Lance Joseph Martinez

Why the Philippine Market Matters to these Audio Equipment Executives

Article (news)

<p>In mid-May, <strong>JBL</strong> marked a major milestone as it celebrated its 80th anniversary through a special campaign titled <strong>“80 Years of Powering Voices with New Audio Innovations</strong>.<strong>”</strong></p><p>The celebration went beyond a full-day <strong>Audio Playground </strong>experience, extending into a night event held on May 15, where the audio brand gathered members of the press to commemorate its legacy. The occasion was attended by key executives from Harman, including <strong>Grace Koh</strong>,<strong> Megan Lee</strong>,<strong> </strong>and<strong> Larry Secreto</strong>.<strong></strong></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17796788096051.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Larry Secreto, Director, Consumer Audio, Harman Philippines and Grace Koh, Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Audio, Harman Asia Pacific</span></span></span></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>For eight decades, JBL has played a defining role in shaping global sound experiences, powering everything from live concert stages and cinemas to personal playlists and gaming setups.</p><p>Founded in 1946 with a mission to deliver clear and powerful audio, the brand has since grown into a global industry leader with a lasting influence on how sound is created, shared, and experienced.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177967884320135.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Ben &amp; Ben during the JBL Audio Playground concert</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>As it enters its 80th year, JBL is steering into a new era focused less on reflection and more on innovation aligned with modern lifestyles.</p><p>Its latest product lineup highlights this direction, combining portable entertainment, immersive personal audio, gaming performance, and large-scale party systems into a unified ecosystem designed for today’s users.</p><p><strong>METRO</strong> also had the opportunity for an exclusive interview with two of the three executives present at the event, where they discussed the significance of the Philippine market for the global audio giant.<strong></strong></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Why the Philippine Market is important for JBL<br/></strong></div><p>As widely recognized, music and singing have long been a strong part of Filipino culture. From birthdays and fiestas to weddings and other gatherings, speakers and karaoke systems are almost always present—many of which are powered by JBL, a brand deeply associated with celebration and sound in the country.</p><p>According to Megan Lee, <strong></strong>Director of Product Planning and Strategy at Harman Asia Pacific, the Philippines remains a key market for JBL due to its strong music and entertainment culture.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958.75px;display:block" width="958.75"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17796788947232.jpg" style="display:block;width:958.75px;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="958.75"/><span class="fr-inner"></span></span></span></div><p>Megan Lee, Director of Product Planning &amp; Strategy, Consumer Audio Harman Asia Pacific</p><div><br/></div><div></div><p>She further noted that the brand has consistently developed products tailored for Filipino consumers. “For many years in a row, we have products that are catered towards the Philippine market, like the party boxes, the microphones, and today the JBL Easysing Mic Mini and JBL Easysing Microphones.”</p><p><strong></strong>Harman Philippines Country Director<strong></strong> Larry Secreto also highlighted how JBL has become a staple in Filipino gatherings, especially where singing is involved.</p><p>“Because JBL delivers the best sound quality, and now especially Filipinos love to sing. We are bringing the best technology, the best sound quality to our party box,” he said.</p><p>He went on to explain that the latest JBL Easysing Microphones are designed to make singing more accessible by removing original vocals from songs in real time.</p><p>“So even with the new music, you don’t have to look for a karaoke version because it can remove the vocals, and you can start to sing anytime because the microphone can remove those vocals using AI technology,” he added.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779678939523Screenshot 2026-05-25 at 11.11.36 AM.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">EasySing Mic Mini</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Larry further emphasized how the feature supports convenience for users across different platforms.</p><p>“You can clip on, you can use it with a mic holder, and also remove vocals from any music streaming sources. So you do not need to look for an instrumental cover version for any new songs or even a karaoke version,” he said.</p><p>For JBL, the Easysing Microphones are positioned as especially suited for Filipino consumers, aligning with the country’s strong love for music, singing, and shared celebrations.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>What’s Available Now and What’s Next for JBL Audio Lineup<br/></strong></div><p>JBL is rolling out a wide lineup of new audio products, with several models now officially available in the market. These include the JBL Easysing Mic, JBL Go 5, JBL Xtreme 5, JBL PartyBox Encore 2 Plus, JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus, JBL Live 680NC, JBL Live 780NC, JBL Tune 530BT, JBL Tune 730BT, JBL Tune 680NC, JBL Tune 780NC, JBL Quantum 250, JBL Quantum 650, and JBL Quantum 950, offering options that range from portable speakers and party systems to headphones and gaming audio gear.</p><p>Meanwhile, JBL is also gearing up for its upcoming releases, which include the JBL Easysing Mic Mini Duo, JBL Easysing Mic Mini, JBL PartyBox 130, JBL Live Beam 4, JBL Live Buds 4, and JBL Live Flex 4, signaling an expanded push into both entertainment and personal audio segments in the coming months.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177967902888137.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">JBL Go 5</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong><em>Follow them on their official social media accounts: (Facebook) @JBLPhilippines, (Instagram) @jblph, and (TikTok) @jblph_official to stay updated on their latest products, score exclusive discounts, and see how JBL’s “Made To Be Heard” comes alive through bold sound and unforgettable experiences.<br/></em></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Photos courtesy of <strong>JBL</strong></p>

<p>As it enters its 80th year, JBL is steering into a new era focused less on reflection and more on innovation aligned with modern lifestyles. Here, two executives discussed the importance of the Philippine market to their company and shared their latest product lineup designed for today's users. </p>

As it enters its 80th year, JBL is steering into a new era focused less on reflection and more on innovation aligned with modern lifestyles. Here, two executives discussed the importance of the Philippine market to their company and shared their latest product lineup designed for today's users.

Why the Philippine Market Matters to These Audio Equipment Executives

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Why the Philippine Market Matters to These Audio Equipment Executives

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published May 25, 2026 12:45 PM PHT

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Updated May 25, 2026 12:47 PM PHT

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