Aiza's song wins 'Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs'

"Ano'ng Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa" written by Jovinor Tan from Malabon City won the "Himig Handog Pinoy Pop (P-Pop) Love Songs" competition Sunday night.

Held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, the competition attracted 2,500 songwriters around the country and abroad who showcased their skills in creating music in any genre. From thousands who auditioned, only 12 were picked for the finals night.

Tan's composition, which was interpreted by Aiza Seguerra, earned him the grand prize of P1 million and a songwriting contract with Star Records.

Soc Villanueva's "Hanggang Wakas", which was sung by Juris Fernandez, took second place, Marion Aunor's own composition and performance "If You Ever Change Your Mind" placed third, while KZ Tandingan's interpretation of Domingo Rosco's "Scared to Death" was in fourth place.

Julius James Belen's "Kahit Na" performed by Toni Gonzaga came in fifth.

Jungee Marcelo's "Nasa Iyo Na Ang Lahat" sung by Daniel Padilla was also a big winner during the competition.

Marcelo’s song bagged the MOR Listener's Choice award, Tambayan 101.9 Listener's Choice, MYX Choice for Best Video and Star Records CD Buyer's Choice trophy.

In a recent interview with Jonathan Manalo of Star Records, he said the songwriting competition is one of ABS-CBN's advocacies in promoting and reviving Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

"Timing na ginawa ng Himig Handog and ng ABS-CBN ang P-Pop Love Song to search for young and new batch of songwriters na maiparinig yung mga kanta na hindi nagkakaroon ng chance na ma-record," he said.

He added: "Natutulungan natin yung songwriters and yung OPM community na mag-thrive kasi ang hirap na ng music business ngayon. We need fresh concepts."

"Himig Handog" is the country's first interactive multimedia songwriting competition launched by ABS-CBN in 2000. It was originally formed to pay tribute to the millions of overseas Filipino workers. (Sunnex)