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The Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (also known as Metropop) was launched by the Popular Music Foundation of the Philippines in 1977 and held annually from 1978 to 1985.[1] It was "the country’s pioneering and once foremost songwriting competition," according to The Philippine Star.[2] Its objective was to promote the advancement of Filipino music, and its chief proponents were journalist Teodoro Valencia and Imee Marcos.[3] These festivals launched many the careers of songwriters and singers (who interpreted the songs), and gave original Filipino music more than a few memorable and modern-day song classics. Among them is Freddie Aguilar.[4]

This songwriting competition was originally open to all music composers. From the fourth festival onwards, the competition was divided into professional and amateur divisions, to give new songwriters a level playing field without competing with more well-known composers. After 1985, the festival was discontinued due to a decline in public interest towards the song entries.[5]

It was later revived as the Metropop Song Festival which aired on GMA Network from 1996 to 2003.

The original Metropop (1978–1985)

The 1st Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

Year Winners Finalists
1978

Grand prize:
"Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika"
Music and lyrics: Ryan Cayabyab
Interpreter: Hajji Alejandro

Second prize:
"Pagdating Mo"
Music and lyrics: Nonoy Gallardo
Interpreter: Celeste Legaspi

Third prize:
"Narito Ako"
Music and lyrics: Nonong Pedero
Interpreter: Maricris Bermont[6]

Fourth prize:
"Ibig Kong Ibigin Ka"
Music and lyrics: Vic Villafuerte, Rolando Tinio
Interpreter: Anthony Castelo

"Anak"
Music and lyrics: Freddie Aguilar
Interpreter: Freddie Aguilar [4][7]

"Ang Dampa sa Gulod"
Music and lyrics: Joe Reyes
Interpreter: Imelda Papin

"Mahal"
Music and lyrics: James Villafuerte
Interpreter: Lejan Lopez

"Minsan Pa"
Music and lyrics: Jose Mari Chan
Interpreter: Janet Basco

"Ngumiti. . . Tumawa. . . Magsaya. . . Kumanta"
Music and lyrics: Joe Reyes
Interpreter: Cynthia Garcia and the Kabataan

"Pag-ibig, Ano Ka Nga Ba"
Music and lyrics: Cecille Marcaida
Interpreter: Nick Gonzales

"Pangako"
Music and lyrics: Vic Villafuerte, Rolando Tinio
Interpreter: Rex Demavivas

"Saan Ako Patutungo"
Music and lyrics: Jose Ilacad, Jr., Nannette Inventor
Interpreter: Nannette Inventor

"Swerte-swerte Lang"
Music and lyrics: Joel Navarro, Rolando Tinio
Interpreter: Joel Navarro

"Tayo'y Mga Pinoy"
Music and lyrics: Heber Bartolome
Interpreter: Judas

"Anak" failed to win any of the prizes, but went on to become one of the most popular Philippine pop songs ever and to launch the career of Freddie Aguilar. This period in time was right at the beginning of the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) boom, and after this first festival, the singing careers of Hajji Alejandro, Celeste Legaspi, Maricris Bermont, and Anthony Castelo went to full gear. Ryan Cayabyab is now a well-respected composer and musician; so as Joel Navarro. Imelda Papin and Janet Basco went on to big careers as well after they had other hit songs. Heber Bartolome's "Tayo'y Mga Pinoy" became a protest anthem, and Ryan Cayabyab's "Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika" became the anthem of sorts of Original Pilipino Music. Emil Mijares was the musical director for this festival. The first grand finals of the festival was held at the Folk Arts Theater, with RPN-9 as the official broadcaster for the first edition of the said competition.

The 2nd Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

Year Winners Finalists
1979

Grand prize:
"Bulag, Pipi at Bingi (Isang Pag-aalay)"
Music and lyrics: Snaffu Rigor
Interpreter: Freddie Aguilar

Second prize:
"Ewan"
Music and lyrics: Louie Ocampo, Winnie Arrieta
Interpreter: The Apo Hiking Society

Third prize:
"Lupa"
Music and lyrics: Charo Unite, Ernie dela Pena
Interpreter: Rico J. Puno

"Ako ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi"
Music and lyrics: George Canseco
Interpreter: Dulce

