AT THE height of the pandemic, Viva Music Group launched a worldwide talent search for the best unsigned Filipino composers. Dubbed Viva Musika 2020, the contest collected song entries from songwriters from the various locations in the country and overseas. This month, the contest released the list of its 10 winners, which included Cebuanos Vee Jay Cariego and Fritz Baguio.
Cariego submitted originals “Miss, Miss Maayag,” “Key of G” and “Kalit,” while Baguio entered the contest with “Sabik,” “Dinaba” and “Thanks for Loving Me.”
“This search is a continuation of Viva’s long-running efforts to look for hidden talents and to nurture their music careers to the fullest potential,” said Vic del Rosario Jr., Viva Communications chairman and chief operating officer. “I am very excited to release their songs into the market.”
Rounding up the list are Pat Cardoza from Tondo, Manila (“Mahal,” “Kailan Ka Babalik” and “Back to You”), Clyde Fedelis from Quezon Province (“Isang Banayad na Pag-Indak,” “Kahit Hindi Magkaintindihan” and “Mission Forever”), Dianne Lim from Quezon City (“Umaasa,” “Kahit Wala ng Pagtingin” and “Dito Na Lang Tayo”), Joel Abad from Valenzuela City (“Kahit Wala Ka Na,” “Kilig” and “Torpe”), Paul Gomez Hildawa of Parañaque (“Malapit Na Akong Mahulog Sa Yo,” “Sakit” and “When God Seems Silent”), Oliver Narag of Valenzuela City (“Aaminin Ko Na,” “Di Na Ba Magbabalik” and “Madapaka”), Lino Cajegas from Davao but residing in Australia (“Magnet,” “Huling Pagkikita” and “Lost Love”) and Divino Rivera from Benguet (“Langit,” “Us” and “Dito”).
All winners received P100,000 each in advance royalties and were signed to exclusive contracts with Viva Music Publishing. The songs of the winners will also get the chance to be used in a Viva production.
“The music business is dependent on compositions, and these compositions are the works of composers,” said Del Rosario. “We cannot have the hit songs without these talented creators, and Viva is very lucky to have 10 exciting songwriters added to its roster.”
“The Viva Musika Composer Search will now be an annual event for the Viva Music Group,” a press statement said.