Songwriting for the Soul

CEBU, Philippines - Sixty young songwriters from all over the country indulged in various trainings and seminars during the 1st Elements National Songwriting Camp held last Nov. 14-18 in Dauin, Negros Oriental.

The participants got to hear them straight from seasoned artists and notable composers like Jim Paredes, Jimmy Antiporda, Noel Cabangon, Rico Blanco, among others.

Camp host and Maestro Ryan Cayabyab made sure the purpose is not lost amidst the fun and enjoyment.

“The purpose really is to inspire them to write new songs, beautiful music, new music,” Cayabayab told The FREEMAN.

The five-day camp is envisioned to be an annual gathering of both professional and aspiring songwriters.

In an earlier interview, Cayabyab highlighted the need for new talents in the local music industry.

“Ang daming gustong kumanta. Pero yung gagawa ng kanta, konti na lang. Gusto naming mag-discover at mag-develop ng mga batang songwriters.”

The campers were taught from the history of Filipino songwriting to actually creating and composing songs for different genres. And because music is also business, they were also oriented on the inner workings and intricacies in the music industry, such as getting copyright and other legal matters.

The five-day camp culminated at the Luce Auditorium in Silliman University with Gary Valenciano as guest.

Gary V talked about the real essence in composing and writing songs.

“The best thing an artist can do is to come up on stage and inspire his audience. This is where you capture their heart and soul,” Gary said.

To him, he uses music as a way to become part of someone’s life.

With the roster of speakers and mentors and the invaluable learnings they imparted, the campers couldn’t get over what they call an overwhelming experience.

Twenty-four year-old Dumagueteño Danielle Zamar started writing since she was 15. From then on, she has been writing love songs for her family and friends.

“I learned that writing a song is a human expression, although some people would get hurt. But if that’s what the composer felt, then he is free to write that,” she shared.

For Cebuano Kim Tiangco, she won’t forget what she learned about the music industry.

“You have to own and protect your composition because that is your property. I now understand how legal and business matters work,” she said.

Jazper Tiongzon who hails from Luzon is looking forward to sharing his learnings with colleagues when he returns home.

The 60 songwriters were carefully chosen out of hundreds of applicants nationwide. The 1st Elements National Songwriting Camp was organized by 7101 Music Nation. (Photos courtesy of the Office of Information & Publications, Silliman University) (THE FREEMAN)