05 September 2016 — 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 Songwriting Contest for Filipino Migrants in Japan held on August 28 . Mr. Manalang, who loves music, movies and photography, also rendered an interpretation of his song during the finals. For his winning entry, he received JPY100,000 (US$1,000) cash prize, a round trip ticket to Manila, and one month-long airtime of his winning song with FM Radio MOR 101.9 in the Philippines.
The songwriting contest was held in celebration of the Migrant Workers’ Day organized by the Filipino community in Tokyo, and 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. For this year, POLO organized an event that will discover talents and provide Filipino songwriters a venue to showcase their masterpieces. The contest ran for four 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 August 28.
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 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 are Aking Tahanan by Danica Santillan and Mark Warren T. de Luna; and (2) Bayani by Dennis Sadin.
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, similar and bigger events in the future. The finals round was witnessed by an audience of some 300, comprising Filipinos, Japanese, and friends from other nationalities. END
