THE 2016 Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPop) presented the 12 songwriter finalists that will vie for the grand prize of P1 million cash.

The finalists–a mix of newbies and competition veterans–are Aikee Aplacador (“Pabili Po”), JC Jose (“Stars Are Aligned”), Jazz Nicolas and Wally Acoloca (“Di Na Muli”), Jeroel Maranan (“Sintunado”), Keiko Necesario (“Nobody But You”), Ramiro Mataru (“Kahon”), Johann Garcia (“Binibini sa MRT”), Soc Villanueva (“Lahat”), Joan Da (“Baliw Sa Ex-Boyfriend Ko”), Paolo and Miguel Guico (“Tinatangi”), Karl Guarano (“Friday Night”), Brian Cua and Mike Villegas (“Dumadagundong”).

The contestants’ songs represent various genres in contemporary Pinoy pop including rock, folk, ballad and hip hop.

PhilPop partner Viva Entertainment will produce a compilation album of the 12 finalists, provide interpreters, promotions, and mount the grand finals night on July 23 at the Kia Theatre, Quezon City.