Philpop unveils 12 interpreters

Out of the rough demos submitted to the call for entries, 12 finalists were chosen through a long, adjudication process. Two months later, the songs with their chosen interpreters have been recorded. Time now to reveal who they are and to give the public a chance to listen to the final product and to choose which one would be the big hits for Philpop 2016.  You can get first crack at this enjoyable task by going to Spotify where the songs became available last May 27.

 I say enjoyable because in the commemorative album, there is a varied batch of songs that certainly does justice to the Philpop tagline, Loud-Proud-Ours. Loud because whether it is pulsating dance, Dumadagundong or a rock ballad, Di Na Muli, here are songs that your neighbors will not mind also listening to. Proud because behind these songs are the output of some of the most talented members of the local music industry today. Some are familiar names while others are new discoveries. And last, but not the least, Ours, because here are the artists who we can count on keeping Filipino pop music not only alive but moving with ease into the future. Here they are:

Opening the album is Tinatangi composed by promising musicians and singers Paolo and Miguel Guico, who as the Benjamins perform their song with the powerhouse duo of Cooky Chua and Bayang Barrios. Iconic figures both Cooky and Bayang bring to life the tinatangi, the loved one, who is cherished throughout all the stages of life’s journey. The youngest finalists this year, the 21-year-old twin brothers, just graduated from La Salle University. 

Binibini Sa MRT, the song entry by Johannes Daniel Garcia is performed by the most exciting young band today, The Juans. The group is composed of Carl Guevarra on vocals and keyboard; Japs Mendoza on vocals and guitar; Jiad Arroyo on guitar and background vocals; Jason de Mesa on bass and background vocals; and Daniel Grospe on drums and vocals. Their happy, energetic rendition aptly relates the song’s tale of an MRT ride to work made memorable by a pretty girl. Language instructor by day and songwriter by night, Johannes has already had compositions recorded by the likes of Yeng Constantino and Christian Bautista. He was a finalist for Philpop 2015 with the perky, danceable tune Edge Of The World.

It is composer Ramiru Mataro himself who interprets his entry titled Kahon. A singer and songwriter who quit college to go full-time into music, Ramiru supports himself with odd jobs in between gigs. He has also been religiously sending entries to Philpop every year. His song Walang Hanggan, a lilting R&B ballad he performed with Donnalyn Bartolome about forever love was one of last year’s Philpop finalists. This time around, Ramiru talks about feelings, boxed up and waiting to be released.

Pabile Po is performed by composer Aikee Aplacador as Rapper Aikee together with the alternative group Banda ni Kleggy of the hit songs Discolamon and Mahal Kita Pramis. This is about a young man’s search for love. If a condo, a car or other expensive stuff can buy love, then he wants to try his luck with what he has to offer. Pabile po, oh oh, ale pabile…

Dumadagundong composed by Brian Cua and by veteran rocker from Rizal Underground and Philpop returnee Mike Villegas, who composed finalist Negastar five years ago. For their interpreter, the pair picked out the bubbly MTV VJ, singer and actress Yassi Pressman who instantly fell in love with the song. The title Dumadagundong was inspired by the booming drum track of Cua’s melody.

Sure to be one of Philpop 2016’s most talked about entries, Friday Night is an R&B dance number composed by Carl Gaurano and Daryl Reyes. It is performed by dancer, choreographer and singer Kenjhons who led the Philippine All-stars to four international hip-hop championship titles. He is already putting together a very special bit of choreography for the song. Friday Night was inspired by the thought of how a much anticipated sexy time evening is ruined by an embarrassing incident. The result is a big surprise for everybody.

Lahat is a song about total commitment that Soc Villanueva composed for his wife of 25 years. It is performed by The Voice grand prize winner Jason Dy. Soc, who is based in Australia, is best known for the big hit Kung Ako Na Lang Sana. He has made it to the Philpop finals three years in a row and he intends to keep joining until he wins the grand prize. Kilig, his finalist entry last year, is a look at a dying relationship.

Nobody But You, composed by singer and songwriter Keiko Necesario, is interpreted by Cebuana Monica Cuenco, the star of the stage musical version of the iconic Filipino film and comics novel Bituing Walang Ningning. This is Davao-based Keiko’s second time to make it to Philpop’s magic 12 and her entry is a light pop ballad about sticking to the one you love, no matter what.

Di Na Muli is by Jazz Nicolas, the lead singer and drummer of the alternative band Itchyworms and his best friend Wally Acolola. This is a bittersweet love song filled with regrets about the past and requires no better interpreter than Jazz himself, joined of course by the famous Itchyworms. Although already a veteran figure in the local music scene, this is Jazz’s first time to join Philpop and to make the finals with a song that is totally unlike any associated with his band.

Singer, composer and band guitarist Joan Da joins the teenaged girl group Sugar & Spice in performing her entry Baliw Sa Ex-Boyfriend Ko. With an average age of 17 and made up of Jasmine, Jessy, Issa, Nicole and Nathalie, Sugar & Spice can certainly relate to Joan Da’s song about going crazy over an ex-boyfriend. This is Joan’s first Philpop entry ever and it was inspired by a rom-com TV show about an ex-girlfriend who just refuses to let go.  

Sintunado by Jeroel Maranan is interpreted by star of stage and television Nyoy Volante. The sensation of the TV show Your Face Sounds Familiar and lead actor of the upcoming production of the musical Jersey Boys found instant affinity with Sintunado’s message of joy in thanksgiving in relation to his personal happiness and successful career. Maranan is only 22 years old. He is a Food Technology student at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. He has already written about 20 songs, most of them inspirational ballads but this is his first time at Philpop.  

Stars Are Aligned, a composition by JC Paez Jose of the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, is interpreted by the combined forces of the Tatlong Bibe Internet sensation group Acappella-go and singing champion and stage and television performer Jimmy Marquez. A Philpop first timer, JC just graduated from his computer science course. His entry is about that happy moment in life when all is perfect as the stars in the heavens are perfectly aligned.

Judged as the best out of nearly 2000 song entries, the 12 finalists will be submitted for further judging come finals night at the Kia Theater on July 23. The Philpop winners will receive cash prizes in the amount of P1M for the grand prize; P500,000 for the first runner-up; and P250,000 for the second runner-up. All of the finalists will also get P50,000 each. Videos of every finalist will also be produced and there is a Best Music Video competition.

For more listening, you may also check out the lyric videos on YouTube starting June 3; download the songs from iTunes and other online stores starting June 10; and lastly, get a copy of the CD produced and distributed by Viva Records, to keep after it becomes available on June 25.