"Ang Aking Awitin"
Music and lyrics: Bong Gabriel
Interpreter: Bong Gabriel

"Gusto Kong Umawit"
Music and lyrics: Ernie Tagle, Eduardo Mataranas
Interpreter: Ernie Tagle

"Itay, Saan Ka Man Naroroon"
Music and lyrics: Chito Sibayan
Interpreter: Chito Sibayan

"Laging Buhay ang Buhay"
Music and lyrics: Celia T. Lising
Interpreter: Jacqui Magno

"Laruan"
Music and lyrics: Edgar Guerrero
Interpreter: Cynthia Patag

"Masdan, Tingnan ang Buhay"
Music and lyrics: Ma. Isabella Mijares
Interpreter: Malou Evidente

"Panaginip, Pangarap"
Music and lyrics: Manuel Perlas
Interpreter: God's Ego

"Umagang Kay Ganda"
Music and lyrics: Butch Monserrat, Babes Conde, Gryk Ortaleza, Anabelle Lee
Interpreter: Tillie Moreno and Ray-An Fuentes

This time, Freddie Aguilar's interpretation of Snaffu Rigor's composition won the grand prize. However, the biggest pop hit to come out of the 2nd Metropop was that of "Ewan". This song launched the career of Louie Ocampo, now a well-respected composer, and added to the numerous hits of The Apo Hiking Society. The Apo is one of the biggest musical acts ever in the Philippines, and their songs have been covered through the years. Rico J. Puno, already a big star at this time, interpreted the third place song, which also became a hit song for him. Composer George Canseco failed to win any of the top prizes, but with his songs before and after the competition, he became one of the most prolific and successful composers in the music scene. "Umagang Kay Ganda" also failed to place, but has since become a classic pop hit, and was used as the theme song of ABS-CBN's now-defunct weekday morning show of the same title, and most recently, as the campaign song for the presidential bid of Bongbong Marcos.

The 3rd Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

Year Winners Finalists
1980

Grand prize:
"Isang Mundo Isang Awit"
Music and lyrics: Nonong Pedero
Interpreter: Leah Navarro

Second prize:
"Ikaw, Ako, Tayo (Magkakapatid)"
Music and lyrics: Jose Lozano
Interpreter: New Minstrels

Third prize:
"Nandoon Na, Nawala Pa"
Music and lyrics:Freddie Lozano
Interpreter: Ray-an Fuentes

"Buhay Ko'y Mayro'ng Ikaw"
Music and lyrics: Felipe Monserrat, Diana Legaspi
Interpreter: Pinky de Leon

"Hahanapin Ko"
Music and lyrics: Jose Mari Chan, Jimmy D. Santiago
Interpreter: Anthony Castelo

"Kailangan Ko, Kailangan Mo"
Music and lyrics: Gerry Paraiso
Interpreter: Bambi Bonus and Richard Tan

"Langit Mo'y Likha Mo Rin"
Music and lyrics: Babes Tolentino
Interpreter: Babes Tolentino, Celso Llarina, Mon Gaskell

"Larawan"
Music and lyrics: Thomas Santos
Interpreter: Joel Navarro

"Mahalaga"
Music and lyrics: Louie Ocampo
Interpreter: Rene Puno

"Nandoon Na, Nawala Pa"
Music and lyrics:Freddie Lozano
Interpreter:Ray-an Fuentes

"Nasaan ang Palakpakan"
Music and lyrics: Nonoy Gallardo
Interpreter: Celeste Legaspi

"Sa Duyan ng Pag-ibig"
Music and lyrics: Willy Cruz
Interpreter: Passionata

"Sa 'Yong Pag-alis"
Music and lyrics: Felipe Monserrat, Jr.
Interpreter: Tillie Moreno

Leah Navarro and "Isang Mundo Isang Awit" represented the Philippines and won the bronze prize at that year's Seoul Popular Music Festival. "Ikaw, Ako, Tayo (Magkakapatid)" turned out to be the biggest hit from the Third Metropop.

The 4th Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

Year Division Winners Finalists
1981 Amateur

Grand prize:
"Sino Ang Baliw"
Music and lyrics: Elizabeth Barcelona
Interpreter: Mon Del Rosario Jr.

