from right: VIVA Chairman & CEO Vic Del Rosario, PLDT and SMART Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan are beside PhilPOP 1M Grand Prizewinners Yumi Lacsamana & Thyro Alfaro (TRIANGULO) & Jeric Medina. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
Written and photographed
By Jude Bautista
The catchy, fast paced rhymes by singing duo Thyro Alfaro & Yumi Lacsamana did it for a second time around. This time may be sweeter as they are both songwriter and performer on the track TRIANGULO with featured artist Jeric Medina. TRIANGULO won the 1 million grand prize in the PHILPOP 2015 finals night held at the MERALCO Theater last July 25, 2015. The duo also won the grand prize in 2013 for writing /composing DATI performed by Sam Concepcion & Tippy Dos Santos.
SIDE A Bassist Ned Esguerra (left) is PhilPop finalist who wrote FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE with him are band mates guitarist/lead vocals Leevon Cailao, drummer Ernie Severino and keyboards Naldy Gonzalez. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
PHILPOP is the premiere songwriting competition in the country attracting nearly 9,000 entries, from Filipinos all over the world.
The Company performed TANGING PAG-ASA KO by Paul Armesin. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Metro Pacific Investments Pres. & CEO Jose Ma. K. Lim, OPM Pres. Ogie Alcasid, Davey Langit (PARATINGIN MO NA SIYA) w 1st runner up prize is flanked by BAIHANA.
Coming in at first runner up is PARATINGIN MO NA SIYA by singer songwriter Davey Langit which has a P500,000 cash prize. Second runner up is SA IBANG MUNDO written and composed by Mark Villar performed by Kean Cipriano and Nadine Lustre, which has a P250,000 cash prize. The up-tempo pop rock sound of SA IBANG MUNDO also earned it PEOPLE’S CHOICE award with a P100,000 cash prize from Maynilad.
from right: PhilPOP Exec Dir Ryan Cayabyab, PLDT & SMART Chairman Manny V Pangilinan, Nadine Lustre, Kean Cipriano, Mark Villar (SA IBNAG MUNDO), Noel Cabangon, First Pacific Leadership Academy Executive Dir. Roy Agustin K. Evalle
& TV5 Pres. Noel Lorenzana. Mark Villar wrote SA IBANG MUNDO which won People’s Choice (100k prize) and 2nd Runner up (250k prize). The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
A new feature for this year is the MERALCO Best Music Video won by Johann Garcia for EDGE OF THE WORLD performed by MTV VJs Josh Padilla and Yassi Pressman.
from right: MERALCO Pres. Oscar Reyes, songwriter Johann Garcia, Josh Padilla, Yassi Pressman and MERALCO SVP Al Panlilio. They won Best Music Video presented by MERALCO, which has a 100k prize. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
This year’s finalists are Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana (TRIANGULO), Paul Armesin (TANGING PAG-ASA KO), Gino Cruz and Jeff Arcilla (APAT NA BUWANG PASKO), Ned Esguerra (FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE), Johannes Daniel Garcia (EDGE OF THE WORLD), Davey Langit (PARATINGIN MO NA SIYA), Melchor Magno, Jr. (MUSIKAW), Lara Maigue (NASAAN), Ramiro Mataro (WALANG HANGGAN), Melvin Morallos (I OWE YOU MY HEART), Soc Villanueva (KILIG), and Mark Villar (SA IBANG MUNDO).
Jon Santos sang APAT NA BUWANG PASKO by Gino Cruz and Jeff Arcilla. Phil Ballet Theater performed w Jon on stage. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
2015 Finalists from left: Paul Armesin (TANGING PAG-ASA KO), Lara Maigue (NASAAN), cellist Giancarlo Gonzales and Soc Villanueva (KILIG). The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
Elements Music Camp
Interestingly enough there are a total of 6 people in the finalist- songwriters and performers who attended the Elements Music Camp. Grand prizewinners Thyro & Yumi along with featured artist Jeric Medina and First Runner Up Davey Langit were alumni. Two time finalist and former TV5 actress Lara Maigue (NASAAN) and Ramiro Mataro (WALANG HANGGAN) were also graduates of the intensive course.
Donnalyn Bartolome sings with Ramiru Mataro who wrote WALANG HANGGAN. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
Elements according to its website “brings together aspiring and professional singer-songwriters to bond and learn from one another. For five days, there will be lectures, group presentations, case studies, and a lot of breakout sessions.” Conducted in Dumaguete, it features established artists as mentors such as Gabby Alipe of Urbandub, Ebe Dancel, Gloc-9, Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar, Jungee Marcelo, Jazz Nicolas of Itchyworms, Raimund Marasigan, Gerard Salonga, Aia de Leon, Jay Durias, Alex Lim, Audie Gemora, and many more. There are a total of 60 slots available for those interested in attending, application period is until August 31, 2015.
