Pinoy Rock Song Wins Songwriting 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 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.

Manalang, who loves music, movies and photography, also interpreted his song during the finals. For his winning entry, he received ¥100,000 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 songwriting 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 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 songwriters a venue to showcase their master pieces.

Manalang, who came to Japan in 1991 and is now a permanent resident, was happy and emotional when he received his prize from Talento, Consul Arnel Sanchez, and Congressman Teodoro Montoro (Party-list, AASENSO), who was the guest speaker of the event. When interviewed, he said that he thought of Senator Manny Pacquiao as a role model. He said the life of 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 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 five-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.