TACLOBAN CITY– The Samar POP (SPOP) Music Festival recognized its winners during the fifth-year competition held at the capitol grounds in Catbalogan City.
James Timan from Calbayog City emerged as the champion in the SPOP Aňo 5 contemporary category with his composition ‘Kawil’, defeating nine other contenders from the province of Samar.
According to Timan, Kawil reflects his personal struggles and insecurities, expressing his pursuit of dreams and aspirations. The song also conveys a message of hope and light, emphasizing the importance of sharing one’s dreams with someone who inspires you.
For his victory, Timan received a cash prize of P100,000 and a trophy. He also won three minor awards: best in lyrics, best in musical arrangement, and best music video, earning an additional P15,000 in cash.
“Salamat Ginoo nga nabug’os ini nga SPOP. Salamat sa SPOP nga paghimu sini nga event para mabuligan an mga composer, mga local artists sa Samar,” Timan said in his acceptance speech. He also thanked his wife and child for inspiring him to write songs.
In second place was Kadaugan by Gus Plamenco, Mark Paul Alcala, and Mando De Leon, who won P75,000 and a trophy. The third-place winner was Metyorayt by Lucris Ebalde, earning P50,000 and a trophy.
Yssa Romano, last year’s best interpreter awardee, also took home this year’s best interpreter award for her performance of Kay ‘Ano Daw La?’, winning P5,000.
The audience choice award went to ‘Daw Sugad Hin Uran’ by Elmer Del Monte, Jyce Genotiva, and Jhoanne Leanda, who also received P5,000.
SPOP is an annual songwriting and music festival organized by the provincial government of Samar through the Samar Provincial Tourism Office, with the help of songwriter Lucien Letaba. The event aims to provide a platform for local talents to showcase their passion for music and songwriting.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
