Global music phenomenon and K-Pop superstars BTS: BURN THE STAGE. launches on March 28 exclusively at YouTube Red Originals

Global music phenomenon and K-Pop superstars BTS will star in an all-new YouTube Original series exclusively available on YouTube Red, titled BTS: BURN THE STAGE. Launching on March 28 at 11:00 p.m. Philippine time, this eight-episode series is an intimate eyewitness account of their star-making, sold-out world tour “2017 BTS LIVE TRILOGY EPISODE: THE WINGS TOUR,” taking BTS for 300 days through 20 cities across Asia, South America, and the United States, as well as their meteoric rise on the global stage through the band’s eyes.

Unlike anything released by BTS before, this show is an intimate, personal portrayal dedicated to each other and to their fans across the globe. It celebrates the triumph of their friendship as they overcome hardships together, and shows their growth and hard work as BTS continues on the path to grow into pioneering artists of worldwide renown.

BTS: BURN THE STAGE will appeal to the devoted members of BTS’ global ARMY fanbase as well as music lovers who are relatively new to BTS’ music. The series includes intimate interviews and raw moments with band members in their private quarters backstage or in hotel rooms, as well as never-before-seen footage of key breakthrough moments for the band, such as their historic win of the Top Social Artist award at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards and their acclaimed performance at the American Music Awards.

BTS has been active on YouTube since their 2013 debut, and today ranks as YouTube’s biggest K-Pop act, earning 10 billion views to date across official and fan uploads. BTS ranks amongst the top 10 artists on the platform this year (see chart), earning more views in 2017 and 2018 to date than any other K-pop act. Because of YouTube’s global reach the group has become a global phenomenon, with over 87% of their 2017 views across YouTube coming from outside of South Korea, from places like the United States (441 million views), Brazil (317 million views), and Mexico (230 million views).

BTS have broken records across social media for engagements, and YouTube is no exception: they own the record for the most likes on the video release days for DNA (#1) and Mic Drop (#2).

Episodes 1 and 2 will be released on March 28 on BTS’ YouTube channel, Bangtan TV. While episode 1 will be free to watch for all fans on YouTube, episode 2 onward will be available by signing up to YouTube Red, YouTube’s subscription platform. Those from the Philippines can watch through youtube.com/movies. Stay tuned for a new episode coming out every week until May 9.

“We’re thrilled to be working with BTS to launch their groundbreaking documentary on YouTube Red to their worldwide ARMY fans. YouTube has been instrumental in spreading BTS’ music around the world, so today we’re happy that we can be a part of this series’ launch that showcases BTS’ maturation as global phenomena,” said Nadine Zylstra, Head of YouTube Originals, Asia Pacific.

BigHit Entertainment said, “BTS: Burn the Stage is a real-life documentary series where viewers can encounter both fantastic performances of BTS portrayed on the stunning stages of their sold-out world tour, and the more personal side of BTS members in behind-the-scenes moments. We hope the series can convey authenticity of BTS to the world at large as well as to BTS’ dedicated fans.”

YouTube Red is currently available in the U.S., Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico. Fans in many other countries around the world can purchase the series via YouTube transactional video on demand [Link].

Stay tuned for future media alerts ahead of weekly releases of episodes 1 through 8, and follow the buzz on social media with #BTSxYouTubeRed!

About YouTube Red Originals

YouTube Red is a paid membership that gives you an enhanced, uninterrupted experience across YouTube. Members get exclusive access to new Original series and movies from top talent. YouTube Red is currently available in South Korea, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. For more details on YouTube Red, please visit YouTube.com/red.

Mike Enriquez, Jessica Soho, Toni Gonzaga and Manny Pacquiao Named Most Trusted Personalities By Reader's Digest

Multi-awarded news anchor and veteran radio host Mike C. Enriquez, adds another distinction to his illustrious career after being named as the Philippines Most Trusted Radio Presenter at the recent Readers Digest Trusted Brands 2016 awarding ceremony. 

“I heard it was the first time they gave out this award so I am very honored, Enriquez told media after receiving his award.  

