THEY say Filipinos are natural music-lovers. Filipinos celebrate with videoke and merrymaking. Even during heartbreaks and low moments of our lives, we turn to singing to somehow feel better.
Even when Filipinos do not know the exact lyrics to a song anymore, they hum while working on some chores. During barangay fiestas and other community celebrations, there will always be singing contests showing how much the Filipinos do not only take singing as a leisurely activity but as something to seriously compete in.
In this modern age when Filipinos still love to sing and compete at the same time, PhilPop brings to the scene the PhilPop Songwriting Competition since 2013. For five years now, it had encouraged aspiring Filipino songwriters to submit their entries and to make their singing and songwriting dreams come to life. Philpop is now one of the biggest songwriting competition nationwide.
This year, out of several aspiring songwriters from all over the world, six entries from Mindanao made it to the Top 30 tunes semi-finals. As the Top 10 finalists will be chosen on October 22, these Mindanawon songwriters knock at the hearts of their fellow Mindanawons to support local and to vote for their songs to make it to the Finals.
The top 30 semi-finalist songs can be listened through http://www.philpop.com.ph/top-30-playlist.
1. Away Wa’y Buwagay
This song, written by Eamarie Gilayo and Jovit Leonerio of Davao City, is a light-hearted song about a couple constantly fighting but didn’t want to break up. The song tugs the heart of every listener whose love for their partner remains and wins even after major fights.
During an interview with them, Leonerio said the idea of writing this song stemmed out from his and Gilayo’s respective experiences with their former relationships. Away Wa’y Buwagay is the first Bisaya entry from Mindanao in the history of Philpop Competition.
To vote for this song, text VOTE NK3 and send to 8933.
2. Korde Kodigo
Written by Jeremy Sarmiento still of Davao City, the song Korde Kodigo was sang by Leanne and Naara. The lightness and the playful rhythm of the song very much resembles how the song revolves around it being a secret dedication to a friend or a co-band member. This song, very much easy to listen to, will appeal to all the listeners whose feelings had been kept for a while and only comes out through music.
To vote for this song, text VOTE NK11 and send to 8933.
3. LGBT (Laging Ganito Ba Tayo?)
Loving from a distance seems like something many are currently experiencing as Kyle Pulido’s song also talks about this sentiment. In his song, Pulido explores a secret admirer’s quest for the attention of the beloved and how difficult it may be to just stare at a distance without having to say what one really feels. Many may like this song as it would be very easy to relate to as well. Pulido is also from Davao City.
To vote for this song, text VOTE NK14 and send to 8933.
4. Malilimutan Din Kita
Being the first semi-finalist from Koronadal City in the history of Philpop Competition, Marvin Blue Corpus couldn’t help but feel grateful and blessed for the opportunity given to him. His song Malilimutan Din Kita was sung by the young boy group Nitro. It speaks about someone’s experience of moving on from a past relationship. Unlike other moving on songs, Malilimutan Din Kita adapts a more optimistic and more upbeat rhythm, perhaps bringing inspiration and a better outlook in life for those who are trying to move on from past love.
To vote for this song, text VOTE NK19 and send to 8933.
5. Nanay Tatay
Taking on a more serious note and deviating from the usual romantic songs, Teodoro “Chud” Festejo III’s Nanay Tatay talks more about the reality of society and the common people’s poverty in this time and age.
According to Festejo, the songs he has written are really leaning towards these subject matters. He said he tends to write about social issues and social commentaries concerning the current state of the country and the Filipinos. In this particular song, he looks at the consciousness of a beggar or street child asking for food.
To vote for this song, text VOTE NK21 and send to 8933.
As Philpop had been a gateway of emerging songwriters in the past, it is only right that these songs made by songwriters from Mindanao be given the chance to be listened to and be supported be a greater audience.
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Text vote for these entries are only exclusive for Smart, Sun, and TNT subscribers. Aside from text votes, supporters can only also vote through watching the entry’s official Youtube videos as the number of views will also be counted on October 12 while the Final Top 10 will be announced on October 22.