Touted as the premier songwriting competition in the country, PhilPop continues to provide a sustainable platform for amateur and professional composers to showcase exceptional songs from various genres and styles.
From “Dati” to “Di Na Muli,” the annual music competition has produced some of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed recordings of the last five years, serving as breeding ground to artists who aren’t afraid to challenge songwriting tropes and reflect their truth. This year marks a landmark moment in songwriting history as PhilPop opened its doors to entries written in different languages, spanning across regions and cities outside of Metro Manila.
Top 10 Finalists
From the carefully handpicked roster of Top 30 semi-finalists, PhilPop has narrowed the selection to top 10. The finalists are judged according to the following criteria: 50% judges choice, 25% online streaming, and 25% Smart’s People Choice through SMS and Twitter’s conversational ad.
In no particular order, the top 10 finalists include: “Ako Ako,” composed by Jeriko Buenafe and interpreted by Feel Day feat. Hans Dimayuga; “Di Ko Man,” composed by Ferdinand Aragon and interpreted by Ferdinand Aragon himself; “Isang Gabing Pag-Ibig,” composed by Carlo Angelo David and interpreted by Jex De Castro; “Kariton,” composed by Philip Arvin Jarilla and interpreted by Acapellago; “Laon Ako,” composed by Elmar Bolaño and Donel Trasporto Tigbauan and interpreted by Kakai Bautista; “Loco De Amor!,” composed by Ed Miraflor Jr. and interpreted by BennyBunnyBand; “Nanay Tatay,” composed by Chud Festejo and interpreted by Chud Festejo; “Pilipit,” composed by Sean Gabriel Cedro and John Ray Reodique and interpreted by Julian Trono; “Tama Na,” composed by Michael Rodriguez and Jeanne Columbine Rodriguez and interpreted by Katrina Velarde; “Yun Tayo,” composed by Donnalyn Onilongo and interpreted by Gracenote.
Diverse Selection
This year’s finalists offer a diverse crop of entries that represent different musical styles, ranging from contemporary hit music to folk, latin-flavored pop to R&B/soul, rock to easy listening music. Instead of focusing on personalities, the latest edition banks on envelope-pushing compositions that have the potential to penetrate the local music market and create a lasting impression to the Filipino audience.
The official announcement of the top 10 finalists happened during the late primetime spot of the Pinoy Playlist Festival on October 17, 2018 at the Sunlife Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Festival curator Mr. Moi Ortiz also awarded PhilPop Foundation headed by PhilPop Board Member and 2018 Festival Chairman Mr. Ryan Cayabyab, PhilPop Vice President Patrick C. Gregorio, and PhilPop Executive Director Dinah Remolacio a Certificate of Appreciation for continuously pushing the boundaries of Filipino music through regional inclusivity and for giving voice to homegrown talents who have the potential to make it big in the local music industry.
What’s Next
The top 10 finalists, together with the interpreters, will showcase their original songs on December 2, 2018 in the PhilPop Festival Finals Night that will be held at Capitol Commons in Pasig City.
Votes are still ongoing. Log on to www.philpop.com.ph for the complete instruction on how to vote for your favorite songs via SMS or Twitter.
PhilPop 2018 is an initiative of the PhilPop Music Foundation, chaired by Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan. This year’s PhilPop is co-presented by MAYNILAD, and is supported by MERALCO (major sponsor), Mid Atlantic Foundation for Asian Artists, Inc., NYXSYS (official OOH partner), SMART, VIVA Records (official record label partner), Ortigas and Co., PETA (production partner), Coke Studio, NCCA, OPM, TAGA-ALOG, Rappler (official media partner), Pinnacle (official agency integrator partner), and Gabi Na Naman Productions (official promo partner).
