Get to know this year's PhilPop finalists

The finalists to the 2013 Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPop) debunks naysayers’ claim that OPM is dead. In fact, the 12 entries highlight the versatility of the Filipino songwriter as the songs represent almost all genres, highlighted by a unique Pinoy touch.

All the 12 songs speak directly to the Filipino’s core, so what will be the next big OPM hit?

☻Christian Bautista for “Araw, Ulap, Langit” (written by Marlon Barnuevo)

Christian Bautista is the country’s premiere Romantic Balladeer, who has enchanted the whole Asian region with his gift of songs. An international celebrity, Christian headlined a number of groundbreaking projects abroad like the movie A Special Symphony and the musical series The Kitchen Musical. He also dabbles in TV and stage acting. In fact, he is set to play Prince Charming in the forthcoming staging of Cinderella.

With a strong of hit songs and multi-platinum albums (even a diamond record award) to his name, he is undeniably the country’s top balladeer. He is out to further prove this with his interpretation of Araw, Ulap, Langit.

☻Jose and Wally for “Askal” (written by Ganny Brown)

Jose and Wally are indeed the biggest comic duo of this generation, filling Araneta Coliseum twice over. They have also been household names in every filipino home with their stint in a famous noontime show. Now, they interpret what may be the “funniest” entry in the festival – Askal. 

☻Sam Concepcion, Tippy Dos Santos and Quest for “Dati” (written by Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana)

Sam Concepcion and Tippy Dos Santos are childhood friends and perennial partners. They have shared stellar billing in the stage musical Peter Pan and the musical movie IdoBidooBidoo. They’re onstage and onscreen chemistry is palpable with every song and dance they perform together. This time, the two will be joined by respected Christian rapper/R&B/ hip-hop singer Quest to make Dati an unforgettable musical experience.

☻Ney Dimaculangan for “Kung ‘Di Man” (written by Johnoy Danao)

Ney’s soaring voice made 6Cyclemind’s songs (Biglaan, Sige, Sandalan, Magsasaya, among others) hit. Now, he breathes life to Johnoy Danao’s masterful composition Kung ‘Di Man.

☻Sitti and Julianne Tarroja for “Pansamantagal” (Written by Jungee Marcelo)

For Pansamantagal, two exciting female singers Sitti and Julianne Tarroja collaborate to give the song an exciting twist. Sitti and Julianne have both gathered solid following because of their unique sound.

☻Joey Ayala, Gloc-9 featuring Denise Barbacena and Silverfilter for “Papel” (written by Joey Ayala)

Joey Ayala’s songs and performances are staples in songwriting competitions, but for Papel,the famed singer-songwriter collaborates with perhaps the country’s most prolific rapper Gloc-9 and his protege Denise. To add a more exciting touch to the song, Silverfilter provides modern touches to the song.

☻Kimpoy Feliciano for “Sana Pinatay Mo Na Lang Ako” (written by Myrus Apacible)

With his Pinoy Banats Youtube video and witty posts on Twitter and Tumblr, Kimpoy Feliciano has endeared himself with today’s youth. His solid following (more than 500,000 followers on Twitter, and hundreds of thousands on various social media platforms) paved the way for him to be a recording artist, TV actor, and product endorser. He lends his boy-next-door charm in the song Sana Pinatay Mo Na Lang Ako.

☻Karylle for “Sa’yo Na Lang Ako” (written by Lara Maigue)

Karylle entered showbiz as a showbiz royalty, but over the years, she has proven her worth as a singer, actress, TV host. In fact, she topbilled the Pan-Asian musical series The Kitchen Musical, shown in about 20 countries worldwide. As a singer, she has released hit albums over the years. She also is a theater royalty with credits like Seussical andWest Side Story, where she played the role of Maria. This October, she headlines the local staging of Cinderella.

Karylle’s heartfelt rendition of Sa’yo Na Lang Ako is undeniably one of the highlights of the 2013 PhilPop.

☻Yael Yuzon of Sponge Cola for “Segundo” (Written by Paul Armesin)

Sponge Cola’s frontman Yael Yuzon lends his distinct vocals to Segundo, a catchy song that tackles the importance of using time wisely. Yael is behind the band’s hit songs like Gemini, Jeepney, Bitiw, XGF, Kay Tagal Kitang Hinintay, and Tambay, which earned for the band the coveted Diamond Record Award. Currently, his band is part of the elite Tanduay First Five.

☻Ace Libre of Never The Strangers for “Sometimes That Happens” (Written by Nino Regalado and Adrienne Sarmiento-Buenaventura)

The romance in Ace of Never The Strangers’ voice makes him the perfect interpreter for Sometimes That Happens. Ace is the voice behind Never The Strangers’ hits Alive, Moving Closer and Bago Mahuli Ang Lahat.

☻Kean Cipriano of Callalily and Kleggy of Banda Ni Kleggy for “Space” (written by Raffy Calicdan)

Callalily frontman Kean Cipriano and Kleggy (of Banda ni Kleggy) are the best of friends, and in Space,it is undeniable that they are having the best of time working on it. Kean, who entered the local music industry earlier, serves as “mentor” to the relatively new guy on the recording block Kleggy.

☻Six Part Invention for “Time Machine” (written by Kennard Faraon)

The band has just recently released their latest album Stripped and Covered, available not only in the Philippines but also in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Hong Kong. The lovely blending of the voices of vocalists Rey and Kaye and Time Machine’s romantic arrangement make this song a ultimate treat for lovers.