FULL LIST: PhilPop 2020 top 15 finalists

The final batch of finalists for the 2020 PhilPop Songwriting Festival has been announced, rounding out the final aspiring 15 songwriters contending for the top prize.

The finalists were narrowed down from thousands of entries across the Philippines, and the final batch was announced by cluster – North Luzon, South Luzon, and Metro Manila – on September 23.

Here’s the list of finalists:

North Luzon

• Abegail Esteban and TJ Paeldon – “Agsardeng”
• Lolito Go – “Balikan”
• Angelic Mateo – “Paos”

South Luzon

• Kulas Basilonia – “Para Kay Catriona”
• Chochay Magno – “Lunod”
• Princess Roselle C. Germina – “Bitaw”

Metro Manila

• Kian Dionisio – “Huling Sayaw”
• Aikee – “Bestiny”
• Aikee – “Mapa”

Visayas

• Jerika Teodorico – “Ayaw Na Lang”
• Noah Alejandre and Reanne Borela – “Suyo”
• Michael Catarina – “Hinungdan”

Mindanao

• John Cadeliña – “Akong Bililhon”
• Christian Chiu – “Kasadya”
• Sherwin Fugoso – “Pahuway”

The entries went through multiple rounds of judging headed by Festival Chair National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, along with PhilPop Musicfest Foundation President Victorico P. Vargas, Festival Co-Chair and PhilPop Musicfest Foundation board member Noel Cabangon, PhilPop Musicfest Foundation Executive Director Dinah Remolacio, lead adjudicators Jungee Marcelo and Trina Belamide, Warner Music Philippines Managing Director Ian Monsod, MinPop Musicfest Director and Mindanao Cluster Partner Jeremy Sarmiento, Kadasig Founder and Visayas Cluster Partner Jude Gitamondoc, UP Jammers Club Alumnus’ Resident Producer and South Luzon Cluster Partner Caio Cadiz, and A.M. Studios’ Resident Producer and North Luzon Cluster Partner Melvin Morallos. 

In choosing finalists, Caio specifically handpicked songs did not just stand out in terms of melodic elements, delivered quality lyrics.

“Songs with a unique way of presenting their topics and themes are highly preferred, as well as how they use their words to create an image of what they want to communicate…It’s really more of the quality and dynamics of the melody, and most importantly the lyrics,” Caio said. 

At the same time, Melvin highlighted the importance of choosing the best song that would represent his cluster.

“Personally, it’s all about the totality of the package, and how it would best resonate to a diverse but broader listening public: from students to adults, regional folks to international music fans,” he said.

The winner will be announced at the grand finals on December 12. – Rappler.com