PhilPop calls for 4th festival song entries; deadline set

Jungee Marcelo file photo

Interested composers may submit entries to the 2015 Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPop) songwriting competition until Feb. 28.

The contest, now in its fourth edition, is open to all amateur and professional songwriters who are Filipino or of Filipino descent. PhilPop, which aims to foster musical creativity and innovation, urges hopefuls to experiment: A song entry may be written in any genre or form; the use of other Filipino dialects are likewise encouraged.

“All entries should be original, and haven’t been licensed, distributed or performed publicly prior,” stressed Ryan Cayabyab,

Ryan Cayabyab file photo

PhilPop executive director.

After the deadline for submission, a panel of judges will select 12 songs that will move on to the finals, slated in July. Their creators will get the chance to win P1 million.

Past festival champions are Karl Villuga (“Bawat Hakbang,” 2012), Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana (“Dati,” 2013) and Jungee Marcelo (“Salbabida,” 2014).

For information, visit the official website at www.philpop.com.ph Allan Policarpio