Hori7on — bridging borders with music

Hori7on (pronounced as Horizon) is rapidly establishing itself as one of the top P-pop acts in the Philippines and making significant strides in the music industry.

Formed in 2023, this South Korea-based Filipino boy band — with members Vinci, Kim, Kyler, Reyster, Winston, Jeromy, and Marcus — has the unique distinction of being the first all-Filipino boy band to debut in South Korea, garnering the band considerable attention in both countries.

The group, formed by MLD Entertainment and ABS-CBN Corporation through the survival reality show "Dream Maker," made their official debut on July 24, 2023, with their album "Friend-Ship."

Prior to this, they released three pre-debut singles — "Dash", "Salamat", and "Lovey Dovey." Their first single album "Daytour," featuring the track "Lucky," followed in 2024, showcasing their musical versatility and appeal.

Hori7on's success is rooted in their rigorous training, blending K-pop and P-pop elements.

Trained by both Filipino and South Korean coaches, they underwent stringent routines typical of the K-pop industry. This unique combination of influences has helped them stand out, earning them the label of "global rookies" by Korean media outlets such as My Daily, and highlighting their "unique presence" in the industry.

Because of the growing influence, their journey has not only been about music but also significant endorsements.

On July 2, Hori7on was unveiled as JBL Philippines' newest brand ambassadors during the "JBL Legendary Sound, Epic Moments" event at Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu.

Larry Secreto, director of Consumer Audio for Harman Philippines, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, noting, "Some of you may be surprised because this is the first time we're going to engage in ambassadors like Hori7on. They're Filipinos, as you know, but they perform very much like Koreans, and there is a big craze for K-pop fans all over the world. So, we feel like we're bringing the best of P-pop artists in the Philippines."

"A lot of our products are attracting younger, more Gen-Z customers, and they are one of the symbols of the Gen-Z market in the Philippines," he added.

Vinci, one of Hori7on's members, shared the group's gratitude, "Thank you so much to the JBL family for inviting us so warmly. We're looking forward to being part of the new generation that JBL will offer to the world."

Marcus echoed these sentiments saying, "It is definitely an honor for Hori7on especially that JBL is a known brand all over the world. We ourselves use the brand a lot, so it is really like almost unreal to us. We will keep on doing our best especially for the JBL family. We really appreciate it."

During the event, Hori7on performed their hit song "Lucky."

The event also marked the unveiling of JBL's latest audio products, including portables, party speakers, earbuds, and audio glasses.

Audio essentials

The event saw the launch of JBL Soundgear Frames. Crafted from cutting-edge thermoplastic materials, these sleek, flexible, lightweight frames, with a unique translucent design, offer all-day comfort.

"We figured out there's a bunch of consumers out there who want a pair of fun and fashionable glasses while being able to enjoy JBL. The Soundgear Frames are the perfect example of how JBL innovation creates the perfect fusion of style and sound. They are powered by JBL OpenSound technology and enjoyed through JBL's unique ultra-thin rectangular speaker. When you're wearing them, all you have to do is tap the JBL logo to adjust the volume, answer calls, or skip a song. With this pair of glasses, you get more than eight hours of playtime. This is the most stylish audio glasses as JBL sets the trend in the market," Megan Lee, director of Product Planning and Strategy, Consumer Audio, Harman Asia Pacific, shared during the launch.

"They're not just fashionable; they are also water-resistant. Whether you're walking, running, or caught in the rain, you don't have to worry. What's also special is I don't need to have any special cable to charge the frames because you can use the Type-C cable," she added.

Soundgear Frames are available in three on-trend colors — Onyx, Pearl, and Amber — and two interchangeable frame styles, complementing personal style.

Meanwhile, enjoy simplicity in technology with the new JBL Smart Charging Case, an innovative addition to the JBL Live 3 Earbuds series. This series includes the Live Beam 3 closed-stick earbuds, Live Flex 3 open-stick earbuds, and Live Buds 3 bud-type earbuds. All of these true-wireless, noise-canceling options allow users to customize their sound without needing to look at their phones.

Laslty, entertainment gets a boost with the new JBL PartyBox Stage 320 and JBL PartyBox Club 120. These upgraded portable speakers offer powerful sound and AI Sound Boost, ensuring optimal acoustic output for any occasion. Users can connect multiple speakers effortlessly via Auracast and enjoy features like wireless microphones and guitar inputs.

The PartyBox Stage 320, equipped with a telescopic handle and sturdy wheels, offers up to 18 hours of use. The Club 120, featuring an ergonomic handle, provides up to 12 hours of continuous play. Both models have replaceable batteries available separately for extended use.

For portable fun, the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential features 100 watts of sound, built-in lights, and a wireless mic, along with convenient features like a bottle opener, padded shoulder strap, and IPX4 splash-proof protection. This allows users to take their music wherever they go.

These new audio essentials are designed to meet the evolving needs of users, perfect for active, on-the-go lifestyles, and crafted to enhance enjoyment — whether individuals are spending time with friends or seeking moments of personal relaxation.