Amid the pandemic, PhilPop 2020 aims to break through the international scene as this year’s competition carries the hashtag #MusicBreakingBorders. The country’s premier songwriting competition will be partnering with Warner Music Philippines in its mission to promote Filipino music in the Asia Pacific Region and beyond, promising a wider global audience to the aspirants.
During a virtual presser held last July 2, 2020, Managing Director of Warner Music Philippines Ian Monsod shared the record label’s role in providing support to the country’s world class talents through sustainable recording, production, and marketing. He said that through the label’s international influence, they can help realize the ambition of sharing the Filipino talent here and abroad. “It’s a difficult path, but I think with your partnership, we can improve the odds.” Monsod added.
National Artist and PhilPop Music Fest Foundation Board Member and Bootcamp Master Ryan Cayabyab also shared PhilPop’s duty to cultivate the next-generation artists and help them create music that can inspire and motivate a nation. He said that through PhilPop’s various activities, ranging from nationwide bootcamps to production, the MVP group has positioned itself as the champion of Filipino songwriters and their dreams to be recognized on a wider scale.
PhilPop Music Fest Foundation Executive Director Dinah Remolacio also stressed that one of the changes they made after the competition’s pivot last 2018 was to decentralize their support to Metro Manila talents by giving equal opportunities to artists based in other cities and provinces — breaking boundaries of identity, language, and cultural affiliation.
“When we had a major pivot in 2018, the first thing that we did was to make the festival biennial. In between those years, we mounted all these songwriting workshops in different parts of the country to empower other songwriters in the region,” she said.
PhilPop Boot Camp Coach and folk icon Noel Cabagon, meanwhile, reiterates the songwriting festival’s commitment in highlighting the diversity of music coming in from different regions of the country.
“Despite the pandemic, and the challenges brought about by uncertainty of time, we are proud to announce that we, in PhilPop, continue to push our music forward, now more than ever — we are ready to break borders.” Cabangon said..
PhilPop 2020 is looking for the next generation of songwriting champs, encouraging artists to submit their entries based on their origin or residence namely — Metro Manila, South Luzon, North Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Three (3) songwriters will eventually represent each cluster through a rigorous adjudication process spearheaded by Warner Music and PhilPop. The top 15 songs will have the chance to work with Warner Music Philippines and compete in the final rounds. Prizes include PHP 250,000 for the 2nd runner up, PHP500,000 for the 1st runner up, and PHP 1,000,000 for the Grand Champion. With the finals night happening on November 14, 2020.