“Being called “Most Trusted” is very humbling since this one is from the Reader’s Digest Survey, which is in itself a very trusted award giving body.  This is a result of a survey conducted from among its readers and not an award that you can apply for. They just send you a letter one day to inform you that you have been named by their readers as the one they believe in most,” he said with pride. 

Enriquez can be heard on Super Radyo DZBB’s programs – Saksi sa Dobol B, Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide, and Imbestigador Sa DZBB. He is also one of the anchors of GMA’s flagship news telecast, 24 Oras, and hosts the investigative public affairs program, Imbestigador.

His advice to aspiring journalists? “Don’t mind the pay. Don’t mind the long hours…and have a passion for the truth. Just stick to the truth and nothing will be too difficult.”

“You speak well when you speak the truth and you speak from the heart,” he said.

For the sixth straight year, Jessica Soho was once again was named Most Trusted TV News Presenter, while Toni Gonzaga was named Most Trusted Entertainment / Variety Show Presenter. Filipino boxing champ and now Senator Manny Pacquiao remains the Philippines Most Trusted Sports Personality.

MOST TRUSTED SURVEY
Now on its 18th year, the Trusted Brands 2016 awarding ceremony was held on June 30, 2016 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig.

“For the past 18 years, we have been surveying the people of Philippines and consumers in major markets across Asia, about which brands they depend on, believe in and that they expect to provide premium value and exceptional service,” notes Walter Beyleveldt, Reader’s Digest Managing Director, Asia Pacific. 

“Every survey we ask thousands of people – both our readers and a representative sample of consumers in each market – to tell us which brands they consider worthy of their support, custom, and their trust. Not only have we learnt which brands consumers follow, we have discovered a lot about what trust means and how it wins the hearts of people across Asia.”

FOR CONSUMERS, BY THE CONSUMERS 
For the 2016 Trusted Brand Survey, Readers Digest commissioned global market research company CATALYST.  Approximately 8,000 individuals were selected across 5 of Asia’s key markets such as the Philippines, HongKong, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan.

The survey covers 44 categories of products and services across a wide range of industries.

Around 1000 respondents were surveyed in the Philippines.  Half were subscribers to Reader's Digest, while the remainder were selected to reflect the demographics of the general population.

The final ranking in each product category were obtained by multiplying the total number of votes for a brand with its average score for six qualitative characteristics. For statistical accuracy and to ensure results were compiled in an objective manner using proven methodology, the data was weighted to reflect the population distribution of participants.

Platinum Trusted Brand Awards were given to brands that performed exceptionally, winning their category with a score that vastly outpolled their nearest competitor.

Platinum award winners included Baby Company (Baby Store);SM Supermalls (Shopping Center); ABSCBN (TV Network); Century Tuna (Canned Tuna); Monterey (Frozen Meat) Magnolia (Fresh/Frozen Poultry); Carrier (Air Conditioner); Uratex (Mattress); Boysen (Paint); Pilot (Pen); Executive Optical (Eye Center) and PLDT Home (Landline Phone Service).

Gold Trusted Brand Awards were given to brands that scored significantly higher than their rivals.

The Gold award winners are Healthway (Ambulatory Medical Services); Condura (Air Conditioner); PLDT Home DSL (Broadband Services); San Marino Corned Tuna (Canned Tuna); Baguio Oil (Cooking Oil); Citibank (Credit Card Issuing Bank); Asian Eye Institute (Eye Center); Ideal Vision (Eye Center); Medicard (Health Card); Acer (Personal Computer); Camella Homes (Property Developer); DMCI Homes (Property Developer); Condura (Refrigerator); GMA7 (TV Network); Panda (Pen); Sharp (Washing Machine) and Whirlpool (Washing Machine) to name a few.

Asia Trusted Brand Awards were given to a brand that wins Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand award in the same category for at least three countries surveyed.

Recipients of the Trusted Brand awards will receive given a Trophy and will be allowed to use the globally recognized Trusted Brand Logo in their marketing collaterals and merchandising materials.