# Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

The Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (also known as Metropop) was launched by the Popular Music Foundation of the Philippines in 1977 and held annually from 1978 to 1985. It was "the country's pioneering and once foremost songwriting competition," according to The Philippine Star. Its objective was to promote the advancement of Filipino music, and its chief proponents were journalist Teodoro Valencia and Imee Marcos. These festivals launched many the careers of songwriters and singers (who interpreted the songs), and gave original Filipino music more than a few memorable and modern-day song classics. Among them is Freddie Aguilar.
This songwriting competition was originally open to all music composers. From the fourth festival onwards, the competition was divided into professional and amateur divisions, to give new songwriters a level playing field without competing with more well-known composers. After 1985, the festival was discontinued due to a decline in public interest towards the song entries.
It was later revived as the Metropop Song Festival which aired on GMA Network from 1996 to 2003.

## The original Metropop (1978–1985)
### The 1st Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

| Year | Winners | Finalists |
| 1978 | Grand prize: "Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika" Music and lyrics: Ryan Cayabyab Interpreter: Hajji Alejandro Second prize: "Pagdating Mo" Music and lyrics: Nonoy Gallardo Interpreter: Celeste Legaspi Third prize: "Narito Ako" Music and lyrics: Nonong Pedero Interpreter: Maricris Bermont Fourth prize: "Ibig Kong Ibigin Ka" Music and lyrics: Vic Villafuerte, Rolando Tinio Interpreter: Anthony Castelo | "Anak" Music and lyrics: Freddie Aguilar Interpreter: Freddie Aguilar "Ang Dampa sa Gulod" Music and lyrics: Joe Reyes Interpreter: Imelda Papin "Mahal" Music and lyrics: James Villafuerte Interpreter: Lejan Lopez "Minsan Pa" Music and lyrics: Jose Mari Chan Interpreter: Janet Basco "Ngumiti. . . Tumawa. . . Magsaya. . . Kumanta" Music and lyrics: Joe Reyes Interpreter: Cynthia Garcia and the Kabataan "Pag-ibig, Ano Ka Nga Ba" Music and lyrics: Cecille Marcaida Interpreter: Nick Gonzales "Pangako" Music and lyrics: Vic Villafuerte, Rolando Tinio Interpreter: Rex Demavivas "Saan Ako Patutungo" Music and lyrics: Jose Ilacad, Jr., Nannette Inventor Interpreter: Nannette Inventor "Swerte-swerte Lang" Music and lyrics: Joel Navarro, Rolando Tinio Interpreter: Joel Navarro "Tayo'y Mga Pinoy" Music and lyrics: Heber Bartolome Interpreter: Judas |
"Anak" failed to win any of the prizes, but went on to become one of the most popular Philippine pop songs ever and to launch the career of Freddie Aguilar. This period in time was right at the beginning of the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) boom, and after this first festival, the singing careers of Hajji Alejandro, Celeste Legaspi, Maricris Bermont, and Anthony Castelo went to full gear. Ryan Cayabyab is now a well-respected composer and musician; so as Joel Navarro. Imelda Papin and Janet Basco went on to big careers as well after they had other hit songs. Heber Bartolome's "Tayo'y Mga Pinoy" became a protest anthem, and Ryan Cayabyab's "Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika" became the anthem of sorts of Original Pilipino Music. Emil Mijares was the musical director for this festival. The first grand finals of the festival was held at the Folk Arts Theater, with RPN-9 as the official broadcaster for the first edition of the said competition.

