The country’s premier songwriting competition, PhilPop, announced the exciting line up of celebrity interpreters in this year’s competition.
Also, it launched the 2016 digital album, now available on Spotify while unveiling the PhilPop 2016 Commemorative Special Edition Book at a press conference held on May 27 at Hive Hotel in Quezon City.
The interpreters, specifically handpicked to lend their voice and performance for specific songs in the competition, along with the 12 songwriters, are vying for the much-coveted PhilPop 2016 Grand Prize on Finals Night at the Kia Theater in Quezon City on July 23.
PhilPop Head, Ryan Cayabyab, said this year’s interpreters are a good mix of veterans and newcomers with diverse styles and music influences guaranteed to give PhilPop’s audience a wonderful celebration of music.
The finalists and their interpreters are: Jeroel Maranan – “Sintunado,” (Nyoy Volante); JC Jose – “Stars Are Aligned,” (Acapellago and Jimmy Marquez); Jazz Nicolas and Wally Acolola – “Di na Muli,” (Itchyworms featuring Jazz Nicolas); Karl Gaurano and Daryl Reyes – “Friday Night,” (Kenjhons); Miguel and Paolo Guico – “Tinatangi,” (Cookie Chua, Bayang Barrios, and The Benjamins); Johann Garcia – “Binibini sa MRT,” (The Juans); Ramiru Mataro – “Kahon,” (Ramiru Mataro); Joan Da – “Baliw Sa Ex-boyfriend Ko,” (Sugar and Spice featuring Joan Da); Keiko Necesario – “Nobody But You,” (Monica Cuenco); Aikee Aplacador – “Pabili Po,” (Banda ni Kleggy, and Aikee); Mike Villegas and Brian Cua – “Dumadagundong,” (Yassi Pressman); Soc Villanueva – “Lahat,” (Jason Dy).
Now on its 5th year, PhilPop continues to march on brimming with musical zeal like how it was on the day it was conceptualized and founded in 2012.
The vision remains to be its singular mission. “To renew life and focus on the local music industry.” PhilPop Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan says, “We want to encourage songwriters to churn out original Filipino sound – 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.”
Today, over 60 original songs and more than 100 million hits on YouTube later, PhilPop on its fifth year has taken great strides toward achieving that vision. A new breed of songwriters were given their break and veteran composers were provided yet another avenue to showcase their immense talent.
Most watched weekend program nationwide
Viewers nationwide tuned in to the return of the top singing competition in the country, The Voice Kids, as the debut of its third season on ABS-CBN scored whopping national TV ratings last weekend and even placed atop the list of the most watched programs nationwide.
Based on data from Kantar Media, it garnered a national TV rating of 35.6 percent last Saturday, or almost double than that of its rival program on GMA, Pepito Manaloto, which only got 17.9 percent. Last Sunday, The Voice Kids also registered 36.6 percent, a solid 22-point lead over Ismol Family’s 14.1 percent.
The program also generated buzz online, as netizens went on Twitter to post their thoughts about the blind auditions. The program not only topped, but also dominated the list of trending topics in the Philippines and worldwide on Twitter, as more than 10 out of the 20 trending topics were about the show, the coaches, and artists.
The top-rating singing competition is off to an exciting start as coaches Lea Salonga, Bamboo, and Sharon Cuneta exchanged sharp remarks as they tried to recruit artists on their respective teams.
Team Lea or Familea has so far acquired Eleana, rapper-singer Peter, three-chair turner Yessha, and musical theater artist Noel.
Coach Sharon, meanwhile, has secured three artists, namely Iya, the youngest artist this season, devoted son Timoty, and kiddie folk dancer JP.
Kamp Kawayan headed by Coach Bamboo is standing strong with Xylein, who comes from Boracay.
Don’t miss the “The Voice Kids” every Saturday, 7:15 p.m. and Sunday, 7 p.m. on ABS-CBN or ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). Catch its latest episodes on iwantv.com.ph or skyondemand.com.ph for Sky subscribers.