Julian Trono
Touted as the premier songwriting competition in the country, PhilPop continues to provide a sustainable platform for amateur and professional composers to showcase exceptional songs from various genres and styles.
From “Dati” to “‘Di Na Muli,” the annual music competition has produced some of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed recordings of the last five years, serving as training ground for artists who aren’t afraid to challenge songwriting tropes.
This year marks a special moment in songwriting history as the festival opened its doors to entries written in different languages, spanning across regions and cities outside Metro Manila.
From the roster of Top 30 semifinalists, PhilPop has narrowed the selection to 10. In no particular order, these are the finalists: “Ako Ako,” composed by Jeriko Buenafe and interpreted by Feel Day featuring Hans Dimayuga; “Di Ko Man,” composed by Ferdinand Aragon and interpreted by Ferdinand Aragon himself; “Isang Gabing Pag-ibig,” composed by Carlo Angelo David and interpreted by Jex de Castro; “Kariton,” composed by Philip Arvin Jarilla and interpreted by Acapellago; “Laon Ako,” composed by Elmar Bolaño and Donel Trasporto Tigbauan and interpreted by Kakai Bautista;
“Loco de Amor,” composed by Ed Miraflor Jr. and interpreted by BennyBunnyBand; “Nanay Tatay,” composed by Chud Festejo and interpreted by Chud Festejo; “Pilipit,” composed by Sean Gabriel Cedro and John Ray Reodique and interpreted by Julian Trono; “Tama Na,” composed by Michael Rodriguez and Jeanne Columbine Rodriguez and interpreted by Katrina Velarde; “’Yun Tayo,” composed by Donnalyn Onilongo and interpreted by Gracenote.
This year’s finalists offer diverse entries that represent different musical styles, ranging from contemporary music to folk, Latin-flavored pop to R&B/soul, and rock to easy listening music.
The 10 finalists and their interpreters will showcase their original songs on Dec. 2, in the PhilPop Festival Finals Night at Capitol Commons in Pasig (log on to philpop.com.ph to vote).
Kudos to my good friends, Ryan Cayabyab, Noel Cabangon, Ogie Alcasid and the rest of PhilPop for “keeping the hills alive” with the sound of Original Pilipino Music.