The First-Ever Podcast Festival in the Philippines Is Happening in Makati
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According to most recent data, there are around 3.02 million podcasts in the world as of September 2023. That’s a pretty loose figure, and the exact number is unknown, especially considering all the inactive podcasts on multiple platforms. Podcast Index estimates the number to be closer to 4.2 million.
In the Philippines, data is scarce, but according to Spotify in an October 2022 news release, podcasts on the platform in the Philippines grew more than 60 percent in listenership within a 12-month period. In June 2021, the country ranked 6th in terms of fastest-growing country by podcast listening at around 31 million listeners in the Philippines alone, with the majority coming from the 23 to 34 age range.
And in a study conducted in July 2023, 49 percent of respondents in the Philippines said they listened to at least one hour of podcasts on a weekly basis. The country ranked fourth in number of podcast listeners in the Asia Pacific region, behind Indonesia (63 percent), Thailand (56 percent), and India (54 percent)
One can just imagine just how much bigger the podcast industry has grown in 2023.
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With such encouraging numbers, it makes sense that the country is finally hosting its first-ever podcast festival. Organized by Anima Podcasts, Hear For It is designed to “unite the thriving local podcast community, Hear For It brings together talented creators, experienced producers, and enthusiastic fans.” It also offers a full day of exciting activities, opportunities to meet podcast personalities, and valuable insights for both seasoned podcast enthusiasts and newcomers.
Festival-goers can check out curated listening pods featuring various podcast titles; attend panel discussions featuring influential voices in podcasting; connect with fellow enthusiasts, creators, and industry experts; hone their podcasting skills with hands-on workshops; and interact with podcasting personalities.
Scheduled to make appearances at the event are some of the country’s most popular podcast hosts, including Bianca Gonzalez of Paano Ba 'To; directors Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac of Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast; real-life couple Jim Baccaro and Saab Magalona of Wake Up with Jim & Saab, discussing everything from reality shows to voter registration; host and comedian Victor Anastacio of Intellectwalwal; and creative Ali Sangalang of The Linya-Linya Show.
Also in the linuep are GB Labrador, James Caraan, Nonong Ballinan and the crew at The Kool Pals; DJ Joelle of Paano Kung...; Roanne and Tina of Queertuhan; Kristel Fulgar and Moy Esguerra of Anyare Saeyo?; and the brains behind Podquest, an initiative by The Pod Network aimed at discovering and fostering new podcasting talent. More talents are scheduled to be announced soon.
“Hear For It reflects the growing popularity of podcasts in the Philippines,” says Mel Lozano-Alcaraz, Head of ANIMA Podcasts. “We're thrilled to bring together podcast creators, fans, and budding talents for an unmatched experience that truly highlights the captivating power of audio storytelling. At ANIMA, our goal is to build and strengthen the community of podcasters in the Philippines, and we look forward to contributing to the growth of this vibrant community.”
Hear For It is organized by KROMA Entertainment and ANIMA Pods in partnership with Spotify and The Podcast Network (TPN). The whole-day event will be held at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center on Friday, October 20. The event is free of charge for the public. Esquire Philippines is a media partner for the event.
