ENTERTAINMENT | June 17, 2020
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN) |
Himig Handog, the biggest songwriting competition in the Philippines, makes a return to the local music scene for its 11th year as it not only continues to champion original Filipino music (OPM) but also seeks to inspire and heal Filipinos during these unprecedented and challenging times caused by the continuing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. For the first time since its inception, ABS-CBN Music's search for outstanding musical compositions is accepting not just only pop and ballad entries but also songs of other genres as well including rock, hip-hop, reggae and many others.
According to ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo, there is no specific theme for this year's competition. For this season, a good song that can uplift and deliver good vibes to listeners in and out of the country is one to find to be hailed as the competition's grand winner for this year. This poses an interesting opportunity for aspiring music composers to showcase their prowess in composing an uplifting and timely song for the Filipinos struggling to make a living due to the varying degrees of community quarantine imposed over different parts of the country regardless of what genre they think suit the song well.
On the other hand, previous Himig Handog contestants have shared their own words of inspiration for budding songwriters who wish to join the competition. Richanne Jacinto, who composed the 2019 Himig Handog finalist "Bakit Ba", said, "Himig Handog gave me the chance to have my song heard worldwide. I held onto my what-ifs and gave it a shot, so please don't be afraid to dream big either. For Agat Morallos, who nabbed the 4th Best Song in Himig Handog 2016 for "Tama Lang" together with Melvin Morallos, "Himig Handog opened doors of opportunity, adventure and, most of all, friendship. We believe that music is an endless journey so never stop writing music for you never know how far it would take you."
Kyle Raphael Borbon, who composed the 2018 Himig Handog best song "Sa Mga Bituin Na Lang Ibubulong", revealed that the songwriting exposure led him to sign with a major recording label afterwards, both as a resident songwriter and a recording artist. He encouraged aspiring songwriters and budding composers to share their own hidden song to the world if you decide to. Meanwhile, the much-awaited competition also gives second chances to those who want to resume their career for music and even rekindle their love and passion for it. An example of it is Karlo Zabala, composer of 2017 Himig Handog 4th Best Song "Wow Na Feelings".
Over the years, ABS-CBN's songwriting competition served as a platform that can discover Filipino talents, hone promising composers and produce songs that will make their own mark in the Philippine music scene. Himig Handog 2020 is open to all interested aspiring Filipino songwriters nationwide. Register and submit your entries in MP3 format online at himig.abs-cbn.com before June 23 (Tuesday). For more details, visit https://www.facebook.com/HimigHandog2020.
