PhilPop and Himig Handog have teamed up in a game-changing collaboration to reveal the Top 12 songs from a wide pool of entries. Making a bold comeback in 2024 after a two-year hiatus, the competition is primed to take the global music scene by storm.
The Philippine Popular Music Festival, or Philpop, has been a premier annual songwriting contest since 2012, hosted by the Philpop MusicFest Foundation. It invites original, unreleased songs in English, Filipino, and other Philippine languages. Meanwhile, Himig Handog, organized by ABS-CBN and Star Music, is a dynamic multimedia competition spotlighting OPM artists through both songwriting and music videos.
This year’s Philpop Himig Handog promises to unveil fresh voices and new music you haven’t heard before. The major event offers aspiring composers a platform to showcase their songwriting talents, learn, tell stories through music, and share their work with a global audience. The pool of artists included in the competition are some of the chart-toppers Maki, Moira, renowned OPM artists, Johnoy Danao, Ice Seguerra, P-Pop boy group VXON, up-and-rising artists KHIMO, Lyka Estrella, Ann Rain, FANA, Ferdinand Aragon, Geca Morales, Kurt Fick, Tiara Shaye, Extrapolation, Shantel Cyline and Jolianne.
According to Jonathan Manalo, ABS-CBN Music Creative Director, the collaboration between these two leading platforms for music composers has been nearly a decade in the making. “We share the same vision and advocacy for OPM. Ang tagal na pinagusapan, this conversation has been 5-8 years.”
From over a thousand entries, the shortlist was narrowed down to 35, then further cut to 10. However, due to the high quality of the entries, two additional songs were added, bringing the total to 12. Some of the song highlights include “Kurba,” interpreted by Maki and composed by Alvin Serito; Moira and Johnoy Danao’s collaboration on “Papahiram,” composed by Rinz Ruiz; and P-pop boy band VXON’s “MHWG,” composed by Rob Angeles. These songs are set to headline the competition’s stream of choices.
The Anticipated Heartfelt Impact
The competition, which has given rise to hit songs like “Simpleng Tulad Mo,” “Mabagal,” “Halik sa Hangin,” and other memorable tracks from Himig Handog, continues to keep audiences on edge with anticipation for the releases of its featured interpreters. This renowned contest has consistently spotlighted exceptional talent and produced chart-topping hits, making each new release a highly anticipated event in the music scene. With its track record of launching songs that listeners eventually will have their favorites, the competition remains a significant force in the industry, always generating excitement for its upcoming musical offerings.
“I don’t want to waste anyone’s time. So if I get the song and interpret it, I want to make sure that lahat ng emotion na naisulat mabibigay ko pag kinanta ko siya.”
Moira openly admits that her collaboration with Johnoy Danao is a dream come true. “Papahiram” is here to serenade audiences as a comforting presence, much like a companion eager to make an impact. Renowned OPM artist Johnoy Danao shares, “Natuwa ako kasi ang ganda ng pagkakasulat ni Rinz sa kanta.”
Courtesy of Zeen Magazine.
As impact rises in the scene, VXON’s debut in the competition is highly anticipated. Moving from a calm serenade, VXON’s Franz mentions that their song keeps you on your feet. “Yung track po namin is very hopeful, but at the same time, it’s upbeat. Parang enjoyable mo talaga pakinggan ‘to.”
Already a no-brainer and expected to deliver, Ice Seguerra’s new song also has resonance. He shares that it reflects an appreciation for the mundane things in life—something the grand and extravagant generation often overlooks. “The beauty of mundane things… pag humihilik asawa ko sobrang music to my ears ‘yun. Nung narinig ko ‘yung ATM sobrang nagustuhan ko na siya, kapag nagtatagal na kayo mahirap i-keep ‘yung romance, but it’s always looking for the little things to appreciate about the person.”
Indeed, the language of music is a profound tool for expressing emotions and communicating across boundaries. Beyond what meets the eye, music seeks to convey deeper messages and resonate with people on a personal level. Hitmakers Ice Seguerra and Moira approach their craft with deliberate intent, making sure that every release is meticulous and impactful. Their work highlights how music can transcend mere entertainment, becoming a meaningful medium through which they share their vision and touch the hearts of many.
The Philpop x Himig Handog celebration shines a light on the incredible diversity and creativity of Filipino composers. It’s a powerful reminder of their gift for storytelling through music, capturing the deep emotions and stories that connect us all. Their work enriches our musical landscape, revealing the true heart of the human experience.
