The Philpop Himig Handog songwriting festival, the biggest collaboration in music, has released the Top 12 songs that represent today’s OPM and echo this generation’s woes, feelings, and hopes.
The Top 12 entries include “ATM” by Francis Contemplacion; “Buhi” by Keith John Quito, ”Dili Na Lang” by Relden Campanilla; “Ghostwriter” by Kevin Yadao; “Kurba” by Alvin Serito; “Langit Lupa” by Geca Morales; “MHWG” by Rob Angeles,” “Papahiram” by Rinz Ruiz; “Salamat (Nga Wala Na Ta)” by Jimmy Ricks, “Taliwala” by Maric Gavino,” “Tulala” by Shantel Cyline Lapatha, and “Wag Paglaruan” by Tiara Shaye.
Laguna native Francis composed “ATM,” short for Ang Tanging Mamahalin, to honor his wife and depict all the ways he loves her inspired by Gary Chapman’s “Five Love Languages.” Ice Seguerra serves as the song interpreter.
Keith’s “Buhi” signifies the title’s dual meaning in Bisaya, ‘letting go’ and ‘being alive.’ The moving-on song after a failed relationship is interpreted by indie-folk singer-songwriter Ferdinand Aragon.
Relden captures the simple explanation that “love is beautiful but also hard and if it isn’t with you, then I don’t want it” in “Dili Na Lang” interpreted by her fellow Cebuana artist Jolianne.
Kevin chronicles the feelings of being ghosted while seeking a valid and acceptable reason in “Ghostwriter” performed by “Idol Philippines” season 2 grand winner KHIMO.
Sunkissed Lola’s frontman Alvin expresses the magical feeling of falling in love no matter how cruel the world can be in “Kurba” interpreted by this year’s breakthrough OPM artist Maki.
Geca wrote “Langit Lupa” based on the running-around game of the same name. She is also the song interpreter alongside “Tawag ng Tanghalan” season 6 champion Lyka Estrella and “Idol Philippines” season 2 contestant Annrain.
Rob’s “MHWG” is short for ‘mahiwaga’ and is a song about hope and encouragement, reminding listeners not to rush through life and instead welcome unexpected and wonderful opportunities. Rising P-pop group VXON performs the song.
Rinz’s “Papahiram” is about real love that sees and accepts both the good and the bad. It is interpreted by OPM hitmaker Moira featuring indie musician Johnnoy Danao.
“Salamat (Nga Wala Na Ta)” is an anthem of personal growth and healing along with its themes of gratitude and self-discovery it brings, written by Jimmy and interpreted by Kurt Fick.
Inspired by a real-life story, Maric’s “Taliwala” encourages staying committed despite the challenges of fading love. It is interpreted by Noah Alejandre, a member of the singing duo from Ormoc, reon.
Shantel’s upbeat composition “Tulala” is about a girl who instantly gets drawn to an attractive stranger despite her fear of falling in love. Shantel, a native of Bacolod City, performs the song with jazz, funk, and soul band Extrapolation.
The electro-pop song “Wag Paglaruan” showcases Tiara’s upbeat and multi-layered writing, diving into the wariness of being emotionally played by someone manipulative. FANA’s vibrant vocals complement the song, which also features Tiara herself.
Philpop Himig Handog is an initiative of the Philpop Musicfest Foundation and Himig Handog, which began with a mentorship program that included workshops and songwriting sessions for budding Filipino composers from all over the country.
The Top 12 entries will vie to become this year’s best compositions. The winners will receive cash prizes amounting to PHP 1,000,000 (1st place); PHP 500,000 (2nd place); and PHP 200,000 (3rd place).