‘Bawat Hakbang’ by Karl Villuga, Grand Winner of the 1st Philippine (PhilPOP) Popular Music Festival

Tweet

Congratulations to the Winners of the 1st Philippine Popular Music Festival!

Karl Villuga was chosen as the winner of the very first Philippine Popular (PhilPOP) Music Festival Sunday night held at the PICC. He received the grand prize of P1 million in cash and a trophy for his inspirational song “Bawat Hakbang.” 



PhilPOP grand finals is attended by respected local artists and prominent personalities from various industries brought together by a shared vision—to spark renewed pride and enthusiasm in OPM and bring about another golden age in Philippine music.

Here are the complete  results:

Grand Winner: Bawat Hakbang

Music and Lyrics: Karl Villuga

Interpreted by Mark Bautista with the Akafellas

Prize: P1-Million

2nd Place : Tayo-Tayo Lang
Music and Lyrics: Toto Sorioso
Interpreted by Ebe Dancel
Prize: P500,000

3rd Place : Kontrabida
Music and Lyrics: Soc Villanueva
Interpreted by Sam Concepcion
Prize: P250,000

Smart People’s Choice Award: Brown
Music and Lyrics: James Leyte
Interpreted by Brown Man Revival
Prize: P200,000

The non-winning finalists will each receive P50,000 consolation prize.

Karl Vincent H. Villuga 

Karl Vincent H. Villuga

Song: Bawat Hakbang

Karl will soon be the former member of the group called the Akafellas.  He’s been there since 2001 but the group is transitioning to have new members.  He has plans of moving to Singapore to take his MBA later this year.  Karl is a brilliant finance consultant. He labels his work on corporate finance “geeky”. He’s pretty new to songwriting contests; this is only his 2^nd attempt.  He’s written a couple of songs, including some originals for the Akafellas.  He says his song “Bawat Hakbang” carries deep personal meaning, which saw him through when he went through some personal crisis.

Bawat Hakbang by Karl Villuga feat. Mark Bautista & The Akafellas @philpop

KARL VILLUGA- SOUL AFTER WORK (BAWA'T HAKBANG- ORIGINAL SONG)

You can visit : My Music Store
Related Story: Top 14 Finalist of PhilPOP Festival Revealed

Icons at the Arena: Masters of OPM on June 16

Tweet

I love music, I love songs full of life and love. My favorites songs, inspired me with the words and music specially created and sang by Original Pilipino Music masters and great singers.

I’m glad that there will be an amazing and  historic event about to unfold on June 16 , (Saturday), 8 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The biggest names in the Philippine music industry come together in a once-in-a-lifetime one-night grand concert titled “Icons at the Arena: Masters of OPM” to launch the  The Mall of Asia Arena and celebrate the greatness and ingenuity of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). With it a world-class performance that is set to break boundaries, featuring Icons of past and present generations.

Featuring the biggest names in the Philippine music industry, this once-in-a-lifetime concert will feature world-class artists from various generations include Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Jose Mari Chan, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Basil Valdez, Freddie Aguilar, Christian Bautista, Erik Santos, Juris, Jed Madela, Piolo Pascual, Bamboo, Arnel Pineda, and The Company.

“Icons at the Mall of Asia Arena" will be hosted by Jim Paredes and Pops Fernandez and will be graced by comic TV personalities Pokwang, Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola.

Staged by ABS-CBN's Star events, "Icons at the Arena: Master of OPM" with Johnny Manahan as director and Ryan Cayabyab as musical director.

In the world of music there are many great Filipino singers. I love OPM and I'd love to watch the concert. I really hope to witness history unfold and feel the wonderful night of great music. That is always my dream.

I really like Lea Salonga because she is a great singer, with her powerful voice and distinct sound. I first knew her as a ten-year-old girl singing “I Am But A Small Voice” in 1981. And I continue watching her in many shows and listening to her songs. I admire her and proud of her. Lea did something more than making Filipinos proud. The first Filipina ever to win the prestigious Tony Award for her role as Kim in the Broadway Musical "Miss Saigon.”

I love Gary V too! I wish to see him personal! I want to see him in performances live! Gary V,  musician, composer, actor, producer, and gospel singer who is best known for many songs, especially those that became theme songs for movies. His energetic dance moves also garnered him the nickname "Mr. Pure Energy."

Gary V has released  great albums and won the Awit Awards for "Best Male Performer" eleven times. In 1998, he became UNICEF Philippines first National Ambassador. Gary V continues to make music that's both meaningful and relevant to the times. I love his music, especially inspirational songs.

If you also want to watch the Icons at the Mall of Asia Arena -- the Mall of Asia Arena Grand launch, please visit www.smtickets.com or call (02) 470-2222 for the purchase of tickets.

TOP 14 Finalists of PhilPOP Music Festival Revealed

Tweet

OPM is alive and kicking as locals and foreign-based Pinoys join PhilPOP to become the next big Filipino songwriter.

