BEL CERTEZA is the current Label Head of EMI Records, a sub-label of UMG Philippines. EMI Records is also known in the Philippines as a legacy label from the 2000s.

“First established in 2002, the founding of EMI Records in the Philippines marked a formidable chapter in the OPM (Original Pinoy Music) industry and built a legacy of great artists such as Sandwich, Sugarfree, Hale, The Dawn, Kyla, Lea Salonga, and Bamboo. Relaunching with the same vision and ambition in 2023, EMI will continue to advocate for Filipino artists, and will curate a broad roster and array of sounds reflecting the soul of the nation. ” (source)

She transitioned from handling the Media arm of UMG Philippines in November 2023 to October 2024 back to the label side of the company from in November 2024. She was tasked to oversee both A&R and Marketing aspect of the label.

EMI Records’ current roster include Dionela, Hale, Daniel Paringit, CHNDTR, Mijon, Vocalmyx, Gracenote, Cydel, waltz, and Jenzen Guino.

Roots from Underground Music Scene

A constant presence in the Music scene, Bel Certeza started out as a live music fan in 2005. In 2010, she started filming and taking photos of live performances and sharing them through various online platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

Her passion for discovering hidden live music gems mixed with strong Documentation and Social Media background paved the way in bridging the gap between music fans and unknown underground bands. This led to the conception of Indie Manila, an online and offline music community where Certeza would curate shows featuring unknown indie bands at different iconic music venues in Manila i.e. SaGuijo in Makati, Route 196 in Quezon City, and 12 Monkeys in Ortigas to name a few.

In 2018, she started attending and representing Indie Manila and the Philippines in various annual Music Conferences around South East Asia. She is often invited as a delegate and a panelist to speak about Independent Music in the Philippines in countries like Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand. These opportunities sparked more interest from other countries to discover Filipino music, connect with Filipino musicians, and the music community.