![PRM Logo [right text] black.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/073bb0_9dc02c16ab9240388dc52e0bd62c2fc4~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_205,h_60,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/PRM%20Logo%20%5Bright%20text%5D%20black.png)
QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES — Last March 22, 2025, at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, PRM attended the Philpop x Himig Handog Finals Night, which showcased the Top 12 compositions that triumphed in the contest’s grueling selection process since 2022. From moving performances to blasts-from-the-past, the night was nothing short of exhilarating as music figures populated the event alongside ardent fans.
Gab Cabangon, Program Director of Philpop and Executive Director of Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM), generously invited the PRM team to witness the grand event. Just last month, OPM, the country’s leading organization for Filipino singers, entered a partnership with PRM via a Performer Roadshow, strengthening both organizations' advocacy to empower Filipino musicians.
As the first collaboration between two of the most prominent songwriting contests in the Philippines, the Philpop x Himig Handog Songwriting Festival brought together both promising and veteran writers in one exciting journey. Himig Handog, which was first launched back in 2000 by ABS-CBN Music, one of PRM’s Producer Members, has inspired thousands of composers to send in their pieces for a chance to be heard by musically oriented Filipinos. What started as a competition that highlighted excerpts on love, has now evolved into an avenue to explore many diverse genres and themes beyond the matters of the heart. On the other hand, the Philippine Popular Music Festival, albeit younger than the abovementioned contest, is no stranger to the talents Filipino composers have up their sleeves. Since its inception, it has produced many acclaimed songs within generations, displaying its dedication to honing Pinoy prowess. With the unique elements of the renowned competitions interwoven, this collaboration is undeniably groundbreaking.
The recent event is simply the culmination of the aspirants’ years of hard work and determination. The collaboration officially began way back in September 2022. In April 2023, 35 qualified applicants underwent a “DigiCamp” to be mentored by industry professionals, and come July of the same year, the Top 12 aspirants were selected after a rigorous selection process. In July 2024, the interpreters (or the musical compositions’ performers) were announced and the grand media launch of the competition commenced. Just after the launch, the songs were released on digital streaming platforms for the public’s consumption. In November of the same year, each entry’s music video was uploaded to YouTube. This year, on March 22, an on-ground Grand Finals night was done to have the Top 12 songs performed live and to underscore the beauty of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
Befitting a grand partnership, the judging panel was composed by no less than the cream of the crop: hit songwriter of “Tell the World of His Love” and “Shine”, Trina Belamide; singer-songwriter and a Himig Handog finalist himself, Noel Cabangon; Sarah Geronimo’s “Tala” songwriter, Nica del Rosario; 2-time Philpop Grand Champion and singer-songwriter Yumi Lacsamana; Billboard Philippines’ Editor-in-Chief Bret Jackson; Mxy Global’s Channel Head and Asia Pacific of ABS-CBN's Managing Director Maribel Hernaez; and Multi-Awit Awards Champion and Himig Handog 2013 Grand Champion, Jungee Marcelo.
The Top 12 songs, in no particular order, are as follows:
Alvin Serito’s Kurba, interpreted by Maki
Francis Contemplacion’s ATM (Ang Tanging Mamahalin), interpreted by Ice Seguerra
Geca Morales’ Langit Lupa, interpreted by Lyka Estrella, Annrain, and Geca Morales
Jimmy Ricks Gajo’s Salamat (Nga Wala Na Ta), interpreted by Kurt Fick
Keith John Quito’s Buhi, interpreted by Ferdinand Aragon
Kevin Yadao’s Ghostwriter, interpreted by Khimo
Maric Gavino’s Papahiram, interpreted by Noah Alejandre
Relden Campanilla’s Dili Na Lang, interpreted by Jollianne
Riz Ruiz’ Papahiram, interpreted by Moira Dela Torre and Johnoy Danao
Rob Angeles’ MHWG, interpreted by VXON
Shantel Cyline’s Tulala, interpreted by Shantel Cyline x Extrapolation
Tiara Shaye’s Wag Paglaruan, interpreted by Fana
Performing her own song with Extrapolation, Shantel Cyline’s “Tulala” perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being captivated by someone and unable to tear one's eyes off them. “Dili Na Lang”, composed by Relden Campanilla and interpreted by Jollianne, is the prime example of love’s persistence or, perhaps, stubbornness—if it's not with you, then I don’t want it. Love’s notable tenacity amidst hard times was also featured in Maric Gavino’s “Taliwala”, further driven to the listeners’ hearts by Noah Alejandre’s performance. Francis Contemplacion’s “ATM”, sung by balladeer Ice Seguerra, also shares the theme of love remaining steadfast throughout time.
Of course, while some compositions highlighted the favorable aspects of loving someone, some recognized the qualms and difficulties of connecting with another. For those who have experienced being “ghosted” by a potential partner, Kevin Yadao’s R&B piece “Ghostwriter” and Khimo’s groovy delivery of it speak volumes. And, past the rock bottoms, who knew heartbreak could be so liberating? “Salamat (Nga Wala Na Ta)”, composed by Jimmy Ricks Gajo and sung by Kurt Fick, epitomizes the freedom felt once leaving a toxic relationship, not to mention its upbeat nature.
Meanwhile, Rob Angeles’ refreshing and pick-me-up piece “MHWG”, as performed by rising boy group VXON, reminds us to savor the beauty of life and take leaps of faith. Contrary to this, sporting a more cynical perspective on life, Geca Morales’ “Langit Lupa”, aptly and strongly performed by Lyka Estrella, Annrain, and Geca Morales herself, points to the distress-driven motivation to build a better life.
Alvin Serito’s “Kurba”, pertaining to the lips' curvature when smiling, draws loud applause from the audience as hit performer Maki delivers the song with ease and charisma. Its profound lyrics surprisingly simplify the very feeling of loving someone, especially the devotion that comes with it. The song, later on, bagged two awards, namely the Smart People’s Choice Award and MYX Choice For Best Music Video Award.
Sung by Moira Dela Torre and Johnoy Danao, Rinz Ruiz’ “Papahiram” is a mellow reminder of someone’s willingness to be your sanctuary from life’s obstacles. Moira and Johnoy Danao beautifully capture Ruiz’ vision for the song through their atmospheric production and stripped-down performance, securing a podium finish and winning PHP 200,000.
“Buhi”, by Boholano songwriter Keith John Quito and his interpreter Ferdinand Aragon, paints a picture of those who recognize the need to let go of someone despite struggling to do so. The melancholic song finished as 1st runner-up and won PHP 500,000.
Finally, besting the other 11 finalists, “Wag Paglaruan” by Tiara Shaye, interpreted by Fana, delivers a lively and childhood-inspired take on taking precautions to love, ultimately endowing the duo with PHP 1,000,000. The fun bubblegum pop song did not fall short of engaging its listeners with its catchy tune and witty lyricism. Tiara Shaye, in her awarding speech, expressed her gratitude to her family and pushed all aspiring writers to continue their craft and keep their passions alight.
The Philpop x Himig Handog Songwriting Festival, hopefully the first of many collaborations between the two contests, is a great nudge to those who would like to pursue their dreams as songwriters. Such recognition and appreciation for talents and efforts, with luck, will spark a flame within Filipinos, keeping the music industry alive for generations to come.
As a collective management organization representing producers and performers, PRM wholeheartedly supports the growth of the music industry. For more information on our goals and advocacy, check out prm.com.ph. or email us at info@prm.com.ph.
Written by Ashley Benitez
Edited by Francis Buen, Thirdee Deacosta
Comments