“Titibo-Tibo,” the feel-good song about a boyish girl who finds herself getting more womanly after falling in love with a guy composed by Libertine Amistoso and interpreted by singer-songwriter Moira dela Torre, bagged the Best Song and was announced the grand winner in the largest Filipino songwriting competition, Himig Handog 2017, during the finals held on the “ASAP” stage on Sunday.
Amistoso, who took home the P1 million cash prize, beat the other nine song grand finalists chosen among almost 7,000 entries. Her happy song served as her lucky charm. ”It’s not like the other songs which are about ‘hugot’ or pain. This is a happy song, with a happy ending,” said the composer in a recent interview.
Jona’s heartbreaking song “Sampu,” composed by Raizo Chabeldin and Biv de Vera, was chosen as the 2nd Best Song while Inigo Pascual feat. Aikee’s “Extensyon,” composed by Michael “Aikee” Aplacador, was announced the 3rd Best Song.
Janella Salvador’s “Wow Na Feelings” with words and music by Karlo Zabala, meanwhile, got the 4th Best Song recognition as well as the TFC’s Global Choice for Favorite Song special award.
The 5th Best Song went to “Tanghaling Tapat” performed by Unit 406 and composed by its lead singer, Gabriel Tagadtad.
The 2nd best song composer got P500,000 cash prize while the 3rd, 4th and 5th best song composers each got P200,000, P150,000 and P100,000, respectively.
Jason Dy and Kyla’s “Tayo Na Lang Kasi,” composed by Soc Villanueva, won several special awards including MOR’s Choice, One Music PH’s Choice for Favorite Interpreter, and MYX Choice for Best Music Video. Meridian International College, one of the ten school participants, produced the “Tayo Na Lang Kasi” official music video.
Star Music Listeners Choice went to “The Labo Song” composed by Karl Gaurano and Teodoro Katigbak and interpreted by acoustic soul artist Kaye Cal.
The other finalists in the competition were “Bagyo” composed by Agatha Morallos and interpreted by Jake Zyrus, “Bes” composed by Eric De Leon and performed by Migz Haleco, and “Naririnig Mo Ba?” composed by LJ Manzano and Joan Da and interpreted by Morissette.
Now on its 8th year, Himig Handog is a songwriting competition led by ABS-CBN and Star Music. It began in early 2000s and was later revived in 2013. Many entries from this songwriting challenge have become huge hits and have been picked as theme songs for several TV shows and movies. Previous songwriters and interpreters have gradually made their mark in the OPM scene.
The “Himig Handog” 2017 album is now available at all record bars nationwide for only P250. Digital tracks can also be downloaded via digital stores worldwide.
For more information, visit Starmusic.ph