Songwriting tilt shines the spotlight on farming

FROM LEFT: Rommel Cunanan, tilt project director; Luchi Roque, former program director of Namcya; chief advocate Milagros O. How; Jed Balsamo, music director of Ballet Philippines, and Olivier Ochanine, former music director of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

After successfully mounting its first film festival in July, ToFarm, a program that promotes the country’s farming sector, is now launching a songwriting competition that highlights the skill and resilience of local farmers, as well as the beauty and simplicity of rural life.

The contest, a brainchild of Universal Harvester executive vice president Dr.  Milagros How, is open to amateur and professional composers, and will accept entries until Nov. 19. Nine song finalists will be revealed on Dec. 5.

“Music is a universal language…and we’re looking forward to a harvest of musical discoveries,” How said at a recent press conference, which was also attended by members of the competition’s committee: Luchi Roque, former program director of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (Namcya); Jed Balsamo, resident music director of Ballet Philippines, and Olivier Ochanine, former music director of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

While the song entries should adhere to the theme, “Planting the Seeds of Change,” their lyrics and their messages don’t need to be just about farming or agriculture, literally—“it could be inspirational, romantic or allegorical.”

“Contestants could incorporate elements of rural life, capture the essence of its culture,” Balsamo pointed out. “It doesn’t have to be like, ‘Magtanim ay ’Di Biro.’”

“When I arrived in the Philippines six years ago, I was instantly struck by the musical talent of its people. So, submissions should underscore the fact that Filipinos from all walks of life can sing or express themselves through music,” Ochanine added.

ToFarm encourages hopefuls to explore different genres and styles of music. Musicians are required to initially submit only a bare-bones version of their work, then the songs will be assessed anonymously.

“Their submissions could have a maximum of four instruments as accompaniment. We believe that without the embellishments, the focus will solely be on the melody. It puts the contestants on equal footing; those who can’t afford to do a full arrangement won’t be at a disadvantage.”

Should a songwriter make it to the top nine, his or her entry will be assigned an arranger and a live performer for the tilt’s grand finals on Feb. 6, 2017. The winner will take home P300,000; first runnerup, P200,000; second runnerup, P100,000, and the People’s Choice, P75,000. Visit www.tofarm.org or e-mail [email protected] for details.

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