Five winners of the 2020 Kapamilya Himig Handog, a version of ABS-CBN Music’s Himig Handog annual songwriting competition exclusive for Kapamilya employees, can now be heard via major digital music streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon Music, and more.

Various Kapamilya singers have lent their voices for ABS-CBN employees’ winning song entries that now comprise the EP “OPM Fresh Songwriters Series Vol.1.”

One of the tracks in the mini album is “Kaya Pala,” interpreted by Jona and written by Jane Abaday of ABS-CBN Regional together with Winset Jacot. The song emerged as Best Song in the Kapamilya Himig Handog.

“Super inspired talaga ako of the whole idea ng Himig Handog (I’m really super inspired by the whole idea of himig handog). That your song will be interpreted by one of the best and talented singers in the Philippines,” the MOR Entertainment’s “Good Time ‘To” co-host said.

Her entry, a mellow track about a girl who finds out that her guy crush is in a relationship with a fellow man, was really intended to be a light and playful song.

“This serves like an anthem for all the girls out there who actually happens to have a crush on gay people. Through this song, they can sing, cry, and laugh their hearts out,” Abaday said.

For being the grand champion, Abaday went home with P20,000 cash prize.

The second best song prize, “Sleep Tonight” was won by songwriter Mark Marcos (formerly of Digital Media Division, now with MOR Entertainment). The song interpreted by Trisha Denise has won for Marcos a P15,000 cash prize.

“It was about my wife. It’s me telling her that it’s okay. If we have a problem today, tomorrow it will be gone,” Marcos said about his composition.

opm fresh star music — Image: Star Music

The third best song prize went to “Mahiwaga” written by Michelle Saubon (formerly of Marketing) with Michael Orbegoso. It was interpreted by Bugoy Drilon ang Liezel Garcia. Saubon went home with a P10,000 cash prize for her winning song.

“The song is a celebration of love. We want to dedicate this song to people who already experienced the magic of falling in love with someone you did not expect,” Saubon said.

The two other winners were Christine Estabillo who composed “Ikaw Na Lang Ang Kulang” interpreted by Kyla; and Mycah Borja who wrote “Stop Missing You” performed by Maris Racal.

All five songs were produced by ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo and are now compiled in the “OPM Fresh Songwriters Series Vol.1” EP.

“Kapamilya Himig Handog” was spearheaded by ABS-CBN’s Integrated Corporate Communications in partnership with the company’s premier music label, Star Music.

Singer-songwriter Davey Langit, musician Calde Calderon, creative manager Tippy Adanza, DJ Toni Aquino and songwriter-producer Trina Belamide served as judges during the Kapamilya Himig Finals Night held at the Dolphy Theater in 2020. JB

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