Pinoy Rock Song Wins Song-Writing Contest in Tokyo
(L-R) Labor Attaché Luz L. Talento, Congressman Teodoro G. Montoro (Party-List, AASENSO), Consul Arnel M. Sanchez, Best Song Compositon Awardee winner Joey C. Manalang, and Best Singer Awardee Maricar Riesgo.
A pinoy rock song entitled, “Sabay sa Ihip ng Hangin” by Joey C. Manalang won the top prize as Best Composition besting four other finalists in the First Song Writing Contest for Filipino Migrants in Japan held on 28 August 2016. Mr. Manalang, who loves music, movies and photography, also interpreted his song during the finals. For his winning entry, he received ¥100,000 ($1,000) cash prize, a round trip ticket Tokyo-Manila-Tokyo, and one month airtime of his winning song with FM Radio MOR 101.9 in the Philippines.
The song writing contest was in celebration of the Migrant Workers’ Day organized by the Filipino community in Tokyo led by the Filipino association Hawak Kamay sa Mahal na Ina (HAKMI), in cooperation with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) headed by Labor Attaché Luz L. Talento at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo. Welfare Officer Carmelita T. Raquiza of POLO said that the migrant workers’ day is celebrated every year and for this year POLO organized an event that will discover talents and provide Filipino song writers a venue to showcase their master pieces. The contest run for four (4) months starting with the announcement of the contest in April, submission of entries in May, selection of semi-finalists in June, and the presentation of the five finalists on 28 August 2016.
Joey C. Manalang interpreting his winning pinoy rock song entitled, “Sabay sa Ihip ng Hangin”.
Joey, who came to Japan in 1991 and is now a permanent resident, was happy and emotional when he received his prize from Labor Attaché Luz A. Talento, Consul Arnel M. Sanchez, and Congressman Teodoro G. Montoro (Party-list, AASENSO), who was the guest speaker of the event. When interviewed, Joey said that he thought of Senator Manny Pacquiao as a role model. He said the life of Senator Pacquaio, who rose from rags to riches through hard work and dedication, inspired him to compose his winning piece and dedicated the song to Filipinos all over the world. Following his winning the contest, he sees himself composing more songs in the future.
Maricar Riesgo was adjudged Best Singer for her interpretation of the song Ending by Julius Santillan while Jun Mapa’s entry Hapdi received the Listener’s Choice Award. Completing the five finalists included (1) Aking Tahanan by Danica Santillan and Mark Warren T. de Luna; and (2) Bayani by Dennis Sadin, who unfortunately was declared default for failing to participate in the final round.
Renowned Filipino song composer and arranger Vehnee Saturno, who chaired the 5-member board of judges in the final presentation, congratulated the winners and organizers of the event and expressed the hope to see more and bigger similar events in the future. The final event was witnessed by a crowd of about 300 comprising Filipinos, Japanese, and friends from other nationalities.
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