- Ten original compositions compete for the “Himig Handog 2018” title
- Entries from two overseas Filipinos made it to this year’s top 10 finalists, Filipinos outside the Philippines get to choose their Global Choice for Favorite Song
Ten songs have finally been chosen from over 5,000 entries sent by Filipinos from all over the Philippines and abroad, and now hailed as the “Himig Handog 2018” finalists vying to become this year’s Best Song from the country’s biggest and much-awaited songwriting competition.
These original compositions will be interpreted by some of today’s hottest and rising music performers in the tradition of Himig Handog, with this year’s theme Love Songs and Love Stories.
Two entries from overseas made it to this year’s “Himig Handog 2018”. BoybandPH will perform “Para Sa Tabi,” a composition sent by Robert William Pereña from Dubai in the Middle East.
On the other hand, Jona returns to Himig Handog as interpreter for the third consecutive year, this time for the entry “Tinatapos Ko Na” composed by Sarah Jane Gandia from USA.
Meantime, for the local composers who are part of the top 10 finalists, “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” season 2 contestants Krystal Brimner and Sheena Belarmino, together with the all-female idol group MNL 48, will perform “Dalawang Pag-ibig Niya” by Bernard Reforsado of Albay.
“Tawag ng Tanghalan” singer Eumee will interpret “Hati Na Lang Tayo Sa Kanya” by Joseph Santiago of Quezon City.
R&B royalty Kyla returns for the fourth time as Himig Handog interpreter and will be joined by upcoming rapper Kritiko to sing “Kababata” by John Michael Edixon of Parañaque City.
“Mas Mabuti Pa,” composed by Mhonver Lopez and Joanna Concepcion of Laguna, will be interpreted by this year’s “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” grand champion Janine Berdin.
JM de Guzman will sing the composition of Davao’s pride Kyle Raphael Borbon entitled “Sa Mga Bituin Na Lang Ibubulong.”
“Sugarol”, composed by Jan Sabili of Muntinlupa City, will be performed by Star Pop artist Maris Racal.
“Wakasan” by Philip Arvin Jarilla of Antipolo will be performed by OPM band Agsunta, while “Wala Kang Alam,” written by Martin John Arellano of Manila and Mel Magno of Pampanga, will be interpreted by Sam Mangubat.
“Himig Handog 2018” will be awarding Php1-million to the grand prize winner, while Php 500,000 will be brought home by the 2nd Best Song awardee. The composers of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Best Songs will receive Php 200,000, Php 150,000, and Php 100,000, respectively.
A special award will also be given by The Filipino Channel (TFC), the Global Choice for Favorite Song award, where the composer will take home USD 2,000.
The winner of the special award will be determined through votes. The composition that will get the most number of votes from the overseas Filipinos from October 25 to November 10 (11:59 P.M., Manila time) will be named winner. To vote, visit onemusic.ph/himighandog. One vote per account, per day is allowed.
The winners of the competition will be announced on November 11 on “ASAP”, which is seen outside the Philippines via TFC. The awarding will also be streaming in most countries worldwide via TFC Online (www.tfc.tv/himighandog2018) on November 11 at 11:45 A.M. (Manila Time).
Listen to this year’s “Himig Handog 2018” song entries via TFC Online (www.TFC.tv) and TFC IPTV and look for the “Himig Handog 2018” tab under the “Variety” section.
Now on its 9th year, the ABS-CBN and Star Music project continues to discover Filipino talents and champion OPM in its search for compositions that will make its mark in the local music scene.
Last year, Libertine Amistoso’s “Titibo-Tibo,” interpreted by Moira dela Torre, earned the Himig Handog 2017 Best Song and won the hearts of many listeners. While the entry “Wow na Feelings” interpreted by Janella Salvador and composed by Karlo Zabala won the Global Choice for Favorite Song.
For details, like @HimigHandog2018 on Facebook. You may also visit starmusic.ph, like Star Music on facebook.com/starmusicph, and follow it on Twitter and Instagram @ StarMusicPH. Also, visit TFC’s Facebook pages applicable for your area. Connect with fellow global Kapamilyas and follow @KapamilyaTFC and KapamilyaGlobalPR on Twitter and Instagram.
