PhilPop champ credits ‘lifesavers’ for triumph

JUNGEE Marcelo (left) with song interpreter Kyla

Last year’s bridesmaid is this year’s bride. Seasoned composer Jungee Marcelo’s jazz-flavored entry, “Pansamantagal,” came short of winning the 2013 Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPop) songwriting contest, ending in third place behind Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana’s “Dati” and Johnoy Danao’s “Kung ’Di Man.”

But Marcelo, 50, never lost the drive to win. He joined the annual tilt’s 2014 installment, believing that “God smiles on those who give their best.” On grand finals on Saturday night at Meralco Theater, Marcelo finally clinched the top prize.

His entry, “Salbabida,” sung by local R&B vocalist Kyla, bested 11 song finalists culled from an initial pool of more than 2,500 entries. “There’s no way you can be

FROM left: Aldrich Talonding, Toto Sorioso and James Bucong

sure of victory; you just give your best,” Marcelo told the Inquirer after the rites. “I just prayed that God would give me the heart to understand if I didn’t win.”

Marcelo earlier penned the recent hits “Nasa Iyo na ang Lahat” by Daniel Padilla and “Ako na Lang” by Zia Quizon.

Two years

“PhilPop brings out the best in [the participants],” he added. “We get to write songs that we wouldn’t normally compose in the pop or commercial world. I love the thrill of competing. I would have joined if the prize was just champoy.”

CLARA Benin and Mcoy Fundales

Marcelo related that gospel-inflected “Salbabida” took two years to compose, was inspired by God and dedicated to his wife, Anna—his  two constant “lifesavers.” He explained, “I used to be so full of myself; I needed rescuing. I turn to them when I lose balance.”

Stressed Marcelo, who has been writing songs for 35 years, “Everyone has his own salbabida.”

He had always wanted to compose a song for Kyla, whom he admired, Marcelo said, not only for her expansive vocal range, but also for her character. “She’s the epitome of a true and good artist. There’s not an ounce of haughtiness in her. I couldn’t believe that someone could be so down-to-earth while at the top of her game.”

As the champion, Marcelo received P1 million and an intricately crafted glass trophy made by renowned sculptor Ramon Orlina. Asked what he planned to do with

TOM RODRIGUEZ sings “Langit Umaawit.”

the money, he quipped, “I’ll pay my debts! The running joke is that songwriters spend hundreds of thousands on equipment but earn only hundreds!” But, he said, “I’d like to travel with my wife, too,  maybe go backpacking.”

Runners-up

Coming in second was “Awit Mo’y Nandito Pa” by Ronaldo “Toto” Sorioso (interpreted by Aldrich Talonding and James Bucong); in third, “Torpe” by Daryl Ong (Kris Lawrence). They won P500,000 and P250,000, respectively. The SPINNR’s People’s Choice Award was given to “Kung Akin ang Langit” by Cecilia Bocobo and Isaac Joseph Garcia (Mcoy Fundales and Clara Benin).

KRIS Lawrence

The other finalists: Davey Langit’s “No Girlfriend Since Break” (performed by Luigi D’Avola); Venelyn San Pedro’s “The Only One” (Thor); Jude Gitamondoc and Therese Marie Villarante’s “Song on a Broken String” (Nicole Asensio); Soc Villanueva’s “Babalikan Mo Rin Ako” (Nikki Gil);  Mike Villegas’ “Dear Heart” (Kiana Valenciano);

Sorioso’s “Langit Umaawit” (Tom Rodriguez); Q-York’s “Qrush On You” (Jay-R and Elmo Magalona); Allan Feliciano and Garcia’s “Hangout Lang” (Duncan Ramos and Young JV).

Prior to the ceremonies, PhilPop gathered industry experts for a pre-adjudication session that determined

NIKKI Gil

60 percent of the 12 finalists’ total scores. On finals night, the remaining 40 percent was given by a panel that included Abra, Aiza Seguerra, Sam Concepcion, Megan Young, Noel Cabangon, Julie Anne San Jose and Wilma Galvante.

Hosted by Ogie Alcasid, Iya Villania and Christian Bautista, the event—mounted by the PhilPop Musicfest Foundation headed by Ryan Cayabyab—featured performances by Kuh Ledesma, San Jose, Gloc-9, Concepcion, Tippy Dos Santos and the cast of the musical “Rak of Aegis.”

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Photos by Kimberly de la Cruz