2 Bataeños vie for songwriting tilt

CITY of SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Finally, March 5 has been set by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the holding of the Grand Finals of “LiKhALIKASAN: Likhang Awit para sa Kalikasan” at The Events Center of SM City Pampanga where two youths from Bataan are among the grand finalists.

“The contest seeks to instill awareness on positive behaviors and perspectives as resiliency safeguards against the effects of climate change; promote environmental awareness, protection and preservation; and recognize people empowerment and involvement towards measures leading to preserving the well-being of the environment as an act of protecting not just it but more so protecting people’s lives,” PIA Regional Director William Beltran said.

It is the culminating activity in Central Luzon of the yearlong national climate change adaptation and mitigation advocacy campaign of DENR under Director Francisco Milla, Jr and PIA, which carries the brand “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na para Magbago!”

Ten finalists were chosen from dozens of entries submitted by budding composers from all seven provinces of the region.

Those who made it to the finals include “Ngunit bakit ganito?” by Darwin James Singca of Orani, Bataan; “Tabing Ilog” by Aaron Rondilla of Samal, Bataan, “Let’s Make It Stay” by Mark Vincent Duero of Angeles City, “Kahanga-hangang Pilipinas” by Clement Samin Dela Cruz of Tarlac City, “Habang May Oras Pa” by Kenneth Quiambao Macapugay of City of San Fernando, “Pagtugon” by Ver Mercado Orquia of Angeles City and “Panahon Na” by Noel Manzano of Baler, Aurora.

Completing the list are “Kalikasan” by Jimmary Clavo of Iba, Zambales; “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na para Magbago” by Frederic Buenaventura of Baliuag, Bulacan; and “Tayo na sa Pagbabago” by Jay Garcia Gopez of City of San Fernando.

Entries will be judged based on the following criteria: Originality and Creativity (songwriting style, technique, skill) – 30%, Lyrics (emotional appeal, message appropriateness to theme)- 30%, Melody (recall, strength)- 30%, and Overall Appeal (suitability as recording and environmental advocacy material)- 10%.

The grand winner takes home P30, 000 and plaque while the second and third placers shall be awarded with P20,000 and P10,000, respectively and plaque. The seven other finalists will each receive P5,000 and plaque.