Jungee Marcelo admits he gets comments from people that he should give younger composers a chance and refrain from joining songwriting competitions.
After all, he’s joined more than a handful and has collected numerous hits to his credit. He’s the man behind the hits “Hataw Na” and “Muli” (Gary Valenciano) and “Ako Na Lang” (Zia Quizon), as well as the “Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs 2013” phenomenal hit “Nasa Iyo Na Ang Lahat” (Daniel Padilla).
He, nevertheless, offers a reason for joining one competition after another. More than the prize, it’s about staying relevant in an industry that continuously evolves.
“Songwriting competition is one way of checking ourselves if we still have it… I enter competitions just for me to know if I’m at par with the current trends of songwriting,” he shares. “That’s what I do. But to compete with them, no.”
A competition like “Himig Handog” also gives songwriters another avenue to expand their market, he says.
“
Sa’n ka nakakita ng opportunity
na may premyo ka na, libre pa ‘yung production, you’re here right now, interviewing me,” he relates. “Otherwise it would not be possible or very difficult to get all of you to come over. That’s already a big plus. So whether we win or not, you’re already making us visible in the market, giving us the opportunity.”
Those who believe that veterans have an “edge” in these competitions are mistaken, Jungee clarifies, saying, “Everything is fair in songwriting. You’re only as good as your last song.”
That's why for this year’s “Himig Handog,” he challenged himself creatively and compiled the many hip expressions and put it in a song. The result: A fun and youthful track about how one falls in love in this day and age, “Pumapag-ibig.”
Watch the music video for “Pumapag-ibig,” interpreted by 2013 “Himig Handog” finalist Marion Aunor with Rizza Cabrera and Seed Bunye:
Catch the “Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs 2014” finals night on Sept. 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. For ticket inquiries, call Ticketnet at 911-55-55 or log on to ticketnet.com.ph.
The compilation album is available in physical format at P299. Digital copies are available at Star Music and iTunes
What can you say about veteran composers who join songwriting contests?
1. Tama lang ‘yan para mas ma-challenge ang mga amateurs na gandahan nila ‘yung mga isasali nilang compositions.
2. Tama na, hayaan naman nilang mag-shine ‘yung ibang hopefuls.
3. Kahit sino pa magsulat, basta maganda ‘yung mga kanta, susuportahan ko.
See other latest news here.
For more updates:
Follow Star Cinema
Twitter: @StarCinema
Instagram: starcinema
Google Plus: ABSstarcinema
Youtube: ABSstarcinema
Facebook: StarCinema
For more updates on your favorite Star Cinema movies, continue to visit www.starcinema.com.ph