KABANKALAN'S entry "Gugma nga Nausik Lang," composed by Johnny Ravina and interpreted by Kaye Belarga, bested nine others during the Pop Songwriting Competition held on April 15, the second day of the 25th Panaad sa Negros Festival.

La Carlota City's "May Pag-Asa Pa," written by Rodolfo Tano and sung by Gerry Alositain, Jessmar Acosta, and Jerardo Liper, bagged the second place, while Calatrava's "Syagit," composed by Adorador Moises III and interpreted by Rycel Angcos, placed third.

Belarga, who sung the winning entry, also bagged the Best Interpreter award, receiving a trophy and P6,000 cash prize.

The first place received P20,000; second place, P10,000; and third prize, P5,000. Each winner also received a trophy, while non-winning entries received P2,000.

The entries were judged according to Melody (originality, meter efficiency, coherence of phrases) -- 45 percent; Lyrics (relevance, syllabication, length of lyrical thought) - 35 percent; and Interpretation (song impact, interpreter's performance) - 20 percent.

Judges include Peter Macrohon, Caesar Pacalioga, Joseph Gara, Rolando Del Castillo, and Lindy Suladay Catequista.

The competition aims to inspire songwriters to develop and promote the Negrense music, as well as discover local pop songwriters. (PR)