CEBU CITY β Music took center stage not as entertainment, but as a powerful business tool during the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (FILSCAP) Licensing Forum, “Music for Business Growth,” held on Thursday, June 25.
Bringing together business owners, hospitality professionals, creatives, and intellectual property advocates, the forum explored how music enriches everyday customer experiences while highlighting the importance of responsible music use and copyright compliance.
More than discussing legal requirements, the event emphasized music’s ability to create atmosphere, evoke emotion, and build meaningful connections between businesses and their customers. From hotels and restaurants to retail spaces and commercial establishments, speakers demonstrated how thoughtfully selected music has become an essential part of modern brand identity.
Atty. Exequiel Valerio, Assistant Chief of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), provided participants with a better understanding of copyright laws governing the public use of music in business establishments. He stressed that respecting intellectual property rights helps sustain the country’s creative industries while ensuring businesses operate responsibly.
Adding a creative perspective, FILSCAP Trustee and Apo Hiking Society member Jim Paredes shared how music goes beyond background sound, serving as a powerful storytelling tool that strengthens emotional connections between brands and consumers.
Representing the hospitality sector, Bai Hotel Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications Carlo Rivera explained how carefully curated playlists contribute to guest comfort, enhance ambiance, and create memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits.
FILSCAP General Manager Atty. Mark Thursday Alciso also guided attendees through the music licensing process, outlining the requirements, fees, and legal responsibilities involved in using copyrighted music in commercial establishments.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor D. Archival Sr. expressed his support for initiatives that encourage innovation while protecting the rights of Filipino creators, emphasizing the shared role of government, businesses, and artists in fostering a thriving creative economy.
The forum concluded with an open discussion where participants raised questions on copyright, licensing, songwriting, and business compliance, reflecting a growing interest in responsible and sustainable music use.
Also in attendance were FILSCAP Chairman Ramon Chuaying, composer-songwriter Jude Gitamondoc, and singer Hi-C, who entertained guests with a special performance.
Through the forum, FILSCAP reinforced its advocacy for recognizing the value of music not only as an art form but also as an essential element of business, culture, and everyday lifeβone that deserves both appreciation and protection.
