Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

The Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (also known as Metropop) is a songwriting competition launched by the Popular Music Foundation of the Philippines in 1977. Its objective was to promote the advancement of Filipino music, and its chief proponents were Teodoro Valencia and Imee Marcos. There were a total of eight festivals held; the Finals nights were held from 1978 to 1985.

This songwriting competition was originally open to all music composers. From the Fifth 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.

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.

Following is a listing of all the Festival songs, songwriters and interpreters:

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 Umiibig" Music and Lyrics: Nonong Pedero Interpreter: Maricris Bermont 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 "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 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 with 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 2nd Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

Year	Winners	Finalists
1979	Grand Prize: "Bulag, Pipi at Bingi (Isang Pag-aalay)" Music and Lyrics: Snaffu Rigo 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 "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.

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: "Larawan" Music and Lyrics: Dr. Thomas B. Santos Interpreter: Joel Navarro	"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 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 "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 Fourth Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

(Finals night: 1981)

AMATEUR DIVISION:

• 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

Finalists:

• 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: J. Miguel Salvador / Interpreter: Eugene Villaluz

• PUSONG "ROCK-N-ROLL" - Music and Lyrics: Felix Chok-Oy Viernes / Interpreter: Pabs Dadivas

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION:

• 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

Finalists

• 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. It is interesting to note that 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 Eight Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

(Finals night: 1985)

AMATEUR DIVISION:

• 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 / Interpreters: Lea & Gerard Salonga

• Third Prize: PILIPINO AKO (ITO ANG ALAY KO) - Music and Lyrics: Jun Sta. Maria - Larry Tan & Nina Florentino / Interpreter: Veronica

Finalists:

• 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 / Interpeter: Iwi Laurel

• ITO NA NGA - Music and Lyrics: Angelica Lim / Interpreter: Robby Miguel

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION:

• 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: ANI-A AKO ANG IMONG HIGALA - Music and Lyrics: Philip Abrogar / Interpreter: Philip Abrogar

Finalists:

• ANTING-ANTING - Music and Lyrics: Emil Sanglay / Interpreter: Emil Sanglay at ang Pen-Pen

• 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

The Metropop Song Festival (formerly Metro Manila Popular Song Festival) is an annual Philippine music festival which ran from 1977 to 1985, before being relaunched in 1996. An associated competition, the Metropop Star Search, was launched in 1997. The festival's relaunch was broadcast on the GMA Network.

Winner List

The winners of the Song Festival since its relaunch were:

1996

• Sometimes You Just Know, composers: Danny Tan and Edith Gallardo, interpreter: Jaya (Grand Prize)
• Shine, composer: Trina Belamide, interpreter: Ima Castro (Second Prize)
• Aawitin Ko, Ang Awit Mo, composer: Greg Caro, interpreter: Rannie Raymundo (Third Prize)

1997

• Para Sa Inyo, 'Tong Kanta Kong 'To, composer and interpreter: Gideon "Jungee" Marcelo (Grand Prize)
• If I Could, composer: Dodjie Simon, interpreter: Lloyd Umali (Second Prize)
• Delikado, Delikadesa, composer: Soc Villanueva, interpreter: Judith Banal (Third Prize)

1998

• Mabuti Pa Sila, composer and interpreter: Gary Granada (Grand Prize)
• Bring Back The Times, composer: Eunice Saldaña, interpreter: Dessa (Second Prize)
• You Make Me Smile, composer: Rica Arambulo, interpreter: Carol Banawa (Third Prize)

1999

• Can't Stop Loving You, composer: Dodjie Simon, interpreter: Lani Misalucha and The Noisy Neighbors (Grand Prize)
• Tayo Pa Rin, composer: Soc Villanueva, interpreter: Zebedee Zuniga (Second Prize)
• Clara's Eyes, composer: Joey Benin, interpreter: Side A (Third Prize)

2000

• Forever And A Day, composer: Angelo Villegas, interpreter: Rachel Alejandro (Grand Prize)
• Paano Na?, composer: Arnold Reyes, interpreter: Bituin Escalante (Second Prize)
• Ganyan Ako, composer: Vehnee Saturno, interpreter: Jeremiah (Third Prize)

2001

• PAG-UWI- composers- Louie Ocampo and Joey Ayala, interpreter- Martin Nievera(GRAND PRIZE)
• KAWIKAAN- composers- Laverne Ducut and Catherine Carlos, interpreter- Cynthia Alexander (Second Prize)
• HEAVEN SENT- composer- Dennis Garcia, interpreter- Ella Mae Saison with The Saisons and Friends (Third Prize)

2003

• MALAYO MAN, MALAPIT DIN- composer and interpreter- Bayang Barrios (GRAND PRIZE)
• PRETEND THAT I DON'T LOVE YOU - composer- Mike Villegas, interpreter- Cookie Chua (Second Prize)
• BUTI NA LANG- composer- Jonathan Manalo, interpreter- Kyla (Third Prize)

Metropop STAR SEARCH WINNERS

1997

• Jonard Yanzon- (I Believe I Can Fly)- CHAMPION (member of 17:28)
• Carmela Cuneta- Second Place (aka Faith Cuneta)
• Melanie Calumpad- (Somewhere Over the Rainbow) Third Place (aka KYLA)

1998

• Champagne Morales- (Journey to the Past)- CHAMPION
• Roxanne Barcelo- (Part of Your World)- Second Place (aka Roxie Barcelo)
• Xaxa Manalo- (Bakit Pa?)- Third Place

1999

• Miles Poblete- (Anak ng Pasig)- CHAMPION (member of Salinggawi Dance Troupe)
• Idelle Martinez- (Baby, One More Time)- Second Place (TGIS 1 and 2 star)
• Jericson Matias- (Stay the Same)- Third Place (member of Idolzone)

2000

• Anna Katrina Lara- (On the Wings of Love)- CHAMPION (aka Anna Baluyot)
• Camile Velasco- (How Could An Angel Break My Heart?)- Second Place (Pen Pen De Sarapen kid)
• Jacky Garcia- (I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing)- Third Place (Mutya ng Pilipinas 2001 candidate)