Cooking Vinyl
  • Take Me to the Hospital
• Domino Records
• Edel Music
• Elefant Records
• FNC Music
• Geneon Entertainment (music division)
• Imperial Records
• Instant Karma
• Kitty-Yo
• Labrador Records
• Liberation Music
• Licking Fingers
• LOEN Entertainment
  • Stardom Entertainment
• LTM Recordings
• Matador Records
• Moshi Moshi Records
• NeoMONDE Productions
• NH Media
• Nippon Columbia
• Om Records
• PIAS
• Playground Music Scandinavia
• Pledis Entertainment
• Pony Canyon
  • Interglobal Music (Pony Canyon MY)
  • Leafage
• Secretly Canadian
• Service
• Sincerely Yours
• TC Music
• TVT Records
• Ultra Records
• XL Recordings
• Yejeon Media
• YG Entertainment (2005-2012)

Artists

Current artists

• Angelina Cruz (2017–present)
• Angeline Quinto (2024–present)
• Bey Pascua (2021–present)
• brei (2024–present)
• Carish (2023–present)
• Choi Bo Min (2024-present)
• Clare Inso (2023–present)
• David Licauco (2023–present)^[3]
• Donny Pangilinan (2017–present)
• Dylan Menor (2025–present)
• Edwin Hurry, Jr. (2023–present)
• Gary Valenciano (1983–present)^[4]
• Gloc-9 (2012–2016; 2021–present)
• It All Started In May (2025 - present)
• Jay Garche (2024–present)
• JC Galano (2023–present)
• Ken San Jose (2025–present)
• Kim Myung Soo (2024–present)
• Kim Won Shik (2023–present)
• Krishnah Gravidez (2024–present)
• Kyle Juliano (2017–present)
• KYLIX (2023–present)
• L (2024–present)
• Lags (2023 - present)
• Leona (2023–present)
• Lorenz (2022–present)
• Mark Rivera (2024 - present)
• Mizael (2024–present)
• Ode to Mars (2022 - present)
• Parokya ni Edgar (1993–present)
• Ramdiss (2023–present)
• Sam Concepcion (2007–2017, 2023–present)
• Sam Cruz (2023–present)
• Sandiwa (2023–present)
• Shanti Dope (2017–present)
• Silent Sanctuary (2006–2011, 2024–present)
• Slico (2025–present)
• The Knobs (2022–present)
• Thea Astley (2023–present)^[3]
• Timmy Albert (2021–present)
• Will Mikhael (2022–present)
• XYVRL (2023 - present)
• YGIG (2022–present)

Mustard Music (sublabel)

• Barq (Arkin Magalona) (2019–present)
• Good Kid$ (2018–2020)
• Issa Rodriguez (2018–present)
• Joey tha Boy (2018–present)
• La Playa (2019–present)
• The Ransom Collective (2019–present)
• Timmy Albert

Former artists

• Alden Richards (2013–2015)
• APO Hiking Society (1977–2010)
• Baltazar
• Better Days
• Billy Crawford (2008–2018)
• Callalily (2012–2017)
• Celeste Legaspi
• Christian Bautista (2009–2021)
• Claudia Barretto (2016–2020)
• COLN
• Dingdong Avanzado (2004–2006)
• DJ Loonyo
• Dotty's World
• Duncan Ramos
• Dyords Javier
• Elmo Magalona (2016–2023)
• Fern. (2017–2020)
• Flavors
• Geneva Cruz
• George Yang (now chief executive of McDonald's Philippines)
• Gino Padilla
• Hotdog
• Ice Seguerra (2015–2019)
• Imago (2006–2010, 2019–2023)
• Irene Coloso
• Itchyworms (2004–2008)
• Janina Vela
• Jaymie Baby
• Jaya (2011–2014)
• Jed Madela (2003–2013)
• Jessa Zaragoza (2004–2006)
• JKris
• John Paul & Rochelle
• Joni Feliciano
• Jose Mari Chan (1985–2012)
• Julie Anne San Jose
• Kamikazee (2005–2015)
• Karylle (2001–2008)
• Kemrie Barcenas
• Kris Aquino (2007–2012)
• Kris Lawrence (2015–2017)
• Kurei
• Lani Misalucha (2006–2010)
• Lyon Smith
• Maine Mendoza (2017–2022)
• Marco Sison
• Mark Oblea
• Masta Plann
• Max Surban
• Mel Valic
• Miguel Vera
• Milyo Naryo (Emil Loseñada)
• Mon David
• Neocolours (1991–2000)
• Nexxus
• Nikki Gil (2014–2016)
• Nina (2010–2012)
• Noel Cabangon (2009–2022)
• Ogie Alcasid (2007–2017)
• Orange and Lemons
• Paolo Mallari
• Paolo Sanders
• Pilita Corrales
• Rainier Castillo (2004–2006)
• Ray-An Fuentes
• Regine Velasquez (2007–2017)
• Rico Blanco (2015–2017)
• Rivermaya (2012–2014)
• Roel Cortez
• Roxanne Barcelo (2004–2006)
• Samantha Chavez
• Shamrock (2005–2010)
• Sheryl Cruz
• She's Only Sixteen (2012–2015)
• Silent Sanctuary (2006–2012)
• Six Part Invention (2012–2017)
• Solenn Heussaff (2016–2018)
• Sponge Cola (2006–2020)
• TALA
• The Company (2015–2017)
• The New Everlasting Orchestra
• Universal Motion Dancers
• Wadab
• Watawat Band
• Willie Revillame (2002–2005)
• Willy Garte

Trade name dispute with UMG

Universal Music Group cannot use the Universal name in the Philippines because URPI owns rights to that brand name. Thus, the UMG business in the Philippines became known as MCA Music, Inc., UMG's former global trade name.^[5]

On November 3, 2021, MCA Music changed its current name to UMG Philippines.

See also

• PolyEast Records
• Warner Music Group (ex-parent of URPI)
• Universal Music Group (North American label)