### The 2nd Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

| Year | Winners | Finalists |
| 1979 | Grand prize: "Bulag, Pipi at Bingi (Isang Pag-aalay)" Music and lyrics: Snaffu Rigor Interpreter: Freddie Aguilar Second prize: "Ewan" Music and lyrics: Louie Ocampo, Winnie Arrieta Interpreter: The Apo Hiking Society Third prize: "Lupa" Music and lyrics: Charo Unite, Ernie dela Pena Interpreter: Rico J. Puno | "Ako ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi" Music and lyrics: George Canseco Interpreter: Dulce "Ang Aking Awitin" Music and lyrics: Bong Gabriel Interpreter: Bong Gabriel "Gusto Kong Umawit" Music and lyrics: Ernie Tagle, Eduardo Mataranas Interpreter: Ernie Tagle "Itay, Saan Ka Man Naroroon" Music and lyrics: Chito Sibayan Interpreter: Chito Sibayan "Laging Buhay ang Buhay" Music and lyrics: Celia T. Lising Interpreter: Jacqui Magno "Laruan" Music and lyrics: Edgar Guerrero Interpreter: Cynthia Patag "Masdan, Tingnan ang Buhay" Music and lyrics: Ma. Isabella Mijares Interpreter: Malou Evidente "Panaginip, Pangarap" Music and lyrics: Manuel Perlas Interpreter: God's Ego "Umagang Kay Ganda" Music and lyrics: Butch Monserrat, Babes Conde, Gryk Ortaleza, Anabelle Lee Interpreter: Tillie Moreno and Ray-An Fuentes |
This time, Freddie Aguilar's interpretation of Snaffu Rigor's composition won the grand prize. However, the biggest pop hit to come out of the 2nd Metropop was that of "Ewan". This song launched the career of Louie Ocampo, now a well-respected composer, and added to the numerous hits of The Apo Hiking Society. The Apo is one of the biggest musical acts ever in the Philippines, and their songs have been covered through the years. Rico J. Puno, already a big star at this time, interpreted the third place song, which also became a hit song for him. Composer George Canseco failed to win any of the top prizes, but with his songs before and after the competition, he became one of the most prolific and successful composers in the music scene. "Umagang Kay Ganda" also failed to place, but has since become a classic pop hit. The song first utilized as the main theme of ABS-CBN's now-defunct weekday morning show of the same title, and also became the campaign song for the presidential bid of Bongbong Marcos in 2022.

### The 3rd Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

| Year | Winners | Finalists |
| 1980 | Grand prize: "Isang Mundo Isang Awit" Music and lyrics: Nonong Pedero Interpreter: Leah Navarro Second prize: "Ikaw, Ako, Tayo (Magkakapatid)" Music and lyrics: Jose Lozano Interpreter: New Minstrels Third prize: "Nandoon Na, Nawala Pa" Music and lyrics:Freddie Lozano Interpreter: Ray-an Fuentes | "Buhay Ko'y Mayro'ng Ikaw" Music and lyrics: Felipe Monserrat, Diana Legaspi Interpreter: Pinky de Leon "Hahanapin Ko" Music and lyrics: Jose Mari Chan, Jimmy D. Santiago Interpreter: Anthony Castelo "Kailangan Ko, Kailangan Mo" Music and lyrics: Gerry Paraiso Interpreter: Bambi Bonus and Richard Tan "Langit Mo'y Likha Mo Rin" Music and lyrics: Babes Tolentino Interpreter: Babes Tolentino, Celso Llarina, Mon Gaskell "Larawan" Music and lyrics: Thomas Santos Interpreter: Joel Navarro "Mahalaga" Music and lyrics: Louie Ocampo Interpreter: Rene Puno "Nandoon Na, Nawala Pa" Music and lyrics:Freddie Lozano Interpreter:Ray-an Fuentes "Nasaan ang Palakpakan" Music and lyrics: Nonoy Gallardo Interpreter: Celeste Legaspi "Sa Duyan ng Pag-ibig" Music and lyrics: Willy Cruz Interpreter: Passionata "Sa 'Yong Pag-alis" Music and lyrics: Felipe Monserrat, Jr. Interpreter: Tillie Moreno |
Leah Navarro and "Isang Mundo Isang Awit" represented the Philippines and won the bronze prize at that year's Seoul Popular Music Festival. "Ikaw, Ako, Tayo (Magkakapatid)" turned out to be the biggest hit from the Third Metropop.

