‘Wag Paglaruan’ by Fana, Tiara Shaye wins Philpop Himig Handog Festival

Rising singer-songwriters Fana and Tiara Shaye were overwhelmed with gratitude after their song “Wag Paglaruan” won the grand prize at the Philpop Himig Handog Festival. Image: Courtesy of PhilPOP x Himig Handog

“Wag Paglaruan,” a pop track by singer-songwriters Fana and Tiara Shaye, bested 11 other entries to win the grand prize at the Philpop Himig Handog Songwriting Festival.

The four-minute song, which features a soulful take on bubblegum pop, was announced as the winner of the songwriting festival at the New Frontier Theater on Saturday, March 22. It was written by Tiara Shaye and was interpreted by herself and Fana.

According to the judges, “Wag Paglaruan” was selected for its “enduring songwriting appeal and contemporary artistry.”

“Buhi” by Keith John Quito (interpreted by Ferdinand Aragon) and “Papahiram” by Rinz Ruiz (interpreted by Moira Dela Torre and Johnoy Danao)” were named first and second-runners-up, respectively.

Meanwhile, “Kurba” written by Sunkissed Lola’s Alvin Serito and interpreted by Maki bagged the MYX Choice Award for Best Music Video and Smart People’s Choice Award plums. It was also the most-streamed track out of the 12 entries.

The remaining eight entries included the following:

• “ATM” by Francis Contemplacion (interpreted by Ice Seguerra)
• “Dili Na Lang” by Relden Campanilla (interpreted by Jolianne)
• “Ghostwriter” by Kevin Yadao (interpreted by Khimo)
• “Langit Lupa” by Geca Morales (interpreted by Geca, Lyka Estrella, and Annrain)
• “MHWG” by Rob Angeles (interpreted by VXON)
• “Salamat (Nga Wala Na Ta)” by Jimmy Ricks (interpreted by Kurt Fick)
• “Taliwala” by Maric Gavino (interpreted by Noah Alejandro)
• “Tulala” by Shantel Cyline Lapatha (interpreted by Shantel and Extrapolation)

According to ABS-CBN Music AVP Jonathan Manalo, this year’s entries were judged on their originality, artistry, and how they can resonate with listeners. “The judges also evaluate a song’s uniqueness and its ability to stand out amongst the rest,” he said in a press statement.

“This is usually seen in how the concept or the story is executed in a song or in the way the song was composed or arranged,” he continued. “Since it is also a pop songwriting contest, we also have to factor in a song’s relatability and appeal to the audience, especially with the younger fans.”

Manalo also hoped the winners of this year’s songwriting competition would serve as inspiration for aspiring singers and songwriters.

“We can also expect the winners to become potential speakers and mentors for future songwriting camps so that they can share their story and their advice to other aspiring songwriters who would want to join our songwriting festivals in the future,” he said.

The judging panel was composed of Noel Cabangon, Jungee Marcelo, Trina Belamide, Nica del Rosario, Bret Jackson, Maribel Hernaez, and Yumi Lacsamana.

Notable winners of the Himig Handog festival include “Tara Tena (2001),” “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (2002),” and “Titibo-Tibo (2017).”