A record-breaking 3,000 song entries, not just from the Philippines but Filipinos based in other parts of the world including the United Kingdom, France, Canada and neighboring Asian countries such as  Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, beat the deadline to submit their entries for the first ever Philippine Popular Music Festival’s (PhilPOP) search for the next, big Filipino songwriter.

The overwhelming local and global response to send entries for the competition is a clear indication that Original Pilipino Music (OPM) is indeed still very much alive – all that is really needed is the right vehicle to showcase their talents.


PhilPOP is composed of respected local artists and prominent personalities from various industries brought together by a shared vision—to spark renewed pride and enthusiasm in OPM and bring about another golden age in Philippine music.


With the entries screened, reviewed and segregated, the million peso question now is who will make it to the coveted top 14?

The Top 14 are: Himig ng Panahon by Timothy Anjello Alfaro, Bigtime by Trina Belamide,Dulo ng Dila by Noah Zuñiga Cabalquinto, Slowdancing by John Kennard Eleazar Faraon,Minsa’y Isang Bansa by Gary Granada, Brown by James B. Leyte and Jezreel S. De Oca, Kesa by Edwin B. Marollano, Piso by Kristofferson B. Melecio, 3:00 AM by Keiko Necesario, Takusa by Byron Ricamara, Tayo Tayo Lang by Ronaldo Sorioso, Kontrabidaby Soc Villanueva, Negastar by Michael Angelo Santos Villegas, and Bawat Hakbang by Karl Vincent Villuga.

Song Title	Music	Lyrics
Himig Ng Panahon	Timothy Anjello Alfaro	Timothy Anjello Alfaro
Bigtime	Trina Belamide	Trina Belamide
Dulo ng Dila	Noah Zuniga Cabalquinto	Noel Zuniga Cabalquinto
Slowdancing	John Kennard Eleazar Faraon	John Kennard Eleazar Faraon
Minsa'y Isang Bansa	Gary Granada	Gary Granada
Brown	James B. Leyte & Jezreel S. De Oca	James B. Leyte
Kesa	Edwin B. Marollano	Edwin B. Marollano
Piso	Kristofferson B. Melecio	Kristofferson B. Melecio
3:00am	Keiko Necesario	Keiko Necesario
Takusa	Byron Ricamara	Byron Ricamara
Tayo Tayo Lang	Ronaldo M. Sorioso	Ronaldo M. Sorioso
Kontrabida	Soc Villanueva	Soc Villanueva
Negastar	Michael Angelo Santos Villegas	Michael Angelo Santos Villegas
Bawat Hakbang	Karl Vincent H. Villuga	Karl Vincent H. Villuga

At the press conference held recently, the 14 finalists were finally announced to the general public.  Come July 14, 2012, these top 14 will showcase their compositions through the final performance and competition to be held at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Mr. Ryan Cayabyab,Music Maestro and PhilPOP Executive Director

Music maestro and PhilPOP executive director Ryan Cayabyab said, “We want to thank all our kababayans who shared their compositions with us. The mere fact that we received this overwhelming response for the very first Philippine Popular Music Festival is a victory not only for OPM (Original Pilipino Music) but more so, for the Filipino people.”

Cayabyab, whose music career, starting out as an amateur songwriter, was propelled by a song writing competition, added, “This is an exciting time for the local music industry. With PhilPOP, we are helping shape the future landscape of OPM. The talent and the potential of the Filipino songwriter have always been there. We have proven it many times over. Now, the next step is to shine the spotlight on the best of the best.”

The country has indeed profited from other renowned songwriters whose significant compositions were borne out of song writing competitions including Jose Mari Chan ("Can we Just Stop and Talk Awhile", which incidentally was also entered in the World Popular Music Festival in Tokyo, “Hahanapin Ko”, “Minsan Pa”) Nonong Pedero (“Narito Ako”, “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit”), George Canseco (“Ako ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi”), Louie Ocampo (“Ewan”), Snaffu Rigor (Bulag, Pipi at Bingi”) and Freddie Aguilar whose seminal hit “Anak” went on to become one of the country’s most popular and well-loved songs.

The top winning entry will receive P1 million in cash and two runners-up will each receive P500,000 and P250,000 respectively.  A People’s Choice award will also be given to the most popular entry as decided by text votes.

The Philippine Popular Music Festival is jointly presented by Maynilad, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), and Smart.  Major sponsors are Meralco, Resorts World Manila and TV5.  Other sponsors are Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), Sun Cellular, First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA), Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), and Philex Mining Corporation.  Media partners are KBP, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star and Radio High.  

PhilPop recently released an official statement regarding some concerns.

For updates on the results, visit PhilPop.com.ph

Here's the PhilPOP Top 14 Compilation.

