A Climate Change Takes Center Stage in Southeast Asia’s Music Scene

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Through the years, the diverse musical traditions of Southeast Asia have served as a universal language, fostering cultural exchange and knowledge. Today, this musical legacy is taking on a new purpose: musicians around the world and from the region are lending their voices to move people to action around the climate crisis.

One initiative is the Music Declares Emergency (MDE), a movement urging the music industry to take action on climate change. Supported by artists such as Grammy-award winning singer Billie Eilish who highlighted her environmental advocacy during one of her Happier Than Ever, The World Tour concert legs in the Philippines in 2022 by strategically minimizing the environmental impact of her tour. Coldplay's Music of the Spheres World Tour, powered by renewable energy and initiatives to reduce carbon footprint, is also expected to go live in the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand this 2024.

This goes beyond musical acts. From Thailand's pioneering Wonderfruit Festival, with its waste reduction and renewable energy, to Malaysia's Rainforest World Music Festival, blending musical traditions with environmental advocacy, more and more concert productions, recording studios, and festivals are implementing eco-conscious measures. Beyond the stage, the Philippines is also echoing its commitment to conservation. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines’ "KANTALIKASAN" album celebrates winning environmental songs, while Lio Beach Fest in Palawan celebrates environmental awareness, harmonizing vibrant performances and conservation efforts.

Driven by a shared concern for the climate crisis, 13 leading Indonesian musicians also recently came together to form IKLIM ‘the Indonesian Knowledge, Climate, Arts and Music Lab’. These artists of various genres such as Endah N Rhesa, Iga Massardi, Navicula Tony Q Rastafara, and others gathered in Bali earlier this year to gain a deep understanding about the causes of climate change, what needs to be done to reduce carbon emissions and how music and art can be powerful tools for climate action. Their collaboration resulted in the 'sonic/panic' compilation album, released under Alarm Records, Indonesia's first environmentally conscious record label. The album's diverse genres unite under a common cause: the urgent call for climate action.

To celebrate the album's release on major digital platforms, the IKLIM Fest was held in Ubud on November 4, 2023. This event marked the first climate-conscious festival in Indonesia that implemented a 'Reuse Protocol' by Dietplastik Indonesia to reduce the large amounts of single-use waste typically generated at music festivals.

Gede Robi, vocalist and guitarist of Navicula, and a driving force behind IKLIM, said “Until now, there was no collective movement that united Indonesian musicians around the climate crisis. We are inspired by the global Music Declares Emergency movement, and aspire to encourage musicians across the Asian region to join us in taking climate action.”

Furthermore, Robi outlined IKLIM's plans to broaden its reach by collaborating with more musicians and industry professionals across Indonesia and is currently actively promoting the joint movement among musicians in the Philippines, Bhutan, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and South Korea.

"The ultimate objective," Robi elaborated, "is to promote sustainability within the music industry. IKLIM functions as a think-tank for making music more environmentally sustainable. As we continue to engage with industry stakeholders, our knowledge and experience will grow, enabling us to develop best practices for reducing the music industry’s carbon emissions. This, in turn, will empower musicians to play a more active role in both raising awareness and mitigating the impact of the climate crisis."

Charting a Path Forward

While challenges persist, which include limited knowledge and access to environmentally friendly solutions within the music industry, Robi believes that as more musicians and industry players join this collective effort, more solutions will emerge.

The establishment of Music Declares Emergency Indonesia, the first chapter of the global movement in Asia is an extension of the global movement that unites musicians, industry professionals and music lovers, and transcends genres and borders to take a collective stand around the climate crisis.

As sustainable practices become integrated into Asia's music industry, musicians in the region can set a standard for responsible entertainment. "The climate crisis has now taken center stage for our generation, and the movement’s success hinges on collaboration, especially among industry stakeholders. We envision that our current efforts will serve as a blueprint for something much bigger in the future.”

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About IKLIM:

The Indonesia Climate, Knowledge, Arts & Music Lab (IKLIM) is a collective of artists and musicians committed to climate action, amplifying the climate dialogue through the universal language of music.

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About Music Declares Emergency (MDE) Indonesia:

The 13 Indonesian musicians behind "Sonic/Panic" are founding members of Music Declares Emergency (MDE) Indonesia, the first chapter of the global movement in Asia. With the call of ‘NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET,’ they are part of a global movement of artists, music industry professionals, individuals, and organizations united by a single goal of protecting all life on Earth.

