05 September 2016 — The Philippine Consulate General of Dubai and the Northern Emirates celebrated the Buwan ng Wika with the first-ever Songwriting Competition in the Middle East, Dubai, Dubai Musikahan on August 19 at the ASIANA Hotel, Rigga, Dubai. The songwriting competition’s theme is “Pag-aambag ng Pinoy tungo sa Pambansang Pagbabago.”

The event was attended by 600 guests led by the members of the Filipino Ladies of Dubai, finalists, performers, media, leaders of the Filipino communities and other distinguished guests.

Select performances were done by groups from Philippine schools, Elements Crew, The Christian Voices Chorale, Musicale Ensemble, Boracay Band and Dance Group, Mr. Rannie Raymundo and Philippine Consul General to Dubai Paul Raymund P. Cortes.

On June 27, the organizers officially opened the submission of entries to all Filipinos in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. A total of 35 entries were submitted, pre-screened and later trimmed down to 12 on July 29.

The Top 12 Finalists who competed on Finals Night are: Socorro Soriano (Bangon mga Pilipino); Jan Michael Tolentino (Dahil Ikaw ang Dahilan); Jessie Paderes (Pagbabagong Sa’yo Magmumula – Hangarin ng Bansa); Rowena Sevilleno-Marbella and Narry Vega (Panahon ng Pagbabago); Carlos Soliano Jr. (Ngayon ang Simula); Fatima Soriano and Allan Osmil (Pinoy Ka); Juvy Gay and Marcelino Saladino (Aaminin Ko); Eyzell and Joy Salinel (Inang Ibon); Florante Fuertes (Ka-Bayani – Idiritso ang Liko); Bernardo Granado and Pearlipinas (Tayo na sa Pagbabago); Mark Regenio (Pilipino, Tara na, Pilipinas Sulong Na!); and Sola Fide Santos (Yaman).

The compositions were judged based on the following criteria: Theme Relevance (30%), Lyrics (30%), Musicality (15%), Melody (15%) and Audience Impact (10%).

The judges of the Dubai, Dubai Musikahan were: Mr. Joseph Arnie Garcia (Managing Director, ABS-CBN Middle), Mr. Nicholo Jallores (Associate Editor, Illustrado) and Mr. Rannie Raymundo (Artist/Singer).

The lucky winner of the first Dubai, Dubai Musikahan are Eyzell & Joy Salinel, who performed their original composition, “Inang Ibon,” and garnered a total score of 84.67%.

The night concluded with a spectacular performance by  Consul General Paul Raymund P. Cortes together with the staff of the Philippine Consulate and the members of the Filipino Ladies of Dubai singing the famous “Minsan ang Minahal ay Ako” by  Celeste Legaspi. END