Rising stars Tiara Shaye and Fana claimed the Grand Champion title at the PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Festival with their winning entry, ‘Wag Paglaruan.’ Held at the New Frontier Theater, the competition showcased the finest in Filipino songwriting, with their soulful delivery and standout composition stealing the spotlight.
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Other major winners included Keith John Quito and Ferdinand Aragon’s Cebuano track ‘Buhi’ as first runner-up and Rinz Ruiz’s ‘Papahiram,’ interpreted by Moira and Johnoy Danao, as second runner-up. Sunkissed Lola’s Alvin Serito also made waves with ‘Kurba,’ winning both the Smart People’s Choice Award and MYX Choice Award for Best Music Video.
This festival marked the first collaboration between PhilPop and Himig Handog, celebrating 50 years of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and pushing the boundaries of contemporary Filipino sound. And as PhilPop’s Executive Director Dinah Remolacio put it, this is just the beginning for these songwriters, with future opportunities and mentorships in store.
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