Lawyers, flight attendant, seaman among Viva Musika songwriting tilt winners

Aside from working musicians, the winners of Viva Musika, a new search for promising and unsigned Filipino composers, also include lawyers, a flight attendant, a seaman and an accountant hoping to land a big break in the music industry. After a series of rigorous screenings, Viva Musika—which received entries from aspirants around the country and those based abroad—whittled down the list to 10. Contestants were asked to submit three unreleased songs, which were appraised by industry experts and regular listeners.

Those who received the highest scores were: Pat Cardoza, a flight attendant and dietitian from Manila (“Mahal,” “Kailan Ka Babalik” and “Back to You”); teacher and band musician Vee Jay Cariego of Cebu (“Miss, Miss Maayag,” “Key of G” and “Kalit”); Clyde Fedelis, a US Navy care manager and musician based in the United States (“Isang Banayad na Pag-Indak,” “Kahit Hindi Magkaintindihan” and “Mission Forever”);

Dianne Lim, a songwriter and marketing officer from Quezon City (“Umaasa,” “Kahit Wala nang Pagtingin” and “Dito Na Lang Tayo”); Joel Abad, a seaman from Valenzuela City (“Kahit Wala Ka Na,” “Kilig” and “Torpe”); Fritz Baguio, a lawyer from Cebu (“Sabik,” “Dinaba” and “Thanks for Loving Me”); Lino Cajegas, accountant-turned-music director based in Australia, (“Magnet,” “Huling Pagkikita” and “Lost Love”);

Paul Hildawa, a lawyer and self-confessed kontesero from Parañaque City (“Malapit Na Akong Mahulog Sa Yo,” “Sakit” and “When God Seems Silent”); Oliver Narag, a songwriter and teacher from Valenzuela City (“Aaminin Ko Na,” “‘Di Na Ba Magbabalik” and “Madapaka”); and musician Divino Rivera of Benguet (“Langit,” “Us” and “Dito”).

The winners, who received P100,000 each, will be included in Viva Records’ roster of songwriters. Their entries will also be up for release and will be in consideration for Viva’s movies, films or other productions.

“We can’t have hit songs without these talented creators,” Viva chair and chief operating officer Vic del Rosarios said. “I have heard the songs and I believe that these discoveries will be creating a lot of hits for us. I’m very excited to release their songs into the market.” INQ