Tiara Shaye’s Playful Entry ‘Wag Paglaruan’ Wins Philpop Himig Handog

Tiara Shaye’s first gamble into a songwriting contest emerged providential as her composition “Wag Paglaruan,” which she interpreted alongside FANA, won the grand prize in the grand songwriting festival collaboration Philpop Himig Handog.

“Wag Paglaruan” is a fun electro-pop take on red flags with a play on Filipino games inspired by different relationship and situationship issues Tiara got to read on social media. 

Looking back on what motivated her, the singer-songwriter said, “Parang kailangan kong mag-create ng song na may matutunan sila at the same time magkakaroon ng hope ang mga taong napaglaruan na they can find a better person. Don\’t settle for red flags.” 

She also hoped that listeners while be inspired through her entry. “I’m just so glad na na-appreciate nung judges yung message ng song. Hopefully lahat po ng makarinig ng song ay hindi lang ma-LSS, kumbaga masapuso nila at ma-inspire sila sa song.” 

For FANA, interpreting the winning entry with Tiara was truly a “dream come true.” 

Meanwhile, Keith John Quinto’s Visayan entry about moving on, “Buhi” interpreted by Ferdinand Aragon, was named 1st runner-up. Rinz Ruiz’s heart-tugging entry about love beyond what is seen, “Papahiram” performed by Moira and Johnoy Danao, was hailed as 2n runner-up. 

Alvin Serito’s composition “Kurba” interpreted by Maki got two special awards. It was named Smart People’s Choice while its music video by Chapters PH was the MYX Choice Award for Best Music Video. 

Philpop Himig Handog commissioned Artist on a Mission Kristine Lim for the special trophies awarded to the winners. 

The finals night held last Saturday (March 22) at the New Frontier Theater also featured the other top 12 songs. Ice Seguerra performed Francis Contemplacion’s “ATM,” Jolianne sang “Relden Campanilla’s Dili Na Lang,” Khimo gave a beautiful rendition of Kevin Yadao’s “Ghostwriter,” and Geca Morales, together with Lyka Estrella and Annrain, brought life to her composition “Langit Lupa.”

P-pop group VXON performed Rob Angeles’ “MHWG,” Kurt Fick interpreted Jimmy Ricks’ “Salamat (Nga Wala Na Ta),” Noah Alejandre sang Maric Gavino’s “Taliwala,” while Shantel Cyline Lapatha performed her entry “Tulala.”

The panel of judges included esteemed songwriters Jungee Marcelo, Nica del Rosario, Trina Belamide, and Yumi Lacsamana, Billboard Philippines editor-in-chief Bret Jackson, and ABS-CBN Global managing director Maribel Hernaez. Also joining the momentous event were ABS-CBN Music and Integrated Events head Roxy Liquigan, ABS-CBN Global COO Jun del Rosario,  ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo, and renowned musician Noel Cabangon. 

National Artist for Music and Philpop Musicfest Foundation executive director Ryan Cayabyab was also present at the finals night, which served as a celebration of OPM’s 50 years.

“Ang tagal po nating hinintay itong finals na ito pero sa wakas, ito na po siya at we are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of OPM,” he said. 

Rendering powerful performances of OPM classics were special guests Erik Santos, BGYO, Sheena Belarmino, Esang de Torres, Jason Dy, Maymay Entrata, Jeremy G, and Kyla.

The evening likewise looked back on some of the winning entries from Philpop and Himig Handog over the years, with performances from Bituin Escalante, Gello Marquez, Angela Ken, Jarea, Yumi Lacsamana, Janah Zaplan, and Jed Madela, together with Jason, Jeremy, Esang, and Kyla.