PhilPOP Search for the Next, Big Filipino Composer is Ongoing

Tweet

Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPOP), led by its executive director and music maestro Mr. C, Ryan Cayabyab, issued a last call to Filipino composers, performers and music lovers to join the PhilPOP songwriting competition.

“We are inviting all Filipino composers to come out and share their work. This is your moment to shine. It’s high time we once again celebrate the artistry of the Filipino musician. Your big shot at song-writing success begins at this first ever Philippine Popular Music Festival,” Cayabyab said.

Fourteen (14) finalist will be chosen for a final performance and competition night to be held on July 14, 2012 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The composer of the top winning entry will receive P1 million in cash and two runners-up will each receive P500,000 and P250,000 respectively. A People’s Choice award will also be given to the most popular entry as decided by online and text votes.

With PhilPOP, Cayabyab now comes full circle in his career as one of the Philippines’ most celebrated musicians – inspiring a new generation of song writers and composers as well as spearheading the renaissance of OPM through a familiar platform he himself has gone through a familiar platform he himself has gone through.

More than just the excitement of the prizes at stake, the music maestro explained the long-term impact of the competition for the eventual winners. 

“PhilPOP” is not just a one-time, big-time shot at fame. It can be stepping stone to the building a long and successful music career. More than anything else, it’s a chance to carve a niche in the industry and change the landscape of local music,”  he added.

The PhilPOP buzz has traveled beyond the archipelago and has now reached Filipinos in other parts of the world including Thailand, North America, Hong Kong, Ireland, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, France and the United Kingdom.

PhilPOP is a collaboration among respected local artists and prominent personalities from various industries brought together by a shared vision – to sprak renewed pride and enthusiasm in Origianal Pilipino Music (OPM) and bring about another golden age in Philippine music.

Interested composers may still submit their entries online at PhilPOP.com.ph until midnight of May 10, 2012.

* Song entries must be in MP3 format and can be in any popular music genre or a fusion of known genres, in any form or structure. 

* Each composition must not exceed four minutes. 

* Contestants can submit a maximum of two songs, either as a sole composer or as a collaborator. * Song lyrics may be in Filipino, English, any Filipino dialect or a combination thereof. 

* Entries will be judged based on the artistry and creativity of music (50%) and lyrics (50%).

Click this to register at PhilPop. 

The Philippine Popular Music Festival is jointly presented by Maynilad, Meralco, PLDT, Smart Communications, Sun Cellular, North Luzon Expressway, Metro Pacific Investments, PICC, Philex Mining Corporation and TV5.

For more information, please visit PhilPOP.com.ph. 

Noli Me Tangere: The Musical

Tweet

In honor of Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday, "Noli Me Tangere: The Musical" will officially open Tanghalang Pilipino’s 25th theater season.

The critically acclaimed musical, adapted by Ryan Cayabyab from Rizal’s most famous work with libretto by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, will be restaged under the direction of theater luminary Audie Gemora. Costume design is by National Artist Salvador Bernal.

Leading the cast as Crisostomo Ibarra are singer/TV host Mark Bautista (alternating with Arnold Reyes) and Cris Villonco as Maria Clara (understudied by Tasy Garucha). Joining them are Jerald Napoles and Riki Benedicto (Elias), Al Gatmaitan and Reyes (Padre Salvi), Ring Antonio (Don Victorina), Garry Lim (Don Tiburcio) alternating with Jonathan Tadioan, Red Nuestro (Kapitan Tiago), Jenny Villegas (Tia Isabel), Angeli Bayani (Sisa) and Paolo Rodriguez (leproso).

The ensemble includes Jenny Garcia, Pamela Imperial, Janine Santos, Sherine Ann Koa, Hazel Maranan, Diana Sison, Kat Castillo, Martha Comia, Erick Arenas, Gino Ramirez, Chesko Rodriguez, Jejie Esguerra, Von Ryan Yu, Berl William Angeles, Paolo Rodriguez, Baron Barbers and Greg de Leon.

Comprising the artistic staff are Audie Gemora (director), Rody Vera (dramaturg), Ryan Cayabyab (composer and arranger), Bienvenido Lumbera (librettist), Jed Balsamo (musical director), Mio Infante (set designer), Salvador Bernal (costume designer), Eric Cruz (costume consultant) Katsch Catoy (lighting designer), Agnes Locsin (choreographer) and Christine Crame (dance master.

"Noli Me Tangere: The Musical" runs August 5-28, 2011 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater). Interested sponsors, show-buyers and block buyers may call Tanghalang Pilipino (632) 8323661 or 8321125 local 1620/1621, or CCP box-office 8323704.

Ryan Cayabyab, Composer and Musical Arranger

Audie Gemora, Director

Cris Villonco , Maria Clara

Marck Bautista , Crisostomo Ibarra

Gian Magdangal, Crisostomo Ibarra

Bodjie Pascua, Padre Damaso