### The 4th Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

| Year | Division | Winners | Finalists |
| 1981 | Amateur | Grand prize: "Sino Ang Baliw" Music and lyrics: Elizabeth Barcelona Interpreter: Mon Del Rosario Jr. Second prize: "Kahit Konti" Music and lyrics: Gary Granada Interpreter: Florante Third prize: "Magsimula Ka" Music and lyrics: Gines Tan Interpreter: Leo Valdez | "Aawitin Ko Na Lang" Music and lyrics: Gary Granada Interpreter: Bong Gabriel "Hatinggabi (Bawa't Pangarap)" Music and lyrics: Conrado Ricafort Interpreter: Boy Camara "Magkaisa" Music and lyrics: Juan Miguel Salvador Interpreter: Eugene Villaluz "Pusong "Rock-N-Roll"" Music and lyrics: Felix Chok-Oy Viernes Interpreter: Pabs Dadivas |
| 1981 | Professional | Grand prize: "Babae Ka" Music and lyrics: Ananias Montano Interpreter: Something Special Second prize: "Buhay/Pag-asa" Music and lyrics: Butch Monserrat, Marilyn Villapando Interpreter: Pol Enriquez Third prize: "Uhaw Na Lupa" Music and lyrics: Emilio Sanglay Interpreter: Emil Sanglay at Ang Bagong Pen Pen | "Ang Buhay Ay Ngayon" Music and lyrics: Benjamin Chua, B.S. Manas Interpreter: Rene Puno "Insomnia" Music and lyrics: Eduardo Achacoso, Joseph Olfindo Interpreter: Joseph Olfindo "Landas" Music and lyrics: James Villafuerte Interpreter: Marco Sison "Mr. Musikero" Music and lyrics: Sonny Nicolas Interpreter: Sonny Nicolas |
Established singers like Florante, Eugene Villaluz, Leo Valdez, and Marco Sison interpreted their first Metropop entries. Something Special was an offshoot of The New Minstrels, and Joseph Olfindo also came from the latter singing group. There was no big hit from the festival songs, although "Kahit Konti" and "Magsimula Ka" were relative successes. Emil Sanglay (pioneer of the Neo-Ethnic Rock or the world music of today in the Philippines) and Sonny Nicolas also known as Philippine's "Jose Feliciano" (both singers, composers and guitarists) were the only individuals who interpreted their own songs. The one aside from the women in Something Special (there were male members as well), all the interpreters in this festival were men.

### The 5th Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

| Year | Division | Winners | Finalists |
| 1982 | Amateur | Grand prize: "Kahit La La La" Music and lyrics: Nonoy Tan Interpreter: Subas Herrero and Noel Trinidad Second prize: "Give Me A Chance" Music and lyrics: Odette Quesada Interpreter: Ric Segreto Third prize: "Pag-ibig Mo, Pag-ibig Ko" Music and lyrics: Ernesto Mendiola Interpreter: Zander Kahn and Miriam Pantig | "Memories" Music and lyrics: Paul Melendez Interpreter: Eileen Espina "Coming Back" Music and lyrics: Alden Lim and John Joseph Nite Interpreter: Zoey Zuñiga "Magbabalik Pa Rin Ako" Music and lyrics: Jorge Sison Interpreter: The New Minstrels "Buhay Nasa Ating Palad" Music and lyrics: Julie Lingan and Butch Monserrat Interpreter: Ray-an Fuentes |
| 1982 | Professional | Grand prize: "Isang Dakot" Music and lyrics: Vehnee Saturno Interpreter: Sonia Singson Second prize: " (title) " Music and lyrics: Interpreter: Third prize: " (title) " Music and lyrics: Interpreter: | "Don’t Deceive Yourself" Music and lyrics: Alfredo Lozano Jr. Interpreter: Susanna Pichay "Nothing I Want More" Music and lyrics: Jun Latonio and Tillie Moreno Interpreter: Louie Reyes and Eugene Villaluz "Ang Aking Kubo" Music and lyrics: Gary Granada Interpreter: Florante "What Are You Doing On A Rainy Sunday Morning" Music and lyrics: Julie Lingan Interpreter: Ivy Violan and Rico J. Puno "You Made Me Live Again" Music and lyrics: Nonoy Tan Interpreter: Janet Basco "Magkaibigan, Nagkaibigan" Music and lyrics: Topy Lozano Interpreter: Something Special "Inay Bakit?" Music and lyrics: Sonny Nicholas Interpreter: Sonny Nicholas |

