If there’s one special thing about “Marupok” which was composed by Danielle Balagtas and proclaimed as Best Song in the recently-concluded ABS-CBN songwriting competition Himig 11th Edition, it is the fact that its interpreter KZ Tandingan wholeheartedly relates to it.

“Sa lahat po siguro na music videos na ginawa ko for ‘Himig Handog’ ay ito yata talaga ang pinakamalapit talaga sa kung sino si KZ as an artist, visually,” she said during the online press conference after the awards night, Monday, March 22.

(Of all the music videos I’ve done for “Himig Handog,” this one is probably the nearest to who KZ is as an artist, visually.)

Tandingan marveled at the way the music video was made, being at par with the quality of music of the song, and not just something that was done to support the song. Also, she felt as if the song was intentionally written for her.

“The first time I heard this song, noong ipinarinig sa akin ni (when I was made to listen to it by) sir Jonathan (Manalo), it sounded like it was meant for me. We really wanted this song to stand out and be there and be relevant kahit tapos na ang Himig Handog (although Himig Handog is finished),” she said.

Danielle Balagtas, the composer of the song, gave Tandingan leeway on how to interpret the piece. As the Best Song in the contest, “Marupok” earned for Balagtas a P300,000 cash prize, plus a house and lot from Lumina Homes.

kz tandingan ig — Image: Instagram/@kztandingan

The song entry of brothers John Francis and Jayson Franz Pasicolan, “Kahit Na Masungit,” was named 2nd Best Song, for which they won P200,000. Young artists Jeremy G and Kyle Echarri originally recorded the song, but Bugoy Drilon performed it live during the finals night.

The 3rd Best Song was awarded to previous Best Song winner Dan Tañedo for his Himig 11th Edition entry “Ibang Planeta,” brought to life by ZILD. He bagged P150,000 for this feat.

Kenneth Reodica’s composition “Ang Hirap Maging Mahirap” was declared 4th Best Song, winning P100,000. Originally interpreted by Davey Langit ft. Kritiko, it was performed live by “Tawag ng Tanghalan” season four grand champion JM Yosures and Kritiko during the competition’s finale.

The power ballad “Kulang Ang Mundo,” composed by Daryl Cielo and interpreted by Sam Mangubat, took home the 5th Best Song prize and received a cash prize of P80,000.

SJ Gandia’s “Tinadhana Sa ’Yo,” interpreted by Zephanie, scored two special awards, namely “MOR Entertainment Choice” and “TFC’s Global Choice,” also with corresponding cash prizes. JB

LISTEN: KZ Tandingan calls for unity in ‘Gabay,’ Disney’s first song in Filipino