Raining in Manila is Awit’s Record of the Year

Raining in Manila, that brassy earworm of a song by Lola Amour, was named Record of the Year at the recent 37th Awit Awards.

This is the Philippine Association of Music Industry (PARI)’s official event celebrating the best sounds of the previous year. It was held at the Music Museum last Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Most deserving I say, about Raining in Manila, which was also named Song of the Year and Best Pop Recording of the Year. The tune certainly made traipsing through Manila’s usually flooded streets a lark, instead of the inconvenience it really is.

It also brought Lola Amour, a talented but previously underrated band the fame it also deserves.

By the way, Waiting Here Sa Pila, a collab by Lola Amour and comedian Michael V won as Best Novelty Recording.

Meanwhile, the Awit also reminded music lovers that there is no way Unique Salonga should not be counted out. The former IV of Spades may have been unusually quiet these past few months but he copped the Album of the Year Awit for his pared-down, throwback effort titled Daisy.

Daisy is Unique’s third solo album after Grandma and Pangalan and features him experimenting with cheerful, simple sounds. Nice of him to get out of his usual dark moods.  Not like the Unique we know but still worthy of the Awit’s top award.

The other Bests of the evening were:

Performance by a Solo Artist: Letting Go by Joey G.

Performance by a Group: Gento by SB19.

Performance by a New Solo Artist: Hawak Mo by Lyka Estrella.

Performance by a New Group: Pasabay by Uncle Bob’s Funky Seven Club.

Collaboration: Walang Pumapalakpak by Gloc-9 featuring Gary Valenciano.

Dance Electronic Recording: Gento by SB19.

Global Collaboration Recording: Come in Out of the Rain by Troy Laureta, Sheryn Regis and Wendy Moten.

Ballad Recording: Tapusin Na Natin ‘To by Juan Karlos featuring Paolo Benjamin.

Rock/Metal Recording: XXV by Greyhoundz featuring Gloc-9.

Alternative Recording: Ere by Juan Karlos.

Traditional Contemporary Folk Recording: Gabay by syd hartha.

Rap/Hip Hop Recording: Bad Type by Shanti Dope.

Jazz Recording: Tawid Bago Tingin by Debonair District.

Instrumental Recording:  Beyond the Rizal Sky by Alvin Cornista.

World Music Recording: Luzviminda by Chocolate Factory.

Recording by a Child or for Children: Magmasid, Bayang Hinirang by Young Voices of the Philippines.

Regional Recording: Lubi Lubi by Faye Yupano and Project Yazz.

Christmas Recording: Isang Taong Lumipas by Ryan and Emmy Cayabyab with children Krina and Toma.

Original Soundtrack Recording: Sa Duyan ng Bayan (Sindihan Song inspired by “GomBurZa”) by Noel Cabangon, Ebe Dancel and Gloc-9.

Inspirational Recording: Seek First by Quest.

R&B Recording: Oksihina by Dionela.

Music Video: Josh Cullen, Wild Tonight.

Most Streamed Recording: Uhaw by Dilaw.

Music industry stalwarts Buddy de Vera, founder of Alpha Records, executive vice president of Universal Records Inc. and the late Danny Olivares of Grandeur Recording and who later managed PARI with an able hand were this year’s Lifetime Achievement Awardees.