SINGAPORE, 30 September 2025 — In line with the Philippine government’s mandate to promote the country’s creative economy,  the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Council (PTIC) Singapore, the Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM) and DLM Eventive, hosted “Creative Philippines: Artists Networking Mixer”. The event was held on 28 September 2025 at Octapas, a restaurant and Embassy Food Trek partner located in Clarke Quay, Singapore. It was held in conjunction with Music Matters Live 2025 and marked the observance of Creative Industries Month.

The networking mixer brought together Filipino artists performing at the Music Matters Live 2025 and Singapore-based creatives, and provided avenues for dialogue and collaboration within the regional creative community. The initiative aligns with Republic Act No. 11904 of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, which designates September of every year as Creative Industries Month in recognition and promotion of the country’s creative goods, services, and professionals across domains ranging from audiovisual and digital media to performing arts, traditional cultural expressions, and cultural sites.

Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig welcomed the participants and expressed pride in the exceptional creativity and talent of Filipino music artists. He also urged everyone to support the creative community, particularly those thriving in Singapore’s dynamic cultural scene. Ambassador Macaraig noted that the Embassy’s engagement in platforms like Music Matters reflects the Philippines’ commitment to nurturing and supporting its creative sectors in expanding their global reach.

Among the Filipino artists who attended the mixer were P-pop group 1st.One, singer-songwriters Costa Cashman and Fern, and singer-entertainer Mikey Bustos. The event also drew participation from Singapore-based creatives including Amanda Lapus Santos of PiNoise Creative, filmmaker Quark Henares, DJ Joey Santos, music producers LAMC and DLM, music business professional Twinky Lagdameo, Jon Pinto of Black Star Entertainment, organizers of Fête de la Musique, and other Filipino musicians based in Singapore.

Earlier, on 26 September 2025, the Embassy hosted a special cultural engagement with 1st.One ahead of their performance at Music Matters Live. Filipino artists Jolianne and James Reid of Careless Music, and Filipino-Norwegian artist Hillari also participated in the festival.

Now in its 20th year, Music Matters Live, held from 26 to 28 September until 1 October across multiple venues in Clarke Quay,  featured over 40 artists representing 18 countries. The festival continues to serve as a platform for emerging and established talents to connect with industry stakeholders and diverse audiences. 

The Philippine Government envisions the country as a regional hub for creative industries by  mid-2020, with expanded opportunities in creative tourism, animation, game development, design, and communication arts. Through sustained public-private collaboration and international engagement, the Philippines aims to position itself as a creativity destination in ASEAN and beyond. /END