Vispop 11 picks Top Six finalists

CEBU, Philippines — For its 11th edition, Bisaya songwriting contest Vispop has named six songs out of 12 semifinalist entries that will compete during the January 2024 finals.

In a three-day semifinal round that took place August 18-20 at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu, the top six entries were chosen by a jury composed of Cebuano artists Kurt Fick, Jerika Teodorico, and radio personality Odessa Rodriguez aka DJ Jacky based on this criteria: 30 percent for music (quality of melody, harmony, and rhythm), 30 percent for lyrics (arrangement of words and ideas), and 40 percent for overall-impact (commercial appeal, radio-friendliness, uniqueness, and breakthrough qualities).

The finalists are “Kinsa Namong Duha” by Franzel Kaye Tolentino, “Kasakit ug Kaguol” by JR Arnold Ygay, “Salig Lang” by Ramiro Magbitang, “Dili Maka Dili” by Melchizedek Lozarita, “Nanasad Ta Ani” by Jimmy Ricks Grajo, and “Duka” by Michael Adrian Catarina.

“I am so happy for this year particularly because 100 percent of those who made it to the finals are first-timers. This is the first time that they are finalists,” Vispop Head Organizer Jude Gitatmondoc told The FREEMAN.

“This shows that there is a future for Bisaya music for young people. We have young songwriters who are writing in Bisaya and that’s a good thing for us.”

Gitamondoc is also pleased that there are some new sounds introduced to Vispop 11. “We have pop-rock which is not common for Vispop and we also have hip-hop, rap sounds. That’s a good thing. There’s still the usual favorite with the Vispop crowd, but I am happy to hear new sounds,” he said.

Explaining their process of selecting the Top 6, Teodorico, Vispop 2014 winner for “Labyu Langga”, said, “The top six, although not perfect bullseye, they are still the nearest ideal in Vispop. Our question now is which songs represent what Bisaya music sounds like now.”

“Those six songs represent the different flavors and genres of Bisaya music [now]. It’s contemporary Bisaya music showcasing different personalities of the songwriters.”

Teodorico observed how this edition’s semi-finalists had a different way of using Bisaya in their songwriting. “Their command of the language is strong. This batch has a different flavor, different context, different references, and distinct humor,” she pointed out.

The six finalists were announced by Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia as the government fully funded the Vispop 11 semi-finals as part of the ongoing Cebu City Arts Month.

“The government needs to support our musicians because this is our culture, our identity. This is something that we can be proud of as a city so I think it’s time for our city government to support our musicians and songwriters,” said Garcia.

Addressing the audience before announcing the Top 6, Garcia said he is grateful to Vispop for promoting Bisaya music as Cebuanos’ music tastes have become more globalized.

“Although we listen to K-pop or songs from Taylor Swift and international artists, it’s very important not to forget where we come from. This is why I am happy and proud that Vispop has continued to harness and promote Bisaya music for 11 years so we will not forget our identity,” he said.

“We have to promote our musicians so we can help them, not only to attain fame but also when they are famous, they make us Cebuanos proud. That’s why I am happy that after 11 years, the Cebu City government is fully sponsoring Vispop’s endeavors now.”

The Top 6 will receive their finalist awards at the “Mabuhi ang Alampat: A Gala to Honor Cebuano Artists and Art Makers” event on August 31 at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. — (FREEMAN)