TPB and DOT to join the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2023 in Indonesia

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) will join the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia on 02-05 February 2023 to showcase what the Philippines has to offer to the international market and strengthen business relationships to further boost the country’s tourism.

The ATF 2023 is the biggest annual tourism event in the ASEAN region and is expected to attract more than 2000 participants from more than 25 countries. These include tourism ministers and officials, sellers, international buyers, international and local media as well as trade visitors.

The Philippine participation in the ATF 2023 is one of TPB and DOT’s events lined up for the year to showcase the country’s readiness for tourism, and at the same time, support the private sector by providing valuable networking opportunities to promote their products and services.

With the theme, “ASEAN: A Journey To Wonderful Destinations,” ATF 2023 brings the Philippines and the rest of the countries in the South East Asia region collectively to promote their unique hospitality and cultural diversity, in alignment with the ASEAN vision, “A Destination for Every Dream”.

TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles noted that the country’s participation in the ASEAN Tourism Forum and other international events, since the easing of travel borders worldwide enabled the Philippines to move forward to a better normal and boost the recovery of the tourism industry.

“These key international shows have proven to drive a significant number of leads and exposure for the country, and we at the TPB are more than ready to be back on the global stage and aggressively put a spotlight on what the Philippines has to offer,” said TPB COO Nograles.

Numerous high-level events will be conducted in the ATF including a meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), press briefing, tourism conference, and the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) fair.

TRAVEX is a trade-only mart that showcases the world’s largest contingent of ASEAN destination products and services, and facilitates selling, buying and promoting the region internationally.

The Philippines will be joining the TRAVEX fair with a 144 sq. booth which will be participated by sixteen (16) local seller participants. The Philippine delegation will also present updates on the country’s tourism industry in a media briefing session scheduled on 2 February 2023.

TPB will also host a luncheon to showcase traditional Philippine cuisine and a cultural performance for the invited international buyer participants, Philippine private sector sellers, and media on 5 February 2023.

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About the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines is the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism, whose mandate is to promote the Philippines, domestically and internationally, as a leisure, MICE, and investment destination. The agency fulfills its mandate through organizing, participating, or supporting tourism consumer or trade events; expanding media partnerships and advertising; continuing content development and distribution programs; creating thematic and strategic consumer activations domestically and abroad; facilitating familiarization tours for buyers, location scouts, and diplomatic corps members; and engaging its TPB membership program.

“It’s Showtime” Lands First International Franchise, Premieres In Indonesia ON March 25

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The country’s number one noontime show “It’s Showtime” is spreading good vibes to more viewers not just in the Philippines but across the world by landing its first international franchise in Indonesia.

Meet the official hosts of It’s Showtime Indonesia! (L-R) Leo Consul, Chika Jessica, Luna Maya, Raffi Ahmad and Indra Herlambang.

Starting Monday (March 25), Indonesian viewers will get to watch their own version of the program on the TV station MNCTV. The groundbreaking milestone also marks ABS-CBN’s first non-narrative format franchise buy, solidifying the company’s position as a reliable content provider in the international arena.

“It’s Showtime” hosts Jugs Jugueta and Teddy Corpuz will also be flying to Indonesia this weekend to observe and support the launch of the show on MNCTV. Jugs and Teddy are considered pioneers of “It’s Showtime,” having hosted it since 2009 when it was still airing in the morning timeslot.

It’s Showtime’s Jugs Jugueta and Teddy Corpuz

“From introducing XB Gensan, Rachel Gabreza, and international sensation TNT Boys to the world, ‘It’s Showtime’ and ABS-CBN are committed to discovering world-class talent and providing high-quality Filipino content and entertainment that would appeal to the global market. This a massive achievement and honor for the whole team as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of ‘It’s Showtime’ this year,” said Peter Dizon, business unit head of “It’s Showtime.”

“While are proud that ‘It’s Showtime’ will have its own version in Indonesia, it’s really about sharing the happiness with the viewers and extending the experience not just here in the Philippines but also in another country,” he added.

MNCTV’s version of “It’s Showtime” will carry popular segments that have brought happiness to many Filipinos, including “Sine Mo ‘To,” “Cash-Ya! Kaya!” ”Ansabe,” “Copy Cut,” and “Bida Kapamilya.”