Second prize:
"Kahit Konti"
Music and lyrics: Gary Granada
Interpreter: Florante

Third prize:
"Magsimula Ka"
Music and lyrics: Gines Tan
Interpreter: Leo Valdez[8]

"Aawitin Ko Na Lang"
Music and lyrics: Gary Granada
Interpreter: Bong Gabriel

"Hatinggabi (Bawa't Pangarap)"
Music and lyrics: Conrado Ricafort
Interpreter: Boy Camara

"Magkaisa"
Music and lyrics: Juan Miguel Salvador
Interpreter: Eugene Villaluz

"Pusong "Rock-N-Roll""
Music and lyrics: Felix Chok-Oy Viernes
Interpreter: Pabs Dadivas

Professional

Grand prize:
"Babae Ka"
Music and lyrics: Ananias Montano
Interpreter: Something Special

Second prize:
"Buhay/Pag-asa"
Music and lyrics: Butch Monserrat, Marilyn Villapando
Interpreter: Pol Enriquez

Third prize:
"Uhaw Na Lupa"
Music and lyrics: Emilio Sanglay
Interpreter: Emil Sanglay at Ang Bagong Pen Pen

"Ang Buhay Ay Ngayon"
Music and lyrics: Benjamin Chua, B.S. Manas
Interpreter: Rene Puno

"Insomnia"
Music and lyrics: Eduardo Achacoso, Joseph Olfindo
Interpreter: Joseph Olfindo

"Landas"
Music and lyrics: James Villafuerte
Interpreter: Marco Sison

"Mr. Musikero"
Music and lyrics: Sonny Nicolas
Interpreter: Sonny Nicolas

Established singers like Florante, Eugene Villaluz, Leo Valdez, and Marco Sison interpreted their first Metropop entries. Something Special was an offshoot of The New Minstrels, and Joseph Olfindo also came from the latter singing group. There was no big hit from the festival songs, although "Kahit Konti" and "Magsimula Ka" were relative successes. Emil Sanglay (pioneer of the Neo-Ethnic Rock or the world music of today in the Philippines) and Sonny Nicolas also known as Philippine's "Jose Feliciano" (both singers, composers and guitarists) were the only individuals who interpreted their own songs. The one aside from the women in Something Special (there were male members as well), all the interpreters in this festival were men.

The 5th Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

Year Division Winners Finalists
1982 Amateur

Grand prize:
"Kahit La La La"
Music and lyrics: Nonoy Tan
Interpreter: Subas Herrero and Noel Trinidad

Second prize:
"Give Me A Chance"
Music and lyrics: Odette Quesada
Interpreter: Ric Segreto

Third prize:
"Pag-ibig Mo, Pag-ibig Ko"
Music and lyrics: Ernesto Mendiola
Interpreter: Zander Kahn and Miriam Pantig

"Memories"
Music and lyrics: Paul Melendez
Interpreter: Eileen Espina

"Coming Back"
Music and lyrics: Alden Lim and John Joseph Nite
Interpreter: Zoey Zuñiga

"Magbabalik Pa Rin Ako"
Music and lyrics: Jorge Sison
Interpreter: The New Minstrels

"Buhay Nasa Ating Palad"
Music and lyrics: Julie Lingan and Butch Monserrat
Interpreter: Ray-an Fuentes

Professional

Grand prize:
"Isang Dakot"
Music and lyrics: Vehnee Saturno
Interpreter: Sonia Singson

Second prize:
" (title) "
Music and lyrics:
Interpreter:

Third prize:
" (title) "
Music and lyrics:
Interpreter:

"Don’t Deceive Yourself"
Music and lyrics: Alfredo Lozano Jr.
Interpreter: Susanna Pichay

"Nothing I Want More"
Music and lyrics: Jun Latonio and Tillie Moreno
Interpreter: Louie Reyes and Eugene Villaluz

"Ang Aking Kubo"
Music and lyrics: Gary Granada
Interpreter: Florante

"What Are You Doing On A Rainy Sunday Morning"
Music and lyrics: Julie Lingan
Interpreter: Ivy Violan and Rico J. Puno

"You Made Me Live Again"
Music and lyrics: Nonoy Tan
Interpreter: Janet Basco

"Magkaibigan, Nagkaibigan"
Music and lyrics: Topy Lozano
Interpreter: Something Special

"Inay Bakit?"
Music and lyrics: Sonny Nicholas
Interpreter: Sonny Nicholas

The 6th Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

Year Division Winners Finalists
1983 Amateur

Grand prize:
"Pain"
Music and lyrics: Alvina Eileen Sy
Interpreter: Martin Nievera

