Ingrooves Music Group, a world leader in music distribution, marketing, and technology, has signed Universal Records, one of the Philippines' leading independent record labels to a global distribution deal.  The first release under the new deal is the release of a Christian Bautista tribute album, The Way You Look at Me: The Songs of Christian Bautista, out on March 3.

The album marks the 20^th anniversary of when the celebrated singer came onto the music scene. Bautista is also planning a 20^th Anniversary concert which is being held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati on Jan. 28.

Headquartered in Quezon City, Universal Records Philippines, Inc. is one of the most successful record labels ever to exist in the Philippines. Over the years, some of the iconic and award-winning Filipino artists became part of the UR family like Jose Mari Chan, Gary Valenciano, Apo Hiking Society, Parokya Ni Edgar, Christian Bautista, Julie Anne San Jose, Gloc-9, Shanti Dope, Kyle Juliano, Donny Pangilinan, Paolo Sandejas, Timmy Albert, Ken San Jose, The Ransom Collective and many more. Other new releases via Ingrooves in the coming weeks include projects from Sam Concepcion, Gloc-9 featuring Liezel and Ramdiss, Zephanie, Shanti Dope featuring HELLMERRY, KZ Tandingan and others.

“For decades, Universal Records has proven again and again that they know how to build a sustainable music business in the Philippines and beyond. We're honored that Universal Records has chosen Ingrooves as their strategic growth partner to collaborate, support, and empower their commercial and creative vision,” said Nina Rabe-Cairns, Managing Director APAC for Ingrooves Music Group. “Guji Lorenzana and the Philippines’ team are dedicated to offering top-notch service, which, combined with our innovative marketing technology and global team, will enable Universal Records to thrive in new and exciting ways.”

Kathleen Dy-Go, Managing Director of Universal Records commented: “We strongly feel that this partnership is a chance to begin again while carrying the wisdom of the past that taught us so many things. I believe that we can reach new heights with this bold move. And of course, we have high hopes that we can gain a different perspective in this continuously evolving and thriving music industry with the help of our partner Ingrooves Music Group.”

“Without a doubt Universal Records is one of the most important record labels in the country,” said Guji Lorenzana, Country Manager of the Philippines for Ingrooves Music Group. “Working with their team on this hugely iconic collection from Christian Bautista is really a dream come true for all of us at Ingrooves.”

“Universal Records is the gold standard of independent record labels in the Philippines, and we are excited to welcome them to the Universal Music Group family through their partnership with Ingrooves Music Group,” said Enzo Valdez, Managing Director, Universal Music Group PH.

Artists and songs included on The Way You Look at Me: The Songs Of Christian Bautista Album:

I Belong To The Zoo, “Hands To Heaven”

Morissette, “Colour Everywhere”

Kyle Juliano, “Everything You Do”

Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz, “Pag-ibig Na Kaya”

Ben&Ben, “The Way You Look At Me”

Sam Concepcion, “Kapit”

Zephanie, “Since I Found You”

KZ Tandingan, “Kailan Pa Ma’y Ikaw”