Jazz of Itchyworms wins Philpop 2016

It was the first time Itchyworms sang a waltz and the song was worth a million bucks. It was Di Na Muli, a composition by the band’s drummer and lead vocalist Jazz Nicolas which won the grand prize of P1M at the Philpop 2016 songwriting competition. This was announced after the finals night performances in another great evening of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) held at the Kia Theater in Araneta Center last July 23, produced by Viva Live and directed by Paul Basinillo. 

This is the first time that Jazz, son of the popular Mr. Musikero Sonny Nicolas, ever entered one of his own works in a music contest. He says that Di Na Muli is a song about regrets and choices, and the passage of time. “It is about things you never got to do or to say. When a moment passes, you can never get it back. I think it is very important to remember that.” 

Di Na Muli was co-written with his childhood friend Wally Acolola. They were classmates in school and were later together in a band that Jazz put together. Wally went on to another career but Jazz stuck with the music, most notably with the pop/rock Itchyworms, one of the most enduring bands from the ‘90s era explosion.

All of the Itchyworms turned up to give Jazz and Wally full support by singing the song. There on the Philpop stage were Jugs Jugueta on second vocals and rhythm guitar; Kelvin Yu on bass guitar and backing vocals; and Chino Singson on lead guitars. Itchyworms is well-known for songs like Akin Ka Na Lang, Beer, Ayokong Tumanda, Antipara, a unique version of Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal and albums like Little Monsters Under Your Bed and the Noontime Show.

Meanwhile, the other winners of Philpop 2016 were first runner-up worth P500,000 to Soc Villanueva for Lahat, interpreted by Jason Dy; second runner-up with P250,000 for Miguel and Paolo Guico for Tinatangi, interpreted by Bayang Barrios and Cookie Chua and The Benjamins. Coincidentally, these two finalists were also the winners of the special awards. Lahat by Villanueva was named People’s Choice based on the number of streams on Spotify; and the Best Music Video also went to Tinatangi directed by Rey Gibraltar.

On hand to put their best foot forward singing the other entries were in the fifth edition of Philpop were: The Juans for Binibini Sa MRT composed by Johann Garcia; Ramiru Mataro for his own composition, Kahon; Banda Ni Kleggy with composer Aikee Aplacador for Pabili Po; MTV VJ Yassi Pressman for Dumadagundong by Mike Villegas and Brian Cua; KenJohns for Friday Night by Karl Gaurano and Daryl Reyes; Monica Cuenco for Nobody But You by Keiko Necesario; Sugar And Spice for Joan Da’s Baliw Sa Ex-Boyfriend Ko; Nyoy Volante for Sintunado by Jeroel Maranan; and Jimmy Marquez and Acapellago for Stars Are Aligned by JC Jose.

Certainly another big winner was the show’s opener featuring the iconic songs by the band Hotdog arranged by Marvin Querido. It was a great treat to hear Aiza Seguerra singing Panaginip with the Acapellago, to reminisce with Donna Cruz on Pers Lab, to get romantic with Chad Borja on Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko, to rev up the night by Andrew’s rapping to Manila and for everybody to groove to Beh Buti Nga, Annie Batungbakal and Bongga Ka Day. To top it all, all of the interpreters gamely joined in the number. It was indeed today’s best and most promising talents performing great Filipino music from the past.

Thanks to the Philpop Foundation and the unfailing vision of its head, composer, arranger and best of all teacher Ryan Cayabyab, there will be more of such evenings in the future. Who knows, someday, a new generation might be saying its thanks to Philpop for having imparted to them a great legacy of Filipino music.