DABAWENYO composer Kyle Raphael Borbon was named champion in the recently-concluded Himig Handog 2018 songwriting competition.

His song, "Sa Mga Bituin na Lang Ibubulong" was interpreted by JM De Guzman but was performed by Jason Dy during the grand finals on Sunday, November 11, on ASAP.

Borbon’s winning song talks about the pain one endures following a heartbreaking experience.

The 21-year-old composer told SunStar Davao that he is still in cloud nine whenever he thinks about him winning the competition.

He shared he wrote the song after undergoing a heartbreak last summer.

“It was inspired from my personal experience. Moving on, I wrote a number of songs but the 'Sa Mga Bituin Na Lang Ibubulong' was the one that really touched my heart,” he said.

Asked on what he’ll do with his P1 million prize, Borbon said he will invest in his personal studio and save the remaining amount for his future. Borbon is a fresh graduate from Ateneo de Davao University.

“After Himig Handog, I'll be writing more songs and doing more gigs. Hopefully more opportunities and awards will come my way,” he said.

Rounding up the list of this year’s winners are "Wakasan" interpreted by Agsunta in second place, followed by "Kababata" interpreted by Kyla and Kritiko, "Mas Mabuti Pa" interpreted by Janine Berdin, and "Tinatapos ko na" interpreted by Jona at third, fourth, and fifth places, respectively.

Himig Handog is touted as the country’s premier songwriting competition. It was first established in 2000 and has produced songs like Kung Ako Na Lang Sana; This Guy's In Love With You, Pare; Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa?; Mahal Ko O Mahal Ako; and Titibo-Tibo, among others.