This year’s PhilPop yields unlikely but intriguing new collaborations

TOTO Sorioso (left) and Tom Rodriguez

Like its previous two editions, the lineup of songwriters and interpreters for the finals of this year’s Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPop) songwriting competition consists of fresh and familiar faces that represent different music genres—pop, rock, R&B, dance and hip-hop.

Top 12 entries

“Since we have a diverse mix of artists, there are also a lot of intriguing collaborations. It is exciting to see industry veterans working closely with young aspirants,”  PhilPop executive director Ryan Cayabyab told the Inquirer at a press con that introduced the interpreters of the Top 12 entries:

Luigi D’Avola for Davey Langit’s “NGSB (No Girlfriend Since Break)”; Thor for Venelyn San Pedro’s “The Only One”; Aldrich Talonding and James Bucong for Toto Sorioso’s “Awit Mo’y Nandito Pa”; Nicole Asensio for Jude Gitamondoc and Therese Marie Villarante’s “Song on a Broken String”; Nikki Gil for Soc Villanueva’s “Babalikan Mo Rin Ako”; Kris Lawrence for Daryl Ong’s “Torpe”; Kyla for Jungee Marcelo’s “Salbabida”;

RYAN Cayabyab urges Filipinos to keep writing songs. EUGENIO REYES/ CONTRIBUTOR

Kiana Valenciano for Mike Villegas’ “Dear Heart”; Clara Benin and Mcoy Fundales for Cecilia Bocobo and Isaac Joseph Garcia’s “Kung Akin ang Langit”; Tom Rodriguez for Toto Sorioso’s “Langit Umaawit”; Jay-R and Elmo Magalona for  Q-York’s “Qrush on You”; and Duncan Ramos and Young JV for Allan Feliciano and Isaac Joseph Garcia’s “Hangout Lang.”

Cayabyab related that the finalists were asked to list down the names of artists who they felt could best perform their compositions. “Of course, as much as possible, we want to have the best singers. But because of schedule conflicts, some of them couldn’t join,” said Cayabyab, who urged TV networks and labels to “lend” some contract talents to PhilPop.

“Some singers were reluctant because of the competition aspect. But we want to stress that the PhilPop isn’t really about that. This contest is for our industry. We want to push Filipino music forward,” Cayabyab emphasized.

Unexpected

Still, the awarded composer said, he was pleased with the final lineup, which has some rather unexpected pairings.

“You may ask why Tom Rodriguez is included. Toto Sorioso’s ‘Langit Umaawit’ was originally for a female singer, but Tom’s pogi voice went well with the easy-listening ballad,” Cayabyab explained.

MIKE Villegas and Kiana Valenciano

Cayabyab was likewise impressed with Valenciano’s rendition of Villegas’ “Dear Heart.” “When I first heard the song, I couldn’t tell it was Kiana,” he said. “I thought she would sound sweet, much like a Disney princess, but her voice has an interesting edge to it.”

Rodriguez and Valenciano both admitted that there’s pressure on them to do well, especially since their performance could make or break the songwriters’ chances. But that wouldn’t stop them from relishing the experience, they said.

“I am honored to work with amazing songwriters and singers that I look up to,” Rodriguez said. “I’m going to do my best and hope it will be enough.”

Valenciano pointed out, “It’s all about the experience for me; not everyone is given this chance. Whether we win or not … I’ll just enjoy myself.”

Sorioso, who has two entries in the Top 12, said that PhilPop 2014 could jump-start his career in songwriting. “It’s exciting and overwhelming to contribute to the music scene in my own little way,” he said. “The competition allows us to meet other incredibly good musicians, and build networks.”

Refreshing

For veteran composers like Marcelo, who gave Daniel Padilla his hit song, “Nasa Iyo na ang Lahat,” joining competitions is a way of taking a break from routine. “Crafting songs refreshes

JUNGEE Marcelo and Kyla photos by eugenio reyes/contributor

my mind,” he said. “Even if the prize was bubble gum, I’d still join.”

Happily, the winner of PhilPop 2014—which will be announced  during the grand finals on July 26 at the Meralco Theater—will be taking home not a pack of gum, but a cash prize worth P1 million.

The Top 12 song entries will be featured in a compilation album to be released in CD format by Universal Records, and digital format on SPINNR.

Cayabyab hopes this year’s contest will yield something as successful as last year’s winner, “Dati” (composed by Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana), which enjoyed considerable radio airplay and notched over 23 million hits on YouTube. “I think we’re starting to find the listeners’ kiliti.” Cayabyab said. “I hope Filipino musicians continue to write songs.”

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