MANILA, Philippines — The country’s biggest songwriting competition, ABS-CBN’s Himig 11th Edition, has named “Marupok” as Best Song, composed by 23-year-old songwriter Danielle Balagtas.
Interpreted by Asia’s Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan, the universal dance-pop yet distinctively Filipino track about easily catching feelings for someone earned its songwriter Danielle a P300,000 cash prize and a house and lot from Lumina Homes.
“I wanted this to be a symbolism for a girl who is labeled as ‘marupok’ to remember that we all have the capacity to grow and be empowered women,” Danielle explained.
“Songwriting isn’t my main career. I grew up in the sciences and at present I am taking my Masters in Counseling but ever since I have been writing. In elementary I’ve written our graduation song and in med school, I’ve written our batch song. I’ve been writing my whole life but I think it’s less of my technical skills that qualify me as a songwriter, but more of my love for music, which I know I share with so many other people and that is why there are so many songwriters. And I am very privileged to be selected for this.”
When asked about selecting the Himig-regular KZ Tandingan as interpreter, the grand prize winner noted, “KZ would be the ideal interpreter for anyone, I guess. I know I am not the only one who would have wanted KZ to be their interpreter because she is very versatile. One of my visions for the song is to have an OPM sound that can stand on the world stage, and I don’t think that there’s anybody else except Ms. KZ that can just symbolize that Pinoy sound that we can really compete with the rest of the world.”
Tandingan, who first won in Himig Handog 2014 for Edwin Marollano’s Best Song entry and smash hit “Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako,” also shared how special “Marupok” is to her. “‘Marupok’ is a song that’s closest to who I am as an artist, so if it didn’t become a finalist for Himig, this would definitely still be part of my album. It sounded like it was meant for me.”
“Marupok” interpreter KZ Tandingan and composer Daniella Ann Balagtas.
Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN
The music video of “Marupok” directed by Gelo Yellow also notched the MYX Choice for Best Music Video special award with a P25,000 cash prize.
Meanwhile, the entry of brothers John Francis and Jayson Franz Pasicolan “Kahit Na Masungit” was named 2nd Best Song, for which they won P200,000. Young artists Jeremy G and Kyle Echarri originally recorded the song, but Bugoy Drilon performed it live during the finals night.
The 3rd Best Song was awarded to previous Best Song winner Dan Tañedo for his Himig 11th Edition entry “Ibang Planeta,” which was brought to life by ZILD. He bagged P150,000 for this feat.
Kenneth Reodica’s impactful composition “Ang Hirap Maging Mahirap” was declared 4th Best Song, winning P100,000. Originally interpreted by Davey Langit ft. Kritiko, it was performed live by Tawag ng Tanghalan season 4 grand champion JM Yosures and Kritiko during the competition’s finale, in place of Langit whose presence at the finals night was impeded by medical quarantine given a recent exposure to COVID-19.
The power ballad “Kulang Ang Mundo” composed by Daryl Cielo and interpreted by Sam Mangubat took home 5th Best Song, receiving a cash prize of P80,000.
On the other hand, SJ Gandia’s “Tinadhana Sa’Yo” interpreted by Zephanie scored two special awards, namely the “MOR Entertainment Choice” and “TFC’s Global Choice,” which amount to respective cash prizes of P25,000 and 1,000 USD.
David Mercado also won a P25,000 cash prize as his entry “Kahit Kunwari Man Lang” sung by Agsunta and Moira Dela Torre was hailed as the “Most Streamed Song,” while Mariah Moriones’ entry “Tabi-Tabi Po” interpreted by JMKO earned a total of 8,179 votes on TikTok and was named as the Himig TikTok Choice.
The finals night of Himig 11th Edition was first seen on KTX.ph last Sunday (March 21) hosted by Edward Barber, Jayda, and Jona. The event proved to be a grand celebration of OPM with stellar performances from OPM’s finest Jona, Jayda, Bugoy Drilon, Liezel Garcia, Sheryn Regis, Nyoy Volante, and Jed Madela.
Celebrate OPM by streaming Himig 11th Edition compilation album, out now on Spotify and soon on other digital music streaming platforms. For more details, visit https://www.facebook.com/Himig2020 on Facebook or follow Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph), and Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).