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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Twelve different songs that tell the unique storytelling of Filipinos headline the 11th edition of the biggest songwriting competition in the Philippines simply known as Himig. ABS-CBN Music, the music production and recording arm of the Philippines' premiere media and entertainment company, has released the newly-produced song finalists on November 13 (Friday) which were carefully selected for representing the diversity of Original Philippine Music (OPM) and showcasing the power of music through words masterfully written by budding Filipino songwriters.
Idol Philippines grand winner Zephanie Dimaranan rendered a heartrending performance to "Tinadhana Sa 'Yo", a song about unrequited love by returning Himig composer SJ Gandia, while Rise Music artist JMKO gave an impeccable version to "Tabi Tabi Po" by Mariah Moriones which is about one's willingness to wait for love. Kiss N' Tell, meanwhile, performed the song "Pahina", about an unconditional love taken for granted, composed by band members Joshua Ortiz and Aniceto Cabahug III. Idol Philippines finalist FANA, formerly known as Fatima Louise, interpreted Erica Sabalboro's "Out", a song with unique lyrics consisting of English, Tagalog and Bicolano words bravely addressing mental health.
KZ Tandingan rendered her enthralling performance to "Marupok", a globally appealing dance-pop track with a distinct Filipino sound, by composer Danielle Balagtas while Sam Mangubat sang the power ballad "Kulang Ang Mundo" by Daryl Cielo. Two collaborations are also part of Himig 11th Edition namely "Kahit Na Masungit", an ode to dismal relationships, written by brothers John Francis and Jayson Franz Pasicolan and interpreted by Jeremy G and Kyle Echarri and David Mercado's "Kahit Kunwari Man Lang", inspired by a true story of an unlabeled relationship, performed by Moira Dela Torre and Agsunta.
Juris gave her heartwarming rendition to Jabez Orara's "Ika'y Babalik Pa Ba" which talks about the excitement of coming back from a failed relationship. Meanwhile, Kenneth Reodica's entry "Ang Hirap Maging Mahirap", performed by Davey Langit featuring Kritiko, is inspired by people fighting for their everyday lives. Finally, Janine Berdin, featuring composer Joanna Ang, interpreted a Visayan song of healing and hope called "Bulalakaw" while Zild sang the 80s-inspired electropop track "Sa Ibang Planeta" composed by another returning composer Dan Tañedo who wrote and composed last year's winning entry "Mabagal". These twelve songs are vying to win various special awards and be hailed as the competition's next Best Song.
Through the years, the Himig songwriting competition has made its own mark in the Philippine music scene bringing out the best of OPM through remarkable compositions from Filipinos in and out of the country. ABS-CBN Music continues the legacy of Himig Handog which is the longest-running song festival in the Philippines and the largest global multimedia songwriting festival in Southeast Asia that started in the year 2000. The Himig 11th Edition album, over-all produced by ABS-CBN Music creative director and 2001 Himig Handog grand winner Jonathan Manalo, is now available on all digital music streaming platforms worldwide. Watch the lyric videos of all the #Himig11thEdition song finalists on Star Music's official YouTube channel as well. For more details and updates, visit and follow @HimigHandog on Facebook.
