Jona, Kyla, Bugoy Drilon, Liezel Garcia, Trisha Denise, and Maris Racal have given life to five original songs from an ABS-CBN employee songwriting competition that now comprise the new extended play (EP) called “OPM Fresh Songwriters Series Vol.1.”
The company-wide employee contest Kapamilya Himig Handog, a version of the country’s biggest songwriting competition “Himig Handog,” showcased the songwriting talents of Kapamilyas Jane Abaday, Mark Marcos, Michelle Saubon, Christine Estabillo, and Mycah Borja through their respective entries “Kaya Pala,” “Sleep Tonight,” “Mahiwaga,” “Ikaw Na Lang Ang Kulang,” and “Stop Missing You.”
Jane (aka MJ) of MOR Entertainment whose entry with Winset Jacot “Kaya Pala” was named Best Song, shared her delight that her first-ever Tagalog composition can now be heard by more people.
“We waited so much for this opportunity and finally, finally niabot (dumating) na! Plus extra grateful and honored for having the Jona as the artist to sing our composition,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Kaya Pala” is a mellow LGBT-friendly song about a girl who finds out that her guy crush is in a relationship with a fellow man.
Aside from Jona, other interpreters of the top five songs are singer-songwriter Trisha Denise for Mark’s “Sleep Tonight”; “Pinoy Dream Academy” alumni Bugoy and Liezel for Michelle’s “Mahiwaga,” the Philippines’ “Queen of R&B” Kyla for Christine’s “Ikaw Na Lang Ang Kulang”; and singer-actress Maris for Mycah’s “Stop Missing You.”
All five tracks were produced by ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo and are now compiled in the “OPM Fresh Songwriters Series Vol.1” EP, which can be heard via major digital music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon Music, and more.
Indeed, the compositions of Jane, Mark, Michelle, Christine, and Mycah prove that ABS-CBN pushes on with its mission of spotlighting Filipinos’ talent and artistry, evident in its nonstop production of songs that show off the excellence of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
“Kapamilya Himig Handog” was spearheaded by ABS-CBN’s Integrated Corporate Communications in partnership with the company’s premier music label, Star Music.
Check out the “OPM Fresh Songwriters Series Vol. 1” EP, now available on various streaming platforms. For more details, like Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph) and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).
