Philpop 2014 finalists announced

MANILA, Philippines – From thousands of entries, 12 songs have been named finalists in this year’s Philippine Popular Music Festival (Philpop), culminating on July 26 at the Meralco Theatre.

Entries submitted from November 2013 to February passed through 4 grueling stages, evaluated by a group of adjudicators including bigwigs from the music industry. Award-winning composer Ryan Cayabyab serves as the competition’s Executive Director, while singers Noel Cabangon and Ogie Alcasid are part of the Board of Directors.

Since its beginning in 2012, nearly 9,000 entries from Filipino composers both in and out of the country have entered the competition. 

The Philpop songwriting competition may only be on its 3rd year, but both amateur and professional Pinoy finalists have achieved commercial success in the previous years. Last year’s top 12 entires have accumulated millions of hits on YouTube, with winning song “Dati” by Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana accounting for almost 8 million views.

Listen to “Dati” performed by Sam Concepcion and Tippy Dos Santos:

Finalists are now faced with the task of producing equally captivating singles. With the help of the country’s top music acts and producer Ito Rapadas, finalists work to bring their tracks closer to the public.

At stake is a one million peso grand prize for the top entry. All 12 finalists will also see their songs featured in the Philpop 2014 album produced and distributed by Universal Records and also available in Pinoy music portal Spinnr.

According to its website, Philpop was established to “provide a channel which Filipino songwriters can create new songs, discover new expressions or genres in popular music, as well as to spark a renewed awareness, enthusiasm, and pride in the Philippines

Here are the finalists:

“NGSB” (“No Girlfriend Since Break”) by Davey Langit

The idea for “NGSB” came while the 27-year-old singer-songwriter from Baguio City was chatting with friends about “No Boyfriend Since Birth (NBSB),” the tagline for the perpetually single. Thinking how amusing it would be to change the line, Langit decided to give it a lighthearted take.

“The Only One” by Venelyn San Pedro

“Cheesy,” is how TV operations and Systems Support Officer Venelyn San Pedro describes her entry. 

“It also talks about the feeling when you’ve been through failed relationships and somebody who you think is exactly what you wanted to be with for the rest of your life comes along, all of a sudden, that you can be sure to say you can give all you’ve got for this one person.”

“Awit Mo’y Nandito Pa” by Ronaldo Sorioso

Philpop 2012 1st runner-up Rolando Sorioso’s “Awit Mo’y Nandito Pa” is a versatile song, he says, which can be used as a wedding march, albeit sending an inspirational message of praise to God.

The song is one of his two entries in this year’s competition, the other being “Langit Umaawit.”

“Langit Umaawit” by Ronaldo Sorioso

“Langit Umaawit” is about finding the one, according to Sorioso. “All roads lead to finding that one. When you find him or her, nag sasaya sa heaven and everything suddenly becomes joyful and colorful.”

“Torpe” by Daryl Ong

Daryl Ong’s song is all about him. According to the 26-year-old full time musician, “Torpe” was originally called “Bukas Na Lang.”

“Babalikan Mo Rin Ako” by Soc Villanueva

Soc Villanueva earned 2nd runner up in Philpop 2012, but wasn’t as fortunate in the previous year where he only made it to the top 30. Now that he’s back as a finalist, he said he is extremely grateful and is excited to hear this year’s fresh compositions.

“Song On A Broken String” by Jude Gitamondoc and Therese Marie Villarante

Villarante’s own experience of heartbreak inspired concept, which takes rooot in an image of a girl who continues playing a guitar despite a broken string. Due to conflict in schedules, the Cebu-based songwriting duo created the song through Facebook video chat.

“Salbabida” by Jungee Marcelo

As the title suggests, advertiser Jungee Marcelo’s song is about a person’s savior and lifeline – God and a loved one who is ready to come to the rescue.

“Dear Heart” by  Mike Villegas

A returning Philpop finalist, Mike Villegas went all out with his new entry and is looking forward to this year’s competition.

“You can’t lose.  You’re in the top 12.  I have fond memories, and how much care was taken that the limelight was on the songwriter and songwriting. It’s such a huge facet of the music industry. Songwriting is the base of the totem pole of the music industry and Philpop put the limelight on that.”  

“Hangout Lang” by Allan Feliciano and Isaac Joseph Garcia

Feliciano and Garcia wrote the song in half an hour, and being in the advertising industry helped with the process.

“Lately, clients have been challenging us to write songs instantly, so this helped“.

“Qrush On You” by QYork’s James Palma aka Flava Matikz and Cedric Bonjoc aka Knowa Lazarus

“Qrush On You” has a happy island beat. According to the rapper-singer duo, the  song is inspired by their married life. 

“The song is about their experiences being married, how one can keep the love alive and what commitment in marriage is all about.  Qrush is really about the wife, how the husband views her as always desirable and how a married couple can keep it fresh.”

“Kung Akin Ang Langit” by Cecilia Bocobo and Isaac Joseph Garcia