PhilPop salutes OPM

Manila, Philippines -  The first Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPop), held last week at the PICC Convention Center, proved to be one of the best nights in Original Pilipino Music’s (OPM) recent history.

Under the leadership of overall chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, PhilPop gathered the best, brightest music personalities in the country. It also gave everyone a glimpse of the bright future of OPM, disproving naysayers’ claim that its demise is just around the corner.

National treasure Ryan Cayabyab, executive director of the festival, explains, “PhilPop provides a channel through which our composers and songwriters can create fresh, new songs. We’re looking for tunes that define the present generation — hindi ‘yung tunog namin!”

From around 3,000 entries submitted to the competition, 14 songs emerged on top, coming from various genres and written by songwriters at different points in their careers.

The task of evaluating the final entries was given to the panel of judges, composed by some of the most respected names in the industry — singer-hitmaker-advocate Noel Cabangon, famous radio personality Chico Garcia, Universal Records managing director Kathleen Dy-Go, PhilPop treasurer Randy Estrellado, Pupil frontman Ely Buendia, ace songwriter-musical director Louie Ocampo and APO Hiking Society member Jim Paredes.

On his Twitter account, Paredes exclaims how OPM roared and shone during the event. He also admits that he had a hard time judging the entries since finalists showed impressive new styles, approaches to Filipino music.

Indeed, it was a shining moment for OPM as 14 songs slugged it out for the P1M cash prize for the grand winner.

After the 14 songs were performed, three entries were singled out.

Kung Ako Na Lang Sana composer Soc Villanueva’s Kontrabida was adjudged second runner-up. Interpreted by Sam Concepcion, the song tells a protagonist-turned-antagonist’s love story.

With his youthful stance and amazing performance, Sam breathed life to Villanueva’s masterpiece.

“I never doubted Sam’s talent. Even before he stepped on stage, I knew he would give justice to the song,” says Villanueva. “Sam’s confidence is just so high and talent is overflowing that I know that the battle is already half-won.”

Concepcion, who last joined a competition less than a decade ago via Little Big Star, where he bagged the top plum, was ecstatic over the commendation.

“I know the song is catchy, unpretentious, and enjoyable to sing,” admits Concepcion. “But landing the third spot among 14 equally brilliant entries is extremely amazing.”

Concepcion received glowing reviews from Paredes, via his Instagram account, describing his performance as “Wow.”

Toto Sorioso’s Tayo-Tayo Lang, which talks about a musician’s experiences performing to a near-empty venue, placed second.

Because of an apparent throat condition, singer Ebe Dancel had a hard time performing during the competition. However, the situation seemed to have added a unique charm to the song. 

The top prize went to Karl Villuga’s Bawat Hakbang, a beautifully-written inspirational song interpreted by Mark Bautista and Akafellas.

The assured arrangement of the song and wonderful blending of the interpreters’ voices highlighted the undeniable charm of the song.

“The landscape of the music industry is changing, and it is changing very fast. From purchasing physical CDs, we are preparing to enter a new era — music in digital formats,” says Dy-Go, who was radiant in a gown by Joel Escober for MYTH with accessories from Jewel’s Podium. “These songs represent the future of OPM.”

Other notable entries are Noah Zuñiga’s Dulo Ng Dila (Jay-R and Deejay Poblete), Kennard Faraon’s Slowdancing (Nyoy Volante), Keiko Necessario’s 3AM (Marie Digby), Trina Belamide’s Bigtime (Baihana), James Leyte’s Brown (Brownman Revival and James Leyte), Thyro Alfaro’s Himig ng Panahon (Duncan Ramos, Luke Mejares, Loonie, Thyro and Yumi), Edwin Marollano’s Kesa (Daniel Grospe), Gary Granada’s Minsa’y Isang Bansa (Gary Granada), Mike Villegas’ Negastar (Cathy Go), Krist Melecio’s Piso (Joey Ayala) and Byron Ricamara’s Takusa (Rocksteddy).

With hosts Ogie Alcasid, OPM president, and Nikki Gil, the event also boasted of the finest performances from OPM artists Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez, Basil Valdez, Christian Bautista, Erik Santos, Jose and Wally, Hajji and Rachel Alejandro, Bituin Escalante, Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Frenchie Dy, Cris Villonco, Gian Magdangal, Myke Salomon, among others.

“This (PhilPop) could be the kick-off that could propel OPM once again, and would encourage every songwriter, young and old, new and veterans, to create,” says Cabangon. “Mabuhay ang Musikang Pilipino.”