Luzon and its northern provinces have such rich local languages that tell a lot of stories about its past and present, diverse and exquisite culture, and its beauty. To kick off the celebration of the north’s beautiful melodies, AmiananPop Songwriting Festival was born. It’s time for the north to be heard.
The AmiananPop Songwriting Festival aims to build a community of songwriters in the north that promotes and enriches their diverse and beautiful languages.
“This is a nice platform to encourage them to write.” Noel Cabangon in the online media conference.
Gary Granada, veteran singer songwriter attended AmiananPop’s online media conference. According to him, “Sayang ang karanasan ng kultura… One day, hundred years from now, this will historically bridge our experience.”
Pushing for the global community’s experience of the north’s culture through music and local language. Therefore, promoting their distinct sound like how the Visayas and Mindanao made it on their regional music.
“Since we’re trying to spearhead this movement for the younger generations of songwriters… They have the pop sound, they can incorporate that sound using the (local) language, and tell the story of today.” Davey Langit
“For a long time talong-talo tayo ng imported music, and this time we started to plant our seeds… In fact, we’re part of this big movement all over the Philippines that pushes for Filipino Music.” Ryan Cayabyab
Mixing the distinct melody of the north to the popular sound of our music today is truly a great way of evolving. Furthermore, as time rapidly passes by and as the public’s taste on music constantly changes, indeed AmiananPop will cater to many.
“Every language has its own story and uniqueness, and that’s something we want to highlight. There are stories in the north that only the north can effectively tell.” Davey Langit, AmiananPop’s Chairman.
With great stories to tell, different songwriters from the north flooded the competition with entries, and now there’s only ten finalists left. Besides, they all succeeded to stand out among all the entries.
AmiananPop’s Top Ten Finalists
- Sungbat by Angelic Mateo
- Urayen Ka by Harold Lumandez
- Bisikleta by Jonabel Trapse, Laineng Onan Aro by Fernan Castro Estrada and Melchor Orpilla
- Pudno Nga Ayat by Ryan Madrid and Kimberly Collado
- Agka Mapaga and Anto Kasi Ngaran Tu Man by Ruth Lee Resuello
- Napacurug Nga Aya by Remedios Neyra Singson and Rivah Anne Singson
- Arapaap by Red Gumayagay,
- Lab Story by Patrick Visto.
“It is very overwhelming for me, it is my first time to join a songwriting contest. I just never had time, and since I was a kid I really wanted to. Now, two of my entries are finalists, and I feel super blessed. “ Ruth Lee Resuello.
“Our dream is just not to make them available, but to really promote them. Hopefully, one day hindi nalang ito maging regional songs.” Said Noel Cabangon.
This songwriting festival is the hope and the pursuit for a platform in promoting the native sound of the northern regions of Luzon. Not only it nourishes the future of next generations of songwriters and composers. It also guarantees the fading local languages a richer and better tomorrow.