### The 6th Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

| Year | Division | Winners | Finalists |
| 1983 | Amateur | Grand prize: "Pain" Music and lyrics: Alvina Eileen Sy Interpreter: Martin Nievera Second prize: " (title) " Music and lyrics: Interpreter: Third prize: " (title) " Music and lyrics: Interpreter: | "Laging Mayroong Bukas" Music and lyrics: June Cerino Interpreter: Pat Castillo "Kahit Ako’y Mahirap" Music and lyrics: Mary Rose del Rosario Interpreter: Mon del Rosario "My Love, My Soul, My Everything" Music and lyrics: Elizabeth Mendiola Interpreter: Verni Varga "We’re In Love" Music and lyrics: Mario Lapid and Roberto Rodriguez Interpreter: Miriam Pantig "Habang May Sikat Pa" Music and lyrics: Alex Buenaventura and Menche Soloria Interpreter: The Rainmakers with Millie Beltran "Still Got Love" Music and lyrics: Alfredo Marbella Interpreter: Labuyo |
| 1983 | Professional | Grand prize: "Till I Met You" Music and lyrics: Odette Quesada Interpreter: Kuh Ledesma Second prize: "Ako’y Ako" Music and lyrics: Vehnee Saturno Interpreter: Lerma dela Cruz Third prize: "Gabay Mo Ako" Music and lyrics: Rey Valera Interpreter: Rey Valera | "Dapithapon" Music and lyrics: Boy Christopher Interpreter: Idonnah "Away From You" Music and lyrics: Boy Katindig Interpreter: Jennifer Ramos "Kagandahan" Music and lyrics: Butch Monserrat and Marilyn Villapando Interpreter: Filipina "Be My Lady" Music and lyrics: Vehnee Saturno Interpreter: Pedrito Montaire |

### The 7th Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

| Year | Division | Winners | Finalists |
| 1984 | Amateur | Grand prize: "A Smile In Your Heart" Music and lyrics: Rene Novelles Interpreter: Jam Morales Second prize: " (title) " Music and lyrics: Interpreter: Third prize: "Falling in Love Again" Music and lyrics: Jose Gabriel La Viña Interpreter: Louie Reyes and Eugene Villaluz | "Falling In Love Again" Music and lyrics: Jose Gabriel La Vina Interpreter: Louie Reyes and Eugene Villaluz "Where Did The Heartaches Go" Music and lyrics: Jose La Vina Interpreter: Tillie Moreno "Let Us Stay The Way We Used To Be" Music and lyrics: Al Lopez and Timmi Li Lopez Interpreter: Al Lopez "Think It Over" Music and lyrics: Mel Villena and Eleanor Villena Interpreter: Richard Tann and Maraya "It Used To Be You" Music and lyrics: Renato Buzon Interpreter: Jennifer Ramos "I Don’t Want You" Music and lyrics: Reynaldo Cuerdo Interpreter: Hiyas |
| 1984 | Professional | Grand prize: "Salamat, Salamat Musika!" Music and lyrics: Gary Granada Interpreter: Nanette Inventor Second prize: "Mga Kulay" Music and lyrics: Cynthia Guzman Interpreter: Dulce Third prize: "Part Of The Way" Music and lyrics: June Latonio Interpreter: Jacqui Magno | "I Got What It Takes" Music and lyrics: Ray-An Fuentes Interpreter: Ray-An Fuentes "You Turn Me On" Music and lyrics: Jograd dela Torre Interpreter: Chona Cruz and the Platinumates "A Little Smile" Music and lyrics: Cynthia Guzman Interpreter: Carla Martinez "Romeo and Juliet" Music and lyrics: Jessie Jodloman and Toto Mortel Interpreter: Musikinesis |

### The 8th Metro Manila Popular Music Festival

| Year | Division | Winners | Finalists |
| 1985 | Amateur | Grand prize: "Kinabukasan" Music and lyrics: Rudy delos Reyes Interpreter: Joannie Feliciano Second prize: "Musika, Lata, Sipol at La La La" Music and lyrics: Tess Concepcion Interpreter: Lea & Gerard Salonga Third prize: "Pilipino Ako (Ito Ang Alay Ko)" Music and lyrics: June Sta. Maria - Larry Tan & Nina Florentino Interpreter: Veronica | "Pag-Ibig Sa Ating Musika" Music and lyrics: Bobby Bonus Interpreter: Nailclippers "Ang Sinisisi" Music and lyrics: Alejandra Ramos Interpreter: Gloria Belen "Come Be A Part Of My Song" Music and lyrics: Ed Nepumoceno - Edward Granadosin Interpreter: Iwi Laurel "Ito Na Nga" Music and lyrics: Angelica Lim Interpreter: Robby Miguel |
| 1985 | Professional | Grand prize: "Pag-Asa ng Mundo" Music and lyrics: Alvina Aileen Sy Interpreter: Ivy Violan Second prize: "You're My Home" Music and lyrics: Odette Quesada Interpreter: Odette Quesada Third prize: "Anting-Anting" Music and lyrics: Emil Sanglay Interpreter: Emil Sanglay at ang Pen-Pen | "Ani-a Ako Ang Imong Higala" Music and lyrics: Philip Abrogar Interpreter: Philip Abrogar "Kuwarta, Kuwarta" Music and lyrics: Sunny Ilacad Interpreter: Vincent Daffalong "Manalig Ka" Music and lyrics: Joel Navarro - N. Arnel de Pano Interpreter: Dio Marco "Sa Ating Daigdig" Music and lyrics: Sonny Angeles Interpreter: Manilyn Reynes |

