For years now, “Idol Philipines” grand prize winner Zephanie has been dreaming of becoming a song interpreter in a major singing competition. She was finally able to fulfill this dream in the 11th edition of “Himig Handog” this year.
Zephanie is giving vocal life to “Tinadhana Sa ‘Yo,” composed by SJ Gandia and one of the 12 official entries in this year’s competition.
“Actually po, ever since na naging part ako ng industry na ito, (nang) nag-start ako sa career ko, it’s been my dream po na makasama o isa sa mga interpreters ng ‘Himig,’” she revealed during the online conference for the music fest.
(Actually, ever since I became part of the industry, when I was starting my career started, it’s been my dream to join or be a song interpreter for ‘Himig.’)
The young singer, upon learning that she will indeed be interpreting a “Himig Handog” song, was therefore ecstatic.
Zephanie instantly loved the song she will be interpreting, even when she first heard just a simple piano version.
“Naging sobrang excited ako na ma-record ‘to, makasama siya sa journey ko dito sa industry na ito,” she said. (I became super excited to record this song and to have it be a part of my journey in this industry.)
Composer Gandia explained that it was on the eleventh hour that she submitted her composition. Her previous entry was in 2018, when she composed “Tinatapos Ko Na” for Jona.
“Siguro a few days before ‘Himig,’ mga a week before, sabi ko parang meron akong nararamdaman na dapat kong isulat. Sali kaya ako. So nag-message ako sa ‘Himig’, (asking) kelan ba iyong deadline,” she recalled.
(I think a few days before ‘Himig,’ about a week earlier, I said I felt that I needed to write something. What if I join? So, I sent a message to ‘Himig,’ asking them when the deadline would be.)
Gandia then sat down and thought of something to write that everyone can relate to. She ended up with a song that would capture both young and old audiences, she explained, since the song can also be about falling in love with your friend who is destined for you, or perhaps a crush.
“Ayoko na ‘yung na-broken heart,” Gandia said. (I don’t want it to be about heartbreak anymore.) JB
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