Is the young generation of songwriters and composers really into sappy music—ditties which the millennials and the Gen Zs call hugot songs? Are the media consumers really excessively sentimental?
Perhaps, Himig Handog 2019 Top 12 entries, which tackle young Filipinos’ struggle and hope when it comes to love, can give us a clear answer.
“Filipinos, in general, are very sentimental people,” says Star Music’s Jonathan Manalo. “Heartbreak and painful stories are things that we can easily relate to. In Himig Handog, we have a lot of those songs but we also have happy songs that the public can remember.”
“But audiences really like hugot songs. We can’t take that away from them because they love listening to this kind of music. With the current generation, the sentiments are still the same. They give it a new flavor, sound, and interpretation,” he adds.
From almost 4,000 entries, the song finalists are down to 12, now produced and brought to life by this year’s carefully selected interpreters.
Daniel Padilla and Moira Dela Torre come back in this year’s competition and collaborate in Dan Martel Simon Tañedo’s “Mabagal.”
The Killer Bride star Janella Salvador also returns to join the roster of interpreters and sings “Nung Tayo Pa” of Rex Torremoro and Elmar Jann Bolaño.
Former Idol Philippines contestant Alekzandra Nicolle Quitalig competes with her own composition, “Alaala,” while Davao-based singer-songwriter Eamarie Gilayo likewise interprets her own song, “Ikaw at Linggo.”
Another former Idol Philippines contender, Vanya Castor, tries her luck in a different contest by interpreting “Paano Ba,” penned by composer Richanne Charms Jacinto. Meanwhile, “Isa Pang Ikaw,” composed by Joseph Ponce is performed by former X Factor Australia contestant Justin Vasquez.
This year, acoustic balladeer TJ Monterde interprets “Panandalian,” composed by Jerome Arcangel and Cee Jay Del Rosario, while Alex Gonzaga sings the composition of Michael Angelo “Aikee” Aplacador titled “Please Lang.”
Former X Factor Philippines contender Joan Da interprets her song with LJ Manzano entitled “Sasabihin Ko,” while singer-songwriter Davey Langit comes back in the competition—this time as an interpreter of the song “Simula ng Dulo,” which he co-wrote with Therese Marie Villarante.
I Belong To The Zoo, sings Ferdinand Aragon’s song “Ingat,” while “Tawag ng Tanghalan” champion Janine Berdin gives her rendition to “Sa’yong Mundo,” composed by Noah Zuniga.
Over the years, the songs produced in Himig Handog have won hearts of Filipino listeners here and abroad. True to its mission, ABS-CBN’s songwriting competition has also continuously brought about the best of OPM by searching for outstanding musical compositions from all over the world.
The grand winner will take home P1 million, while the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th placers get P500,000, P200,000, P150,000, and P100,000 cash prizes, respectively. Watch out for the grand finals of Himig Handog 2019 live on ASAP Natin ‘To on Oct. 13.
Aside from being hailed as this year’s Best Song, the entries also go head-to-head for the other sought-after awards, including MOR’s Choice, MYX Choice for Best Music Video, TFC’s Global Choice Award, Star Music’s Choice Award, and Best Produced track.
The #HimigHandog2019 songs can be streamed on all digital music stores worldwide and are also available on Star Music’s YouTube channel. For details, like @HimigHandog2019 on Facebook. You may also visit starmusic.ph, like Star Music onfacebook.com/starmusicph, and follow it on Twitter and Instagram @ StarMusicPH.
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Ria Atayde off-cam
We recently received a set of photos of actress Ria Atayde via Facebook Messenger. The snaps show the Kapamilya star serving food to young children.
According to the netizen who sent us the photos, they were taken at Justice Cecilia Munoz Palma High School during a feeding program sponsored by Corazon Foundation and Willing Hearts. The school is located on Molave Street in Payatas B, Quezon City.
The details were incomplete so we reached out to Ria via a colleague close to the actress.
“I don’t really want to make that a public thing,” was Ria’s quick reply.
Many people didn't know, Ria spends a lot of time doing well-meaning activities whenever she’s not on TV or taping for a series. For instance, when tropical storm Ondoy hit the metro, Ria and her celebrity friends helped out those affected by the calamity. It only reached the press when a netizen shared a candid photo of them.
We were able to get in touch with Corazon Foundation as well. A representative from the organization confirmed that they have a project in partnership with a Singaporean organization called Willing Hearts. They feed 300 to 1000 student every day.
The representative also shared how Ria became part of the program.
“Ria was there during our launching on Aug. 9. Nagtayo ng kusina para lang sa project na ‘yan. The plan is to feed at least 20,000 students all over Manila and also do medical assistance to sick children. It was our Singaporean partners who tapped Ria. They know that Ria spends her birthday feeding young children,” the representative shared.
We also learned that Ria was supposed to be accompanied by her brother Arjo but the actor failed to make it because he was in Auckland, New Zealand for DZMM Global Pinoy Idol.
Well, Ria, hats off to you!