## Metropop Song Festival (1996–2003)

The Metropop Song Festival (also known as Metropop) was an annual Philippine music festival that served as a relaunch of the original competition, which began in 1996 and ran until 2003. The festival was broadcast on GMA Network. It has recognized non-mainstream musicians such as Gary Granada and Angelo Villegas, and boosted the singing careers of Jaya and Carol Banawa upon participating as interpreters.
Another associated event called the Metropop Young Singers (later renamed Metropop Star Search) ran at the same time. Unlike the main festival, this event served as a talent competition for young aspiring singers. The contestants were judged based on their interpretation or cover of an already released music material. The most notable participant was Melanie Calumpad who came third in 1997 and later returned as an interpreter for the actual song festival in 2003 under her stage name Kyla. She went on to have a successful career in music and competed as an interpreter for the winning songs at the Himig Handog and Philippine Popular Music Festival song contests.

### Metropop Song Festival winners

1996:
* Sometimes You Just Know, composers: Danny Tan, and Edith Gallardo, interpreter: Jaya (grand prize)
* Shine, composer: Trina Belamide, interpreter: Ima Castro (recording only) (second prize)
* Aawitin Ko, Ang Awit Mo, composer: Greg Caro, interpreter: Rannie Raymundo (third prize)
1997:
* Para Sa Inyo, 'Tong Kanta Kong 'To, composer and interpreter: Gideon "Jungee" Marcelo (grand prize)
* If I Could, composer: Dodjie Simon, interpreter: Lloyd Umali (second prize)
* Delikado, Delikadesa, composer: Soc Villanueva, interpreter: Judith Banal (third prize)
1998:
* Mabuti Pa Sila, composer and interpreter: Gary Granada (grand prize)
* Bring Back The Times, composer: Eunice Saldaña, interpreter: Dessa (second prize)
* You Make Me Smile, composer: Rica Arambulo, interpreter: Carol Banawa (third prize)
1999:
* Can't Stop Loving You, composer: Dodjie Simon, interpreter: Lani Misalucha and The Noisy Neighbors (grand prize)
* Tayo Pa Rin, composer: Soc Villanueva, interpreter: Zebedee Zuniga (second prize)
* Clara's Eyes, composer: Joey Benin, interpreter: Side A (third prize)
2000:
* Forever And A Day, composer: Angelo Villegas, interpreter: Rachel Alejandro (grand prize)
* Paano Na?, composer: Arnold Reyes, interpreter: Bituin Escalante (second prize)
* Ganyan Ako, composer: Vehnee Saturno, interpreter: Jeremiah (third prize)
2001
* Pag-Uwi – composers:Louie Ocampo and Joey Ayala, interpreter- Martin Nievera (grand prize)
* Kawikaan – composers:Laverne Ducut and Catherine Carlos, interpreter- Cynthia Alexander (second prize)
* Heaven Sent - composer- Dennis Garcia, interpreter- Ella Mae Saison with The Saisons and Friends, musi arranger - Emil Mayor (third prize)
2003:
* Malayo Man, Malapit Din - composer and interpreter- Bayang Barrios (grand prize)
* Pretend That I Don't Love You – composer:Mike Villegas, interpreter- Cookie Chua (second prize)
* Buti Na Lang – composer:Jonathan Manalo, interpreter- Kyla (third prize)

### Metropop Star Search winners

1997:
* Jonard Yanzon- "I Believe I Can Fly" (champion)
* Carmela Cuneta- "Di Ko Na Kaya" (second place)
* Melanie Calumpad- "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (third place)
1998:
* Champagne Morales- "Journey to the Past" (champion)
* Roxanne Barcelo- "Part of Your World" (second place)
* Xaxa Manalo- "Bakit Pa?" (third place)
1999:
* Miles Poblete - "Anak ng Pasig" (champion)
* Idelle Martinez- "Baby, One More Time" (second place)
* Jericson Matias- "Stay the Same" (third place)
2000:
* Anna Katrina Lara- "On the Wings of Love" (champion)
* Camile