As “It’s Showtime” continues its year-long countdown to its 10th anniversary in October, it has introduced new segments that draw viewers whether on TV or online, such as the compatibility game “KapareWho” and the search for the next leading man, “Bida Man.” Outstanding singers will once again pull out all the stops in the week-long Quarter 3 semifinals of “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” which kicks off on April 1.

“It’s Showtime,” meanwhile, remains as the most watched noontime show in the country, having recorded a national TV rating of 20.1%, almost double that of “Eat Bulaga’s” 10.4%, based on data from Kantar Media last Thursday (March 21).

Like the Philippine version of the show, Indonesia’s “It’s Showtime” also enlisted its the brightest stars, including singer-comedian-actor Raffi Ahmad, model-turned-actress Luna Maya, renowned host Indra Herlambang, host-actress Chika Jessica, Filipino TV host and recording artist Leo Consul, and rockstar twins Musbrother.

“It’s Showtime,” which continues its countdown to its tenth anniversary celebration, airs Mondays to Saturdays on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (Sky Cable ch 167). For the program’s past episode, login to iWant (iwant.ph) or on skyondemand.com.ph for Sky subscribers.

AirAsia celebrates inter-Asean connectivity with new Manila-Jakarta flights #AirAsiainJakarta

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Traditional water cannon salute upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

AirAsia is now flying from Manila to Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, further strengthening the airline’s commitment as a truly Asean carrier. 

(L-R) AirAsia Cabin Crew, I Ketut Ferry Utameyasa , Senior Manager of Aeronautical Commercial Division, Angkasa Pura 2, Adji Gunawan, CEO of PT Jasa Angkasa Semesta Tbk, AirAsia Philippines CEO Capt. Dexter Comendador, Marianne Ludwina, CFO PT Jasa Angkasa Semesta Tbk, AirAsia Philippines Chairperson Maan Hontiveros, Dendy Kurniawan, CEO of AirAsia Group in Indonesia, Hon. Budi Dhewajani, Charge d'affaires, Embassy of The Republic of Indonesia in Manila

AirAsia, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for nine years running, flew its maiden flight from Manila to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta today with send-off ceremonies held at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. 

AirAsia flight Z2 235 with pilot in command AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador left Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport with 100% pax load and was welcomed by a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

(L-R) Rifai Taberi, Commercial Director AirAsia Indonesia, AirAsia Philippines CEO Capt. Dexter Comendador, AirAsia Cabin Crew

AirAsia Philippines CEO Dexter Comendador said, “AirAsia is a product of Asean and we are so proud to be part of this region we call home. We are thrilled to add another Asean destination into our ever growing network. We do love Asean so much that today we are starting Manila - Jakarta and by next week or on January 19, we are to fly Manila – Bali next.”

Officers from the Embassy of Indonesia to the Philippines led by Charge d'affaires Budi Dhewajani and Hidayat Zakaira joined AirAsia Philippines Chairperson Maan Hontiveros aboard the inaugural flight from Manila to Jakarta along with guests from start-ups business community, Filipina CEO Circle in the Philippines and members of the media. 

AirAsia Group CEO for Indonesia, Mr. Dendy Kurniawan, and officials from transportation, tourism and airport ministries in Indonesia, meanwhile, welcomed the Philippine group at a ceremonial dinner held in Seribu Rasa Menteng in Jakarta.

“We want to bring the people across the Asean region closer together with our new flights connecting Manila to Jakarta and Bali following our Manila – Ho Chi Minh City last November, we are looking at adding new routes to Thailand this year and further expand our Asean footprint to serve more and more communities.” Comendador said. 

AirAsia also offers several flights to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia and Singapore from Manila and Cebu in the Philippines. 

Keep updated with AirAsia’s latest promotion and activities via twitter (@AirAsiaFilipino), Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPH) and on Instagram (@AirAsiaFilipino).

About AirAsia Philippines:

AirAsia Philippines is a wholly owned subsidiary of AirAsia Inc. which is a joint venture company among Filipino investors Antonio O. Cojuangco, former Ambassador Alfredo M. Yao, Michael L. Romero, Marianne B. Hontiveros, and Malaysia’s AirAsia Berhad.

AAP operates a fleet of 17 aircraft with domestic and international flights out of hubs in Manila, Cebu, and Kalibo. The airline operates several flights to/from Manila, Davao, Cebu, Kalibo, Caticlan (Boracay), Tacloban, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Clark, and Iloilo in the Philippines with international flights to/from Shanghai, Taipei, Incheon (Seoul), Hong Kong, Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Guangzhou, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore.