Second prize:
" (title) "
Music and lyrics:
Interpreter:

Third prize:
" (title) "
Music and lyrics:
Interpreter:

"Laging Mayroong Bukas"
Music and lyrics: June Cerino
Interpreter: Pat Castillo

"Kahit Ako’y Mahirap"
Music and lyrics: Mary Rose del Rosario
Interpreter: Mon del Rosario

"My Love, My Soul, My Everything"
Music and lyrics: Elizabeth Mendiola
Interpreter: Verni Varga

"We’re In Love"
Music and lyrics: Mario Lapid and Roberto Rodriguez
Interpreter: Miriam Pantig

"Habang May Sikat Pa"
Music and lyrics: Alex Buenaventura and Menche Soloria
Interpreter: The Rainmakers with Millie Beltran

"Still Got Love"
Music and lyrics: Alfredo Marbella
Interpreter: Labuyo

Professional

Grand prize:
"Till I Met You"
Music and lyrics: Odette Quesada
Interpreter: Kuh Ledesma

Second prize:
"Ako’y Ako"
Music and lyrics: Vehnee Saturno
Interpreter: Lerma dela Cruz

Third prize:
"Gabay Mo Ako"
Music and lyrics: Rey Valera
Interpreter: Rey Valera

"Dapithapon"
Music and lyrics: Boy Christopher
Interpreter: Idonnah

"Away From You"
Music and lyrics: Boy Katindig
Interpreter: Jennifer Ramos

"Kagandahan"
Music and lyrics: Butch Monserrat and Marilyn Villapando
Interpreter: Filipina

"Be My Lady"
Music and lyrics: Vehnee Saturno
Interpreter: Pedrito Montaire

The 7th Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

Year Division Winners Finalists
1984 Amateur

Grand prize:
"A Smile In Your Heart"
Music and lyrics: Rene Novelles
Interpreter: Jam Morales

Second prize:
" (title) "
Music and lyrics:
Interpreter:

Third prize:
"Falling in Love Again"
Music and lyrics: Jose Gabriel La Viña
Interpreter: Louie Reyes and Eugene Villaluz

"Falling In Love Again"
Music and lyrics: Jose Gabriel La Vina
Interpreter: Louie Reyes and Eugene Villaluz

"Where Did The Heartaches Go"
Music and lyrics: Jose La Vina
Interpreter: Tillie Moreno

"Let Us Stay The Way We Used To Be"
Music and lyrics: Al Lopez and Timmi Li Lopez
Interpreter: Al Lopez

"Think It Over"
Music and lyrics: Mel Villena and Eleanor Villena
Interpreter: Richard Tann and Maraya

"It Used To Be You"
Music and lyrics: Renato Buzon
Interpreter: Jennifer Ramos

"I Don’t Want You"
Music and lyrics: Reynaldo Cuerdo
Interpreter: Hiyas

Professional

Grand prize:
"Salamat, Salamat Musika!"
Music and lyrics: Gary Granada
Interpreter: Nanette Inventor

Second prize:
"Mga Kulay"
Music and lyrics: Cynthia Guzman
Interpreter: Dulce

Third prize:
"Part Of The Way"
Music and lyrics: June Latonio
Interpreter: Jacqui Magno

"I Got What It Takes"
Music and lyrics: Ray-An Fuentes
Interpreter: Ray-An Fuentes

"You Turn Me On"
Music and lyrics: Jograd dela Torre
Interpreter: Chona Cruz and the Platinumates

"A Little Smile"
Music and lyrics: Cynthia Guzman
Interpreter: Carla Martinez

"Romeo and Juliet"
Music and lyrics: Jessie Jodloman and Toto Mortel
Interpreter: Musikinesis

The 8th Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

Year Division Winners Finalists
1985 Amateur

Grand prize:
"Kinabukasan"
Music and lyrics: Rudy delos Reyes
Interpreter: Joannie Feliciano

Second prize:
"Musika, Lata, Sipol at La La La"
Music and lyrics: Tess Concepcion
Interpreter: Lea & Gerard Salonga

Third prize:
"Pilipino Ako (Ito Ang Alay Ko)"
Music and lyrics: June Sta. Maria - Larry Tan & Nina Florentino
Interpreter: Veronica