Anja Aguilar sang I OWE YOU MY HEART by Melvin Morallos. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
from right: PhilPOP Exec Dir Ryan Cayabyab, VIVA Pres. & CEO Vic Del Rosario, PLDT & SMART Chairman Manny V Pangilinan, 1M Grand prize winners Yumi, Thyro & Jeric Medina. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
Catchy, Relaxed and Confident
What eventually won it for Thyro & Yumi is how they were able to craft a catchy song describing the chaos of a love triangle. The Dawn vocalist Jett Pangan was part of the panel of judges in the finals he said, “I think the judges were unanimous in declaring their song as being so damn catchy. Their relaxed, confident performance also contributed to the goosebump factor.” 40% of the judging is done before the finals night another 60% is done on the awards night itself.
Panel of judges from left: Jett Pangan, Kris Lawrence & Paolo Valenciano. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
The very prestigious panel of judges includes: Maynilad CFO Randolph Estrellado, Quest rapper (aka Jose Villanueva III), Karylle, Louie Ocampo, Jett Pangan, Kris Lawrence and Paolo Valenciano. Kris Lawrence, Karylle and Quest were performers in previous PHILPOP Finals. Louie Ocampo is one of the premiere Musical directors.
Panel of judges from left: Maynilad CFO Randolph Estrellado, Quest & Karylle. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: PLDT and SMART Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, 1M Grand Prizewinners Yumi Lacsamana & Thyro Alfaro (TRIANGULO) & Jeric Medina. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
For Yumi Lacsamana just being able to perform their song this year was enough of a reward by itself. The first time they won it they were songwriters of DATI and was interpreted by Sam Concepcion, Tippy Dos Santos with rapper Quest. She said, “Wala sa amin ang kumpetisyon it’s more of participating. It’s more of celebrating OPM together. Doon pa lang interpreting our own work is a big deal. Nanalo na kami doon pa lang. Kasi yon lang naman ang gusto namin. The opportunity to interpret our own work, doon pa lang tumigil na kaming makipag laban. Nag enjoy na lang kami after nung na laman naming kami mag interpret.”
James Reid & rapper Pio (not in photo) perform MUSIKAW by MC Magno. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
Thyro also noted that experiencing PHILPOP Finals before also helped, “Siguro number one is the experience kasi, kumbaga sa NBA Finals naka rating na kami. Hindi sa pagmamayabang pero kanina di kami masyadong kinabahan e. Di kami ganoon nag eexpect this year kasi.”
from left: PhilPOP Exec Dir Ryan Cayabyab, 1st R. Up Davey Langit (PARATINGIN MO NA SIYA), Grand prize winners- Jeric Medina, Yumi Lacsamana & Thyro Alfaro (TRIANGULO). The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
Davey Langit’s Humor & Longing
Jett Pangan’s unique position of being the front man of one of the most iconic Pinoy rock bands and a rich history of performance in musicals and plays gives him a great insight on this contest. PHILPOP Exec. Dir Ryan Cayabyab was instrumental in tapping Jett as one of the panelist.
1st R. Up Davey Langit (PARATINGIN MO NA SIYA) backed up by BAIHANA. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
Jett described first runner up winner PARATINGIN MO NA SIYA , “Whoever went into the top 3 caught the hearts during the pre-judging and our hearts as well as judges. Davey’s song is a genius blend of humor and longing. Being bred in the school of hard knocks, I was never big on singing or songwriting contests. But I have to say; I couldn’t be happier accepting Mr. C’s invite to be one of the judges. It opened my eyes to the immense talent of the young artists who join PHILPOP. They really bolster confidence in OPM.”
Davey Langit (PARATINGIN MO NA SIYA) with his impressive back up singers BAIHANA. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
Davey Langit is also a popular radio DJ for Pinas FM 95.5. The station has long been a supporter of OPM being the only station to play Pinoy music 100% of the time. Davey played the guitar and interpreted his own song PARATINGIN MO NA SIYA. He had a prestigious group that backed him up in Baihana, which definitely added some vocal dimension that night.
Jon Santos sang APAT NA BUWANG PASKO by Gino Cruz and Jeff Arcilla. Phil Ballet Theater performed w Jon on stage. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
Thyro thought PARATINGIN MO NA SIYA was a strong candidate even before the finals. He also liked APAT NA BUWANG PASKO by Gino Cruz & Jeff Arcilla. The track was interpreted by comedian Jon Santos who just finished a successful stint as Auntie in RWM’s BITUING WALANG NINGNING. The hit musical will have a second run this October at the New Port Performing Arts Theater in Resort’s World Manila.
