1st Philippine Popular Music Festival

It was the birthday of the Philippines' Top CEO, Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) last July 14th. And one of the celebrations for his birthday (which was initiated by Maynilad and Smart, together with other MVP Group companies) was the Finals Night of the 1st Philippine Popular Music Festival (Philpop), which is a song writing competition of both amateur and professional Filipino songwriters. This competition aims to revive the Philippine music industry and be a channel for Filipino songwriters to create new OPM songs that would capture the Filipino listeners.

This project started around March and the search happened from April to June. From over 3000 song entries, Top 14 songs were chosen. These were promoted to the public who were encouraged to vote for their favorite entries. Here are the Top14 songs:

Here are some photos during the event:

 nice stage set-up

 Ogie Alcasid's opening number

 Ogie and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS)

 Hosts: Nikki Gil and Ogie Alcasid

 "Negastar"

 "Dulo ng Dila" performed by JayR and DJ Poblete

 "Slow dancing" performed by Nyoy Volante --> one of my faves!

 "Minsa'y Isang Bansa" composed and performed by Gary Granada

 Too bad Ebe was sick that night so he wasn't able to do it perfectly

 Another favorite! Very chill music! Plus I love Marie, really nice person:)

 "Himig ng Panahon" performed by Luke Mejares, Duncan Ramos, and 2 more --> I like!

They also paid tribute to the King of Comedy, Dolphy...

 Jose and Wally

 "Kontrabida" performed by Sam Concepcion --> my fave!:)

 "Bawat Hakbang" composed by Mark Villaluz of The Akafellas...

 ...also performed by the group with Mark Bautista! --> nice song!;)

 "Kesa"

And another song entitled, "Takuza' performed by Rocksteddy, which I wasn't able to take a photo of because it was a quick song haha!

As an intermission, the best singers of the country performed the different songs composed by the country's best composers. 

 Christian Bautista, Regine Velasquez, Basil Valdez, Sharon Cuneta, Erik Santos

 "Big Time" performed by Baihana (the one wearing pink is my friend Anna)

 "Brown" performed by Brownman revival and the composer

 "Piso" performed by Joey Ayala

While the judges were tallying their votes, more singers performed a number featuring the songs from Metropop festival in the past years. Truly OPM!

 Hadji Alejandro, Rachel Alejandro, Gian Magdangal, Bituin Escalante,

Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Cris Villonco, etc.

And there came the awarding...

 Smart People's Choice: "Brown"

 2nd Runner-Up: "Kontrabida"

1st Runner: "Tayo-Tayo Lang"

 Grand Winner: "Bawat Hakbang" --> 1 Million Pesos!

 The Akafellas perfomed their winning piece for the finale

The program was aired on a delayed telecast via TV5. Anyway, after the program, there were light meals and drinks served at the 2nd floor of the PICC.

 Ely Buendia didn't smile so I looked like a fan girl LOL!

 w/ my BFF Dianne and Ana from DDB Philippines

 We sang the "Happy Birthday" song to the birthday boy, MVP

 a photo w/ the grand winner

and lastly, a photo with the birthday boss!:)

It was a great night of music! Grab a copy of the Philpop compilation album at any record bar for only Php 300. Let's support our own music!

Just like what they say, "Thank you MVP, OPM is alive!" :)