It’s that time of the year again! Now on its third year, PhilPop Foundation dishes out a new batch of 12 songs for the competition. After hearing about it, I right away checked the songs out on Spinnr where it was released. From the huge success of PhilPop 2013, I have to say I am expecting a lot from this group of composers, songs, and interpreters. After more than a week of putting it on repeat, here are my top 3 picks:
1. AWIT MO’Y NANDITO PA composed by Ronaldo “Toto” Sorioso, interpreted by James Bucong and Aldrich Talonding. My personal favorite this year. It spoke to me, actually. Which is what I look for in a song. I love the chorus and the line that went, “Nawala ako at natagpuan pagkatapos lahat ng nagdaan, awit mo’y nandito pa. Pag-ibig mo’y kinakanta.” and it’s very refreshing to hear Aldrich sing this lovely piece.
2. SALBABIDA composed by Jungee Marcelo, interpreted by Kyla. This song has what it takes to win it – great lyrics and melody, LSS-inducing lines, and the interpreter. I may be biased here being a Kyla fan, but I’d like to believe she’s got this charm in song festivals (Tara Tena, Himig Handog 2001 grand prize; and Buti Na Lang, Metropop 2003 third prize).
3. BABALIKAN MO RIN AKO composed by Soc Villanueva, interpreted by Nikki Gil. I am pretty sure this will be that one song people can relate to the most. Heartache speaks volume in this song, which I think would be a great tool in making it very popular. Not to mention Nikki Gil interpreting it. Watch out for the last line, it’s a killer. Ouch.
Another notable one is the Taglish No Girlfriend Since Break which is starting to grow on me. I personally think last year’s batch is more diverse, more distinct, and more Pinoy. But this is still a good batch. Give them all the support you can give. Check out their website for voting and downloading details and for other festival information. Mabuhay ang OPM!