Touted as the biggest collaboration in Philippine songwriting festival history, The Philpop - Himig Handog songwriting festival has released the Top 12 songs that represent today’s OPM and echo this generation’s woes, feelings, sentiments, and hopes.
The diverse selection of fully-produced tunes was handpicked by the two music institutions (PhilPop and Himig Handog), who have made history by teaming up to find the next wave of global superstars and industry titans.
According to Jonathan Manalo, the creative director of ABS-CBN Music, the final roster of tracks was determined through a rigorous adjudication process. The selection of songs involved direct consultation with the songwriters to determine the creative direction of their respective material and identify collaborators who aligned with their overall vision for the competition.
Dinah Remolacio, PhilPop Executive Producer, also emphasized the importance of finding the right team of producers when developing the final version of the songs.
“Respect for language was also taken into consideration as we wanted artists who naturally spoke the languages that are not necessarily Tagalog and not someone who would pretend to sing in a language that he or she wasn’t familiar with. Overall, the production was a process that required a lot of components to fall into place, as well as a lot of patience and dedication. But we’re excited for people to finally hear these songs.”
The shortlisted entries explore the different facets of OPM in a modern, globalized setting while retaining its unique storytelling style and individuality. Based on the final output alone, the pioneering batch of PhilPop - Himig Handog Songwriting Competition stays true to its unwavering commitment to promoting OPM on a scale that’s never been done before: break new territoriesand captivate the international audience with music that is distinctly global yet very Pinoy.
As Manalo puts it, “The Top 12 have been very proactive and collaborative in their tracks. They really care about the final output of their songs, and there’s a drive to achieve their vision for their respective tracks. There was definitely a conscious effort, not just to make these songs globally competitive but also to make them a beautiful reflection of this generation’s stories and context. I think what we’ll hear for this batch is a representation of the current landscape of OPM that’s very diverse, young, and vibrant.”
"Magaganda ang mga songs," Jonathan shared with One Music PH. "Confident akong lumapit sa mga artists kasi sure ako na magugustuhan and mapapamahal sila sa mga kanta. Madaling manligaw kapag ganun kaganda ang mga kanta. Kung pag-uusapan ang process, siyempre, may iba-iba tayong taste 'di ba? Heto, mas mahirap ang pinagdaanan ng mga composers kasi dalawa ang screening processes. Ini-screen siya pareho ng PhilPop and Himig Handog groups, pero ang na-discover namin sa process na 'to is kahit magkaiba 'yung mga tastes natin, siyempre umupo kami nina Sir Roxy (Liquigan, Head of ABS-CBN Music), umupo kami nina Dinah and Gab from PhilPop. Nag-tally kami ng scores ng bawat team. What we discovered is that magkakaiba man ang tastes, we can all agree on what is a good song. Nagulat kami nung tally kami na pareho lang pala kami - bawal ang cheating, kailangan kanya-kanyang scores - na-realize namin na kapag maganda yung kanta, maganda yung kanta. Yung results ng screenings of both groups, masasabi ko na unanimous ang scores and nagkaisa kami na ito mga songs na makakapasok. HIndi naman kami nag-away at all, pare-pareho kami ng favorites. Minsan kasi 'pag ganyang process may magke-question bakit hindi nakapasok ang certain songs, pero this time we got to agree that these are the best songs that would represent the collaboration between the two groups."
Gab Cabangon, PhilPop member, also said to One Music PH that, "The process has been very collaborative.It's abig thing that PhilPop and Himig Handog have been friends. Even before this collaboration, a lot of our coaches have worked with some of our songwriters and producers with Himig Handog and ABS-CBN. The friendship is there. I think malaking bagay din ang respect for each other, yung understanding that neither PhilPop or Himig Handog ang nagli-lead, but we're partners win this with the same advocacy of elevating Filipino music and giving a platform to songwriters to share their music and try to push the boundaries of Filipino music fiuther. Both organizations operated on where they're good at. We are learnning from each other what we could do and leaning on each other's strengths That's why we're really excited for the public to hear the Top 12, and I hope they enjoy them as much as we did when we were listening to the songs. Congratulations to all who made it."
Remolacio adds, “I think you can expect a fresh batch of pop songs that have the ability to break borders globally and represent the diverse but interconnected culture of our country. We hope that through these tracks, our local fandoms will be proud of our music, and we hope that these songs will strengthen the local music scene and the music breaking borders movement.”
Philpop - Himig Handog is an initiative of the Philpop Musicfest Foundation and Himig Handog, which began with a mentorship program that included workshops and songwriting sessions for budding Filipino composers from all over the country. This year’s game-changing event remains unwavering in its obligation to come up with innovative approaches in music-making and songwriting that are at par with international standards.
The Top 12 entries will vie to become this year’s best compositions. The winners will receive cash prizes amounting to PHP 1,000,000 (1st place); PHP 500,000 (2nd place); and PHP 200,000 (3rd place).
One Music PH made our Power Rankings for the Top 12. Please take note that: a). these are based on our accounting of the Spotify streams, YouTube and Tiktok views, social media engagement, and the shared opinions by One Music PH and some credible colleagues. The official music videos haven't been released yet, so if the momentum shifts considerably we're going to give you an updated countdown, b) To be clear, these are all incredibly well-made songs, and c).These power rankings are in no way influential on the official results of the competition.
With that being said, here they are...
12)."Salamat (Nga Wala Na Ta)"
Composer: Jimmy Ricks
Interpreter: Kurt Fick
“Salamat (Nga Wala Na Ta)” is an anthem of personal growth and healing along with its themes of gratitude and self-discovery it brings. The track has that 80's - Giorgio Moroder synth-anchored pop music feel to it.
11). "Tulala"
Composer: Shantal Cyline Lapatha
Interpreters: Shantel Cyline & Extrapolation
Shantel’s upbeat composition “Tulala” is about a girl who instantly gets drawn to an attractive stranger despite her fear of falling in love. Shantel, a native of Bacolod City, performs the song with jazz, funk, and soul band Extrapolation.The song has a very engaging chorus sung with hagod and lambing.
10). "Dili Na Lang"
Songwriter: Relden Campanilla
Interpreter: Jolianne
Relden captures the simple explanation that “love is beautiful but also hard and if it isn’t with you, then I don’t want it” in “Dili Na Lang” interpreted by her fellow Cebuana artist Jolianne. The track benefits from its intricate and silky musical arrangement and productions
9). "Taliwala"
Songwriter: Maric Gavino
Interpreter: Noah Alejandre
Inspired by a real-life story, Maric’s “Taliwala” encourages staying committed despite the challenges of fading love. It is interpreted by Philpop 2020 winner Noah Alejandre, a member of the singing duo from Ormoc, reon. He's also one of the leading pop singers from the South. The song is a romantic heart-melting tender light pop-rock song.
8). "Ghostwriter"
Songwriter: Kevin Yadao
Interpreter: Khimo
Kevin Yadao chronicles the feelings of being ghosted while seeking a valid and acceptable reason in “Ghostwriter” performed by Idol Philippines season 2 grand winner KHIMO. The bouncy, freaky, and sensual tones of this tune is further enhanced by the rich and lush musical arrengement and production done by the all-star team of Thyro Alfaro and Francis "KIKX" Salazar
7). "ATM"
Songwriter: Francis Contemplacion
Interpreter: Ice Seguerra
Laguna native Francis composed “ATM,” short for Ang Tanging Mamahalin, to honor his wife and depict all the ways he loves her inspired by Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages. Ice Seguerra serves as the song interpreter. This waltzy ballad is just so sweet and romantic, a prom anthem waiting to happen.
6). "'Wag Paglaruan"
Songwriter: Tiara Shaye
Interpreters: Fana & Tiara Shaye
The BINI-inspired electro-pop bubblegum pop song “Wag Paglaruan” showcases Tiara’s upbeat and multi-layered writing, diving into the wariness of being emotionally played by someone manipulative. FANA’s vibrant vocals complement the song, which also features Tiara herself.
5). "Buhi"
Composer: Keith John Quito
Interpreter: Ferdinand Aragon
Keith John Quito’s “Buhi” signifies the title’s dual meaning in Bisaya, "letting go" and "being alive." The moving-on song after a failed relationship is interpreted by indie-folk singer-songwriter and leading Visayan balladeer Ferdinand Aragon.
4). "Langit Lupa"
Songwriter: Geca Morales
Interpreters: Annrain, Lyka Estrella, & Geca Morales
Geca wrote “Langit Lupa” based on the running-around game of the same name. She is also the song interpreter alongside Tawag ng Tanghalan season 6 champion Lyka Estrella and Idol Philippines season 2 contestant Annrain. The fierce song is a fiery eclectic song flavored with rock and rap flavor.
3). "MHWG"
Songwriter: Rob Angeles
Interpreters: VXON
Rob Angeles’ “MHWG” is short for ‘"mahiwaga" and is a song about hope and encouragement, reminding listeners not to rush through life and instead welcome unexpected and wonderful opportunities. Rising P-pop group VXON performs the song. The song has that 80's-flavored breezy, laidback vibe.
2). "Papahiram"
Songwriter: Rinz Ruiz
Interpreters: Moira Dela Torre & Johnoy Danao
Rinz Ruiz’s “Papahiram” is about real love that sees and accepts both the good and the bad. It is interpreted by OPM hitmaker Moira featuring leading indie musician Johnnoy Danao. Both the intricate musical arangement and the glorious vocal melodies of the two singers truly tug the heartstrings.
1). "Kurba"
Songwriter: Alvin Serito
Interpreter: Maki
Sunkissed Lola’s frontman Alvin Serito expresses the magical feeling of falling in love no matter how cruel the world can be in “Kurba” interpreted by this year’s breakthrough OPM artist Maki. Serito has the knack for crafting his lyrics from ingenious and unexpected angles, and this track is another example of that. The song is approaching 1.010 million streams on Spotify.
"Actually, it's a huge honor for me, sobrang thrilling na mag-interpret ng isang kanta ni Alvin," Maki said to One Music PH. "Siguro, para sa 'kin kasi natutuwa ako dahil very great timing yung 'Kurba'. The song is very on line with my song 'Dilaw' thematically."