Tiara Shaye’s first gamble into a songwriting contest emerged providentially: her composition “Wag Paglaruan,” which she interpreted alongside FANA, won the grand prize in the grand songwriting festival collaboration Philpop Himig Handog.

“Wag Paglaruan” is a fun electro-pop take on red flags with a play on Filipino games inspired by different relationship and situationship issues Tiara got to read on social media.

Looking back on what motivated her, the singer-songwriter said, “Parang kailangan kong mag-create ng song na may matutunan sila at the same time magkakaroon ng hope ang mga taong napaglaruan na they can find a better person. Don't settle for red flags. (I feel like I need to create a song that they can learn something from and, at the same time, give the people hope that they can find a better person.)"

She also hoped that listeners would be inspired by her entry. “I’m just so glad na na-appreciate nung judges yung message ng song. Hopefully lahat po ng makarinig ng song ay hindi lang ma-LSS, kumbaga masapuso nila at ma-inspire sila sa song. (I’m delighted that the judges appreciated the song's message. Hopefully, everyone who hears the song will be touched and inspired by the music.)

For FANA, interpreting the winning entry with Tiara was a “dream come true.”

Meanwhile, Keith John Quinto’s Visayan entry about moving on, “Buhi,” interpreted by Ferdinand Aragon, was named 1st runner-up. Rinz Ruiz’s heart-tugging entry about love beyond what is seen, “Papahiram,” performed by Moira and Johnoy Danao, was hailed as 2nd runner-up.

Alvin Serito’s composition “Kurba,” interpreted by Maki, got two special awards. It was named Smart People’s Choice, and its music video by Chapters PH won the MYX Choice Award for Best Music Video.

Philpop Himig Handog commissioned an Artist on a Mission, Kristine Lim, for the special trophies awarded to the winners.

The finals night at the New Frontier Theater last March 22 also featured the other top 12 songs. Ice Seguerra performed Francis Contemplacion’s “ATM,” Jolianne sang “Relden Campanilla’s Dili Na Lang,” Khimo gave a beautiful rendition of Kevin Yadao’s “Ghostwriter,” and Geca Morales, together with Lyka Estrella and Annrain, brought life to her composition “Langit Lupa.”

P-pop group VXON performed Rob Angeles’ “MHWG,” Kurt Fick interpreted Jimmy Ricks’ “Salamat (Nga Wala Na Ta),” Noah Alejandre sang Maric Gavino’s “Taliwala.” In contrast, Shantel Cyline Lapatha performed her entry “Tulala.”

The panel of judges included esteemed songwriters Jungee Marcelo, Nica del Rosario, Trina Belamide, and Yumi Lacsamana, Billboard Philippines editor-in-chief Bret Jackson, and ABS-CBN Global managing director Maribel Hernaez. Also joining the momentous event were ABS-CBN Music and Integrated Events head Roxy Liquigan, ABS-CBN Global COO Jun del Rosario,  ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo, and renowned musician Noel Cabangon.

National Artist for Music and Philpop Musicfest Foundation executive director Ryan Cayabyab was also present at the finals night, which celebrated OPM’s 50th anniversary.

“Ang tagal po nating hinintay itong finals na ito pero sa wakas, ito na po siya at we are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of OPM. (We've been waiting for this finale for a long time but finally, it's here and we are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of OPM)," he said.

Special guests Erik Santos, BGYO, Sheena Belarmino, Esang de Torres, Jason Dy, Maymay Entrata, Jeremy G, and Kyla brought powerful performances of OPM classics.

The evening likewise looked back on some of Philpop and Himig Handog's winning entries over the years, with performances from Bituin Escalante, Gello Marquez, Angela Ken, Jarea, Yumi Lacsamana, Janah Zaplan, and Jed Madela, together with Jason, Jeremy, Esang, and Kyla.