Another set of up-and-coming songwriters is geared up for the highly anticipated PhilPop Himig Handog 2024 songwriting competition.

During the grand media conference held at Restaurant 9501 at the ABS-CBN building last July 18, the 12 finalists and the artists who will interpret their songs were presented.

Among the artists are Moira, Maki, P-pop group VXON, and OPM icon Ice Seguerra. This year, the two music organizations, PhilPop and Himig Handog, have curated these 12 finalists that capture the true essence of OPM.

PhilPop and Himig Handog will make history by discovering a new generation of songwriters with their creative lyrics and tunes.

Jonathan Manalo, Creative Director of ABS-CBN Music, mentioned that the composers found it challenging since the songs will undergo a rigorous process from both PhilPop and Himig Handog groups.

"Mas mahirap yung pinagdaanan ng composers kasi dalawang screening processes yung ginawa. So, ini-screen siya ng PhilPop and ini-screen din siya ng Himig Handog, pero ang nadiscover namin sa process na ito kahit mag-kakaiiba yung taste namin, we can all agree on a good song. So, nagulat kami nung nag-tally kami kasi pare-pareho lang yung gusto namin," Jonathan said.

(The composers went through a challenging process because both PhilPop and Himig Handog conducted screenings. However, despite having different tastes, they were able to agree on a good song. It was surprising to see that they all wanted the same thing when the results were tallied.)

The artists who will interpret the songs said they are excited to work again with such talented composers.

"Mas madali akong napa-oo for this song, kasi when I heard the song kasama ko yung wife si Liza. And when we heard the lyrics sabi ko sa kanya, ''Love parang dinedescribe ka", kaya sabi ko game ko ako," Ice said.

(It was easy for me to say yes to this song because my wife Liza was with me when I heard it. When we listened to the lyrics, I told her, "Love, it's like the song is describing you." That's when I said yes to doing the song.)

Philpop Himig Handog is an initiative of the Philpop Musicfest Foundation and Himig Handog. It began with a mentorship program including workshops and songwriting sessions for budding Filipino composers nationwide. 

The winners will receive cash prizes of PHP 1,000,000 (first place), PHP 500,000 (second place), and PHP 200,000 (third place). 

Here are the Top 12 entries and their performers:

“ATM” by Francis Contemplacion (performed by Ice Seguerra

“Buhi” by Keith John Quito (performed by Ferdinand Aragon)

“Dili Na Lang” by Relden Campanilla (performed by Jolianne)

“Ghostwriter” by Kevin Yadao (performed by KHIMO)

“Kurba” by Alvin Serito of Sunkissed Lola (performed by Maki)

“Langit Lupa” by Geca Morales (performed by Geca, Lyka Estrella, and Annrain)

“MHWG” by Rob Angeles (performed by VXON)

“Papahiram” by Rinz Ruiz (performed by Moira and Johnoy Danao)

“Salamat (Nga Wala Na Ta)” by Jimmy Ricks (performed by Kurt Fick)

“Taliwala” by Maric Gavino (performed by Noah Alejandro)

“Tulala” by Shantel Cyline Lapatha (performed by Shantel and Extrapolation)

“Wag Paglaruan” by Tiara Shaye (performed by Tiara and FANA)