Winning “Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs” composer Joven Tan couldn’t believe that he won the finals night of the prestigious songwriting competition. Aiza Seguerra, who interpreted his song “Ano’ng Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa”, shared the same sentiments.

“Everyone who got into the top 12 deserves to win but I never imagined it would be me,” said Joven of Malabon City. “When they first called my name, it felt surreal. Reality hit me when I saw my loved ones jumping in excitement and the judges smiling at me.”
Aiza, on the other hand, never doubted the song. “Joven’s composition is really beautiful, there’s no doubt about that. I just didn’t expect we would win because I was unsure of my interpretation,” the acoustic singer said.

“Ano’ng Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa” can already be heard playing in ABS-CBN’s newest teleserye “Apoy Sa Dagat”. Joven expressed his gratitude to ABS-CBN and Star Records, “Thank you so much to the judges, ABS-CBN, and Star Records for this massive opportunity!” Apart from his composition being featured in a show, Joven also brought home a cash prize amounting to a million pesos.

Meanwhile, Juris, who interpreted Soc Villanueva’s song “Hanggang Wakas” said she felt like she would be the one to blame if the song didn’t get any awards. “The song’s a masterpiece. I thought if it didn’t get any award, it would be my fault. Good thing it placed second!” Like all the other composers, Soc didn’t expect he’ll win an award. “All I wanted was for people to listen to my song. I was content with just that.”

Marion Aunor, the 20-year-old composer and interpreter of her own song “If You Ever Change Your Mind” which placed third thanked ABS-CBN and Star Records. “I’m very grateful and I can definitely count this as one of my most life-changing experiences. I would have been thankful whether or not I won. Being part of the Top 12 is accomplishment enough,” she said.

Domingo Rosco, composer of the fourth placer “Scared to Death” felt like he’s already a winner, having been given the opportunity to compete while Bojam de Belen who wrote “Kahit Na” was much honored to be included in the top five. “Scared to Death” was interpreted by “The X Factor Philippines” grand winner KZ Tandingan who felt blessed that out of the many singers in the industry, she was chosen. “Kahit Na”, on the other hand, was interpreted by Toni Gonzaga who said that being recognized as one of the top five is already a big thing.

Other composers and interpreters who competed in this year’s “Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs” are the following: Jungee Marcelo’s “Nasa Iyo Na Ang Lahat” interpreted by Daniel Padilla; Jude Thaddeus Gitamondoc’s “This Song’s For You” interpreted by Erik Santos; Ma. Fe Mechenette Tianga, Melvin Huwervana, and Joel Jabot Jr’s “Alaala” interpreted by Yeng Constantino; Agatha Obar Morallos’ “One Day” interpreted by Angeline Quinto; Jeffrey Cifra’s “Pwede Bang Ako Na Lang Ulit” interpreted by Bugoy Drilon; Arman Alferez’ “Sanay Magbalik” interpreted by Jovit Baldivino; and Wynn Andrada’s “Tamang Panahon” which he sung himself.

All the 12 songs are compiled in the “Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs” CD, which is now available on all record bars nationwide for only P250 and can also be downloaded on iTunes. For more information about “Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs,” visit Star Records’ Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/starrecordsphil or follow @starrecordsph on Twitter.