(Center) Bituing Walang Ningning’s Mark Bautista is flanked by hotties from left Bella Padilla and Sam Pinto. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: First Pacific Leadership Academy Executive Dir. Roy Agustin K. Evalle, PLDT & SMART Chairman Manny V Pangilinan & MERALCO Pres. & CEO Oscar Reyes. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
PHILPOP’s Driving Force
Just in the background admiring the performance of the artists is tycoon Manuel V Pangilinan. He has the foresight to pool resources of the corporations he helms to support the premiere songwriting competition in the country with the recognition of the need to bolster OPM. These companies include MERALCO, MAYNILAD, SMART, SPINNER, PLDT, NLEX, METROPACIFIC investments, SUN Cellular with Krem Top as co presenter.
from left: PLDT & SMART Chairman Manny V Pangilinan, PhilPOP Exec Dir Ryan Cayabyab & VIVA Pres. & CEO Vic Del Rosario. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
Thyro gave a word of thanks to Pangilinan, “MVP is one of the driving forces of PHILPOP. Without him it wouldn’t be as successful as this. It’s inspiring that someone like MVP helps people like us. Most of the time people like us don’t get recognized. They only recognize either the song or the artist. Its good people like MVP would spend time and effort trying to prove to the world songwriters are the heart of the song.”
Josh Padilla & Yassi Pressman performed EDGE OF THEWORLD by Johann Garcia. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
Krem Top supports PHILPOP 2015; The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Jinky Vidal sang KILIG by Soc Villanueva. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
James Reid raises songwriter MC Magno’s (MUSIKAW) hand. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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PLDT HOME Telpad supports PHILPOP 2015; The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: TV5 Digital Marketing Head Bebong Muñoz, Karylle, TV5 Pres. Noel Lorenzana, Maynilad Head for Advocacy & Mktg Patricia B. Hizon and TV5 VP Atty Rod Nepomuceno. Photo taken at Lighthouse Restaurant, 14th flr MERALCO bldg. last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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SIDE A Bassist Ned Esguerra (left) is PhilPOP finalist who wrote FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE with him are band mates guitarist/lead vocals Leevon Cailao and drummer Ernie Severino. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
Bituing Walang NIngning’s Mark Bautista and Bella Padilla were the hosts of the night. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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SMART supports PHILPOP 2015; The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
James Reid shoots selfie w a fan’s android. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Lara Maigue (NASAAN) behind her is Phil Ballet Theater. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: PHILPOP Judge Louie Ocampo and OPM Exec Noel Cabangon. Photo taken at Lighthouse Restaurant, 14th flr MERALCO bldg. last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Yassi Pressman floated 30 feet above stage. She & Josh Padilla performed EDGE OF THE WORLD by Johann Garcia, which won Best Musc Video (100k Prize). The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
MERALCO supports PHILPOP 2015; The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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from right: James Reid & rapper Pio perform MUSIKAW by MC Magno. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: MAYNILAD SVP-Cmml and Mktg Patrick Gregorio, Kean Cipriano, Nadine, Mark Villar & MAYNILAD Legal Regulatory Head Atty Bebette Espiritu
People’s Choice presented by MAYNILAD, which has a 100k prize. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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SIDE A vocalist guitarist/lead vocals Leevon Cailao sings FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE composed by their bassist Ned Esguerra. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
PLDT HOME Telpad supports PHILPOP 2015; The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Donnalyn Bartolome sings with Ramiru Mataro who wrote WALANG HANGGAN. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
fan takes a selfie with Karylle. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Lara Maigue is both singer and songwriter of NASAAN. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: PLDT & SMART Chairman Manny V Pangilinan & Metro Pacific Investments Pres. & CEO Jose Ma. K. Lim. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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NLEX supports PHILPOP 2015; The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
1st R. Up Davey Langit (PARATINGIN MO NA SIYA) backed up by BAIHANA. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Anja Aguilar (I OWE YOU MY HEART) behind her are Phil Ballet Theater. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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SPINNR supports PHILPOP 2015; The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
The Company performed TANGING PAG-ASA KO by Paul Armesin. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Jinky Vidal sang KILIG by Soc Villanueva. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: SIDE A lead vocals Leevon Cailao, Ned Esguerra (FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE), drummer Ernie Severino, rapper Pio, MC Magno (MUSIKAW) and James Reid. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Josh Padilla & Yassi Pressman performed EDGE OF THEWORLD by Johann Garcia. The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Sam Concepcion, Quest, Davey Langit (PARATINGIN MO NA SIYA), Melvin Morallos (I OWE YOU MY HEART) & Jeric Medina. Sam & Quest were PhilPOP performers & finalists from previous years while the rest are part of this year’s top 12. Photo taken at Lighthouse Restaurant, 14th flr MERALCO bldg. last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Nadine Lustre & Kean Cipriano sang SA IBANG MUNDO by songwriter Mark Villar which won 2nd R. Up (250k prize) and People’s Choice (100k). The PhilPOP 2015 Finals Night was held at the MERALCO THEATER last July 25, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Text and Photos by Jude Bautista