The partnership enters a new chapter as TNC and Bluefish Asia commit to a continuing series of auditions, live gigs, and artist-development opportunities leading to the identifying the next KWC Philippines Champion in April 2027.
The journey to discover the Philippines’ next great karaoke voice is set to reach even more communities as The New Channel (TNC) Media Corp. and Bluefish Asia renew their partnership for the Karaoke World Championships (KWC) Philippines this 2026 through April 2027.
The renewed partnership will bring together more audition legs in Luzon and KWC-related gigs in different locations, creating more opportunities for aspiring singers and local artists to step forward, perform, connect with audiences, and become part of the growing KWC Philippines community.
More than simply expanding the reach of the competition, the renewed collaboration reflects a shared belief between TNC and Bluefish Asia: local artists deserve platforms where their talent can be discovered, developed, celebrated, and given opportunities to reach a wider audience.
A Partnership Built on Trust
The renewed agreement is anchored on the trust that has developed between the two organizations and their shared commitment to supporting Filipino talent.
For Bluefish Asia partners Crunchman and Kathleen Cervantes, the partnership represents an opportunity to continue contributing to a platform that goes beyond finding a singing champion.
“Our relationship with Apple aged more than two decades already. Since then and now, we are clear and aligned with what we want to achieve as business operators. What makes this renewed partnership even more meaningful is the opportunity to be part of something that gives local artists a real platform. KWC Philippines allows talented Filipinos to be seen, heard, and appreciated, regardless of where they come from. We are happy to continue supporting that journey.”
The couple also sees the regional audition legs and gigs as important touchpoints for communities and artists who may not always have access to major stages.
“Every audition is a chance for someone to believe in their talent a little more. Every gig is another opportunity for an artist to gain experience, confidence, and exposure. We want to help create more of those moments for Filipino performers.”
Taking KWC Philippines to More Communities
Under the renewed partnership, TNC and Bluefish Asia are preparing to mount a series of activities throughout 2026 and into the first quarter of 2027, including audition legs and artist-focused gigs that will build momentum toward the national search for the next KWC Philippines champion.
“We’ve already started doing KWC LIVE as part of KWC Philippines 2026 agenda” shared by Kathleen. “The goal is to make the KWC experience more accessible—not only to established performers, but also to ordinary Filipinos who have been waiting for the right opportunity to take the microphone and show what they can do“, she added.
For TNC prime mover and KWC Philippines Country Director Apple Esplana-Manansala, this is at the heart of what KWC Philippines hopes to accomplish.
“KWC Philippines is not simply a singing competition. It is a movement to discover voices, create opportunities, and remind Filipino artists that there are people and organizations willing to believe in their potential.”
Apple emphasized that partnerships such as the one with Bluefish Asia are crucial in sustaining that vision.
“We value partners who understand that supporting artists is not just about one event or one competition. It is about creating a continuing ecosystem where artists can perform, connect, learn, grow, and find new opportunities. Our renewed partnership with Bluefish Asia is built on that shared vision and, most importantly, on trust.”
More Than an Audition
The renewed KWC Philippines–Bluefish Asia partnership also strengthens the role of live gigs in the overall KWC journey.
For TNC, these performances are an important part of giving artists an experience beyond the audition room. The stage becomes a space where performers can build confidence, engage with audiences, collaborate with fellow artists, and experience what it means to perform professionally.
This approach reflects TNC’s broader advocacy of using media and technology for good—creating platforms that connect people, amplify stories, and provide opportunities for communities and individuals to be discovered.
And for KWC Philippines, every audition and every gig ultimately contributes to a bigger journey: discovering the Filipino artist who will carry the country’s voice to the world.
Bluefish Asia Takes the Lead in Luzon, Sets Stage for KWC National Finals
A key part of the renewed partnership is Bluefish Asia’s expanded role in the next KWC Philippines cycle. Bluefish Asia will take the lead in handling the Luzon audition legs, helping bring the KWC experience closer to singers and aspiring artists across the region. The group will also spearhead the KWC Philippines National Finals slated for April 2027, a milestone event that will ultimately identify the next Filipino champion who will carry the country’s voice to the international KWC stage.
KWC Philippines is currently awaiting the final go-signal from its venue partner for the National Finals—an announcement that TNC and Bluefish Asia are both looking forward to sharing. While details remain under wraps for now, the organizers are confident that the venue will provide the fitting stage for what promises to be another exciting chapter in the KWC Philippines journey. “We are just waiting for the final confirmation, and honestly, we are very excited to announce it,” Apple shared. “We believe the venue will add another special dimension to the National Finals and give our artists the kind of stage and audience they truly deserve.”
Toward April 2027
The renewed partnership will continue throughout the KWC Philippines 2026–2027 cycle, culminating in the identification of the country’s next KWC Philippines Champion by April 2027.
Until then, more auditions will be opened, more stages will be activated, and more Filipino voices will be given the opportunity to be heard more focused on the Luzon legs.
For Crunchman and Kathleen Cervantes, the journey is one they are proud to continue supporting.
“We are excited for what this next chapter will bring. There are still so many talented Filipinos waiting to be discovered, and we want to be part of giving them that opportunity.”
For Apple, the vision remains straightforward but ambitious: “We want KWC Philippines to become a platform where artists don’t just compete—they grow. We want every singer who enters this journey to walk away with greater confidence, new connections, new experiences, and hopefully, new opportunities. When we create platforms that allow Filipino talent to grow, everybody wins.”
With TNC and Bluefish Asia once again joining forces, the road to the next KWC Philippines Champion is officially underway.
And somewhere across the country’s communities, stages, cafés, venues, and audition rooms, the next voice that could represent the Philippines to the world may already be waiting for its moment.
The microphone is ready. The journey continues.
For partnerships in the Luzon Region, partners can reach out to Bluefish Asia through their official Facebook Page or via email at katcervantes@bluefish-asia.con or bluefishasia.inc@gmail.com. If you wish to bring KWC to your local city or wish to bring your brands to the city’s where KWC is coming, email us at kwcph@thenewchannel.com
Interested singers or auditionees are encouraged to follow KWC Philippines and The New Channel’s official platforms for the latest updates as the Road to KWC Philippines 2027 continues. Online Auditions are on-going, anyone can sign up here.