FHM Philippines Had Massive Local Success Launched in 2000, FHM Philippines became the country's top-selling men's magazine, Its popularity endured for over 17 years before the print version ceased in 2017.
The magazine was founded in January 20000 under Summit Media's publishing division, which has since been renamed Summit Publishing Inc., and it quickly established itself as the go-to magazine for Filipino guys who wanted to learn about women, cars, sports, gadgets, movies, music, travel, fashion, food, and more. In fact, the magazine was so successful that it eventually expanded its reach beyond the Philippines to include Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and India.
The publication featured articles on everything from relationships and dating to sex tips and advice to lifestyle features like "How to Be a Man" or "What Women Want." It also published lists of beautiful women such as the Hot 100 Babes and Sexiest Women, with the likes of Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Sharon Cuneta, Cristine Reyes, Angel Locsin, Anne Curtis, KC Concepcion, and others making the cut. The magazine even had a column called "Dear FHM," where readers could write in with their relationship problems and get advice from experts.
Despite its massive local success, the magazine struggled financially after several years due to declining sales and advertising revenue. This led to its eventual closure in March 2017, but not before it made a lasting impact on Philippine culture and society. Many of the magazine's former staff members went on to work at other publications, while some continued to be active in the media industry.
FHM Philippines may have come to an end, but it will always be remembered for its contribution to Philippine pop culture and the way it helped shape the country's idea of masculinity. With its mix of humor, sex appeal, and practical information, the magazine provided men with a unique perspective on life that they couldn't find anywhere else.