"Pag-Ibig Sa Ating Musika"
Music and lyrics: Bobby Bonus
Interpreter: Nailclippers

"Ang Sinisisi"
Music and lyrics: Alejandra Ramos
Interpreter: Gloria Belen

"Come Be A Part Of My Song"
Music and lyrics: Ed Nepumoceno - Edward Granadosin
Interpreter: Iwi Laurel

"Ito Na Nga"
Music and lyrics: Angelica Lim
Interpreter: Robby Miguel

Professional

Grand prize:
"Pag-Asa ng Mundo"
Music and lyrics: Alvina Aileen Sy
Interpreter: Ivy Violan

Second prize:
"You're My Home"
Music and lyrics: Odette Quesada
Interpreter: Odette Quesada

Third prize:
"Anting-Anting"
Music and lyrics: Emil Sanglay
Interpreter: Emil Sanglay at ang Pen-Pen

"Ani-a Ako Ang Imong Higala"
Music and lyrics: Philip Abrogar
Interpreter: Philip Abrogar

"Kuwarta, Kuwarta"
Music and lyrics: Sunny Ilacad
Interpreter: Vincent Daffalong

"Manalig Ka"
Music and lyrics: Joel Navarro - N. Arnel de Pano
Interpreter: Dio Marco

"Sa Ating Daigdig"
Music and lyrics: Sonny Angeles
Interpreter: Manilyn Reynes

Metropop Song Festival (1996–2003)

The Metropop Song Festival (also known as Metropop) was an annual Philippine music festival that served as a relaunch of the original competition, which began in 1996 and ran until 2003. The festival was broadcast on GMA Network. It has recognized non-mainstream musicians such as Gary Granada and Angelo Villegas, and boosted the singing careers of Jaya and Carol Banawa upon participating as interpreters.[9]

Another associated event called the Metropop Young Singers (later renamed Metropop Star Search) ran at the same time. Unlike the main festival, this event served as a talent competition for young aspiring singers. The contestants were judged based on their interpretation or cover of an already released music material. The most notable participant was Melanie Calumpad who came third in 1997 and later returned as an interpreter for the actual song festival in 2003 under her stage name Kyla. She went on to have a successful career in music and competed as an interpreter for the winning songs at the Himig Handog and Philippine Popular Music Festival song contests.

Metropop Song Festival winners

1996:

1997:

1998:

1999:

2000:

2001

2003:

Metropop Star Search winners

1997:

1998:

1999:

2000:

Metropop Song Festival (2024–present)

See also

References

  1. ^ John Shepherd, ed. (2005). Continuum Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World (1. publ. ed.). London: Continuum. p. 210. ISBN 9780826474360. This annual songwriting competition was geared toward discovering new Filipino talent in popular music, and produced a rich repertoire of Filipino music...
  2. ^ Modequillo, Archie (January 23, 2011). "31 Years of Cebu Pop: Picking Potential Hits". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
  3. ^ Rodriguez, Ces (May 1, 1982). "Manila Festival Hits on Hit Potential". Billboard. p. 56. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
  4. ^ a b Velarde, Emmie (May 19, 1979). "Aguilar's Fame Stirs Japanese Quest for Femme Counterpart". Billboard. p. 82. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
  5. ^ Delacruz, Leris. "To this, Mr. C pointed out: "I would be bold to tell you that that would be one of the reasons kung bakit nawala ang interest sa Metro Pop dahil hiniwalay nila yung amateurs sa professional. E, di parang ang nangyari lang, e, give chance also to the amateurs."". PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
  6. ^ San Diego, Jr., Bayani (March 4, 2008). "When fame is not top priority". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on April 10, 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2012.
  7. ^ Jackson, Leon. "Freddie Aguilar: Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
  8. ^ Concepcion, Pocholo (September 25, 2011). "Leo Valdez cites PDI critic for pushing him to excel". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
  9. ^ Domingo, Gay Ace (2003). "A Night of Second Chances at the Metropop Song Festival". Bayangbarrios.com. ManilaTimes. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
  10. ^ Cayabyab, Ryan (June 3, 2000). "And the Metropop winners are..." Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on October 30, 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
  11. ^ a b c Lo, Ricky (May 29, 2000). "Metropop 2000: A night of 'all winners'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 29, 2012.
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