Maki, Moira, Johnoy Danao, Ice, VXON, Ferdinand Aragon, and more, join this year’s esteemed roster of interpreters
The PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Competition has announced a compilation featuring the top 12 songs that have advanced to the final round.
This diverse collection of fully produced tracks was meticulously selected by PhilPop and Himig Handog, two leading music institutions collaborating to discover the next wave of global superstars and industry leaders.
Jonathan Manalo, Creative Director of ABS-CBN Music, revealed that the final song selection was achieved through a comprehensive adjudication process. This involved direct consultations with the songwriters to refine their creative direction and find collaborators who matched their vision for the competition.
Manalo explains, “We shortlisted potential interpreters for each track, taking into account many factors. Choosing an artist involved more than just considering their name value; they needed to fit the genre, align with the songwriter’s vision, and show commitment to the song.”
The final compilation features interpretations from a range of artists, including chart-topping R&B sensation Maki, award-winning singer-songwriters Moira and Johnoy Danao, folk-pop icon Ice Seguerra, pop artist Jolianne, Cebuano talent Ferdinand Aragon, P-Pop boyband VXON, and emerging talents like KHIMO, Lyka Estrella, Annrain, Geca Morales, Kurt Fick, Noah Alejandre, Shantel Cyline, Extrapolation, FANA, and Tiara Shaye.
Dinah Remolacio, PhilPop Executive Producer, highlighted the importance of selecting the right team of producers for the final versions of the songs.
“Respect for language was crucial; we wanted artists who were naturally fluent in the languages they sang in, rather than those who would be pretending. The production process involved numerous components, patience, and dedication. We’re excited for people to finally hear these songs,” Remolacio said.
The shortlisted entries explore various facets of OPM in a modern, globalized context while retaining their unique storytelling style and individuality. This pioneering batch of the PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Competition aims to promote OPM on an unprecedented scale, reaching new territories and captivating international audiences with music that is both globally appealing and distinctly Filipino.
Manalo adds, “The Top 12 artists have been incredibly proactive and collaborative. They are deeply invested in the final output of their songs, striving to make them globally competitive while reflecting the stories and context of this generation. The resulting music is a vibrant and youthful representation of today’s OPM landscape.”
Remolacio concludes, “Expect a fresh batch of pop songs with the potential to break global boundaries and represent the diverse, interconnected culture of our country. We hope these tracks will make our local fans proud and strengthen both the local music scene and the movement to push music across borders.”
Check out the Top 12 entries in alphabetical order:
1. ATM
Composer: Francis Contemplacion
Interpreter: Ice Seguerra
2. Buhi
Composer: Keith John Quito
Interpreter: Ferdinand Aragon
3. Dili Na Lang
Composer: Relden Campanilla
Interpreter: Jolianne
4. Ghostwriter
Composer: Kevin Yadao
Interpreter: KHIMO
5. Kurba
Composer: Alvin Serito
Interpreter: Maki
6. Langit Lupa
Composer: Geca Morales
Interpreter: Lyka Estrella, Annrain, and Geca Morales
7. MHWG
Composer: Rob Angeles
Interpreter: VXON
8. Papahiram
Composer: Rinz Ruiz
Interpreter: Moira Feat. Johnoy Danao
9. Salamat (Nga Wala Na Ta)
Composer: Jimmy Ricks
Interpreter: Kurt Fick
10. Taliwala
Composer: Maric Gavino
Interpreter: Noah Alejandre
11. Tulala
Composer: Shantel Cyline Lapatha
Interpreter: Shantel Cyline and Extrapolation
12. Wag Paglaruan
Composer: Tiara Shaye
Interpreter: FANA Feat. Tiara Shaye
The PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Festival, a joint initiative by the PhilPop Music Foundation, Himig Handog, and ABS-CBN Music, continues to push the boundaries of music-making and songwriting, aiming to meet international standards. This year’s groundbreaking event is co-presented by Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc., with TuneCore as a key partner.
Stream the top 12 songs now on Spotify and all major digital streaming platforms worldwide.
