MANILA, Philippines—Ongoing cost-reduction measures that would reportedly affect one third of EMI Music’s 5,500 employees worldwide have sparked wild rumors on the fate of the giant label’s Philippine office.

There is talk that EMI Music Philippines will cease operations soon and that its local roster (including Bamboo, Hale, Sandwich, Sugarfree, Slapshock, Martin Nievera, Kyla) will be absorbed by a sub-label formerly handled by Ramon Chuaying, currently Universal Records managing director.

“We can’t say for sure what will happen,” said an EMI Philippines executive in a phone interview with Inquirer Entertainment. "It’s all speculation for now. What I know is, it’s business as usual. I think what EMI UK is considering is not a downsizing, but a restructuring.”

Asked to elaborate, the exec said EMI’s foreign labels may enter into “licensing agreements” with local companies.

EMI Philippines boss Chris Sy has resigned, although this allegedly had nothing to do with the job cuts ordered by London.

MTV Asia’s call to action

The forthcoming MTV Asia Awards will help raise funds for disaster relief throughout the region, including assistance to victims of the Myanmar cyclone in Myanmar and China quake.

The influential music channel and television network behind the awards show has joined forces with music industry movers and shakers to garner support for the cause.

Air-time spots on MTV Asia, MTV China, MTV Korea and MTV Taiwan are calling for donations. All proceeds will go to International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Donations can be pledged by logging on to www.ifrc.org.

The call to action culminates on the MTV Asia Awards night, Aug. 2 at the Arena of Stars in Genting, Malaysia.

There are 16 categories, 10 to be determined by MTV viewers’ votes for Favorite Artist in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, and Favorite International Artist in Asia.

Vying for the Favorite Artist Philippines award are Chicosci, Sandwich, Sponge Cola and Urbandub. Favorite International Artist nominees are Avril Lavigne, Fergie, Justin Timberlake and Linkin Park.

To vote, log on to www.mtvasiaawards.com or wap.mtvasia.com/maa.

Radyo Patrol wins

DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 bagged the silver prize in the Breaking News Story (long form) category of the New York Festivals for Radio Broadcasting. This was for its special coverage of a hostage drama in Manila, March 18, 2007.

A busload of pre-school students was held by three armed men. Radyo Patrol reporter Armel Fernandez broke the story.

“The breakthrough came when DZMM got hold of Jun Ducat, the hostage-taker,” said Peter Musngi, radio division manager. “DZMM became the link between Ducat and the children’s worried parents.” After 10 hours, Ducat agreed to surrender and release the hostages at 7 p.m.

DZMM executive producer Nannette Quong received the award at the Tribeca Rooftop in New York City on June 19. Pocholo Concepcion