MUSICAL ZEAL – On its fifth year, Philpop 2016 continues to take giant strides, brimming with musical zeal like how it started in 2012.
The vision remains singular, in the words of Philpop Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan: “To renew life and focus to the local music industry. We want to encourage songwriters to churn out original Filipino sounds — to remind the world that Filipinos are not just great singers and performers, but also great songwriters; that Pinoy Pop deserves a spot on the world stage.”
Aside from MVP, those who deserve credit for the success of Philpop (Loud.Proud.Ours) include executives of Meralco, PLDT, TV5, and Maynilad and Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, future National Artists.
Also Ogie Alcasid, Noel Cabahug, Josephine R. Santiago, Butch Jimenez, Noel Lorenzana. More: Vic del Rosario and Baby Gil of Viva. Shirley Pizarro and Patricia Bermudez-Hizon.
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ONCE A TEACHER – Ryan says: “I always say that the next generation should be better than us. For our country to move forward. Hence, the best way to do is to teach them everything we know at every instance possible.”
The Maestro heads Philpop Foundation while playing a multitude of other significant roles such as composer, arranger, and conductor.
And, of course, mentor. As they say, “Once a teacher always a teacher.”
Ryan describes young songwriters today as having the “same angst” as those who came before them. All young people pass through this stage of “unbridled energy” and search for self or identity.
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SONG AND NOT SINGER – As noted time and again, Philpop is a songwriting contest. And so the song is more important than the singer or interpreter. Although it must be conceded that the interpretation is a plus factor in selecting the winning composition.
Come July 23 at the Kia Theater in Cubao, Quezon City, the final Night of Philpop 2016 will be mounted. The Top 12 songwriters will be vying for the much coveted Philpop 2016 Grand Prize.