AAP is part of the AirAsia Group that has been awarded the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for nine consecutive years running by Skytrax since 2009 to 2017.

About the AirAsia Group

AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, services the most extensive network with over 120 destinations. Within 15 years of operations, AirAsia has carried over 350 million guests and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to over 170. The airline is proud to be a truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with established operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, India and Japan, servicing a network stretching across all Asean countries and beyond. AirAsia was named the World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for nine consecutive years from 2009 – 2017. AirAsia is the first airline globally to collaborate with INTERPOL to implement the I-Checkit system to screen the passports of all its prospective passengers against information contained in the world police body’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database.

2014 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees Announced

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The Board of Trustees of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) today announced that this year five individuals and one organization from Afghanistan, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the Philippines will receive Asia’s premier prize, the Ramon Magsaysay Award.

The Magsaysay awardees of 2014 are truly beacons of progress in Asia, as they boldly building hopeful lives in daunty times. We have much to learn from them, and much to celebrate about their greatness of spirit.

Here are the 2014 Awardees:

Hu Shuli, from China. She is being recognized for “her unrelenting commitment to truthful, relevant, and unassailable journalism, her fearless promotion of transparency and accountability in business and public governance, and her leadership in blazing the way for more professional and independent-minded media practices in China.”

Saur Marlina Manurung, from Indonesia. She is being recognized for “her ennobling passion to protect and improve the lives of Indonesia’s forest people, and her energizing leadership of volunteers in SOKOLA’s customized education program that is sensitive to the lifeways of indigenous communities and the unique development challenges they face.”

Omara Khan Masoudi, from Afghanistan. He is being recognized for “his courage, labor, and leadership in protecting Afghan cultural heritage, rebuilding an institution vital for Afghanistan’s future, and reminding his countrymen and peoples everywhere that in recognizing humanity’s shared patrimony, we can be inspired to stand together in peace.”

The Citizens Foundation, from Pakistan. The organization is being recognized for “the social vision and high-level professionalism of its founders and those who run its schools, in successfully pursuing their conviction that, with sustained civic responsiveness, quality education made available to all—irrespective of religion, gender, or economic status—is the key to Pakistan’s brighter future.”

Wang Canfa, from China. He is being recognized for “his discerning and forceful leadership—through scholarly work, disciplined advocacy, and pro bono public interest litigation—in ensuring that the enlightened and competent practice of environmental law in China effectively protects the rights and lives of victims of environmental abuse, especially the poor and the powerless.”

Randy Halasan, for Emergent Leadership, from the Philippines. He is being recognized for “his purposeful dedication in nurturing his Matigsalug students and their community to transform their lives through quality education and sustainable livelihoods, doing so in ways that respect their uniqueness and preserve their integrity as indigenous peoples in a modernizing Philippines.”

Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Award is Asia’s highest honor and is widely regarded as the region’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize. It celebrates the memory and leadership example of the third Philippine president after whom the award is named, and is given every year to individuals or organizations in Asia who manifest the same selfless service that ruled the life of the late and beloved Filipino leader.

RMAF President Carmencita Abella says “the Magsaysay awardees of 2014 are truly beacons of progress in Asia. All of them are creating bold solutions to deeply-rooted social problems in their respective societies, problems which are most damaging to the lives of those trapped in poverty, ignorance, and unjust systems. Their inspiring and path-breaking leadership addresses very diverse areas -- education for the poor and marginalized, environmental justice for pollution victims, increased transparency and accountability in corporate and public governance, and the restoration of cultural pride – and yet it is clear that each of this year’s Magsaysay awardees is building more hopeful lives among their people -- one smart, responsible, and persistent step at a time."

“While their solutions are distinctively their own, there is one thing this year’s Magsaysay laureates all share: a greatness of spirit that infuses their leadership for change. They are all unafraid to take on large causes; they all refuse to give up, despite meager resources, daunting adversity and strong opposition. They are all deeply anchored in hope. We have much to learn from them, and much to celebrate about their greatness of spirit.”

The six 2014 Magsaysay awardees join the community of 301 other Magsaysay laureates who have received Asia’s highest honor to date. This year’s Magsaysay Award winners will each receive a certificate, a medallion bearing the likeness of the late President, and a cash prize.

They will be formally conferred the Magsaysay Award during formal Presentation Ceremonies to be held on Sunday, 31 August 2014 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, to which the public is cordially invited.