Director-composer wins Himig Handog

AIZA Seguerra

MANILA, Philippines – Director-composer Jovinor Tan’s heart-breaking love song “Anong Nangyari sa Ating Dalawa” was declared winner of this year’s Himig Handog songwriting competition.

Interpreted by Aiza Seguerra, the song bested 11 other entries during the performance night and grand finals held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Sunday night.

Tan, who directed the 2005 horror flick “Bahay ni Lola 2,” bagged P1 million for winning the songwriting tilt, which has the theme “Pinoy Pop (P-POP) Love Songs: Mga Awit at Kwento ng Pusong Pilipino.”

On his Facebook account following his triumph, Tan posted a message, thanking his family, friends and all of his supporters.

“Thank you sa Diyos at sa pamilya ko,” he said. “Hindi ko ‘to inakala pero pwede palang mangyari…Thank you sa mga kapwa finalists. Salamat sa lahat – mga kaibigan na tumulong at nagdasal,” he said.

Meanwhile, on second place was “Hanggang Wakas” by Soc Villanueva (interpreted by Juris Fernandez); third place was “If You Ever Change Your Mind,”  which was sung by its composer Marion Aunor; fourth place was “Scared to Death” by Domingo Rosco Jr. (KZ Tandingan); and fifth place was “Kahit Na” by Julius James de Belen (Toni Gonzaga).

The rest of the finalists are: “Alaala” by Ma. Fe Mechenette Tianga, Melvin Huervana and Joel Jabat Jr. (Yeng Consantinto); “Nasa Iyo na ang Lahat” by Jungee Marcelo (Daniel Padilla); “One Day” by  Agatha Morallos (Angeline Quinto); “Pwede Bang Ako na Lang Ulit” by Jeffrey Cifra (Bugoy Drilon); “Sana’y Magbalik” by Arman Alferez (Jovit Baldivino);  “Tamang Panahon” by Wynn Andrada; and “This Song is for You” by Jude Gitamondoc (Erik Santos).

Organized by ABS-CBN and Star Records, the competition’s grand finals was judged by a panel composed of Ogie Alcasid, Sarah Geronimo, Jim Paredes, Olivia Lamasan, Jet Pangan, Jed Madela, Freddie Aguilar, Cory Vidanes, Louie Ocampo, August Benitez and Freddie Garcia.