Songwriting duo wins Philpop 2013

Yumi Lacsamana and Thyro Alfaro sing their winning entry “Dati” with Quest and Sam Concepcion in an encore performance.

MANILA, Philippines—For their catchy, ’90s-inspired song entry “Dati,” Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana were declared winners of the 2nd Philippine Popular Music Festival (Philpop) songwriting competition. The duo bested 11 other finalists during the contest’s finals night held Saturday at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City.

“I feel numb; the feeling hasn’t sunk in yet. I thought I was dreaming when our names were called,” Thyro told reporters after the show. “I want to thank God, my family and those who supported us.”

The two also reached the finals of last year’s Philpop, but failed to make it to the top 3. “We really didn’t expect to win. We just wanted to enjoy the whole experience,” Yumi said.

“Dati” was interpreted by singer-actors Sam Concepcion and Tippy dos Santos, and RnB artist Quest. “Yumi and I initially thought about performing the song ourselves. But we were both pleasantly surprised with how Sam and Tippy gave life to our composition,” Thyro related.

As champions, Thyro and Yumi took home P1 million, while 1st runner-up Johnoy Danao and 2nd runner-up Jungee Marcelo received P500,000 and P250,000, respectively. Johnoy’s gentle love song “Kung ‘Di Man” was sung by Ney Dimaculangan; Jungee’s jazz-flavored “Pansamantagal,” by Sitti and Julianne Tarroja.

Johnoy took home an additional P100,000 for winning the Smart Voters’ Choice award. Bagging the same amount was Paul Armesin for winning the Meralco special award. His song”Segundo” was performed by Yael Yuzon of Spongecola.

The other songs that made it to the finals were “Askal” by Ganny Brown (interpreted by Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola), “Sometimes that Happens” by Adrienne Sarmiento and Nino Regalado (Ace Libre of Never the Strangers), “Araw, Ulap, Langit” by Marlon Barnuevo (Christian Bautista), “Sa ‘Yo Na Lang Ako” by Lara Maigue (Karylle), “Sana Pinatay Mo Na Lang Ako” by Myrus Apacible (Kimpoy Feliciano), “Time Machine” by Kennard Faraon (Six Part Invention) and “Space” by Raffy Calicdan (Kean Cipriano of Callalily and Ang Banda ni Kleggy).

Folk-rock artist Joey Ayala performed his own composition “Papel” together with Gloc 9, Silver Surfer and Denise Barbacena.

Hosted by Ogie Alcasid and Jasmine Curtis-Smith the show featured performances from guests artists such as Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, The CompanY, The Ryan Cayabyab singers and Charice.