A DABAWENYO singer and actor is among this year’s Awit Awards nominees.
Popper Bernadas, who came from Talomo district here, has been nominated for the Best Regional Recording category in the award-giving body’s 31st season.
As a member of the famous Ryan Cayabyab Singers and cast of the play “Rak of Aegis,” his nomination is surely a big thing for him, especially that this is the first time he has been nominated as a solo artist.
“First time as soloist, pero before maraming beses na with my group, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers,” he said.
His nominated song, “Diri,” is about the struggle one is experiencing when loving someone far.
“This song talks about a long distance relationship. Iyong isa ay iniwan na sa ere. Basically, this song ay para sa mga taong bumitaw ngunit patuloy pa ring umiibig,” he shared.
When asked how he relates to the song’s lyrics, he was quick to admit about identifying himself with its words.
“Super relate!” he said laughing. “Pero ako iyong bumitaw. Pero ang weird kasi until now mahal ko pa rin! But it takes time para mag heal.”
“Diri” was written and arranged, respectively, by Davao-based musicians and Muzik’s Kool top guys Jeremy Sarmiento and Cacho Ferrero.
“Kung ang kanta lang ang basehan, I’m very positive,” he said about his chances of bringing home the Best Regional Recording trophy.
“Kasi ang husay ni kuya Jeremy Sarmiento na gumawa ng kanta and si Kuya Cacho na nag-arrange ng songs,” he continued.
Poppert revealed that some of his friends in Manila have fallen in love with the song as well despite not understanding its lyrics.
“Hindi daw nil maintindihan pero ramdam daw nila ang sakit ng mensahe ng song,” he explained.
The winners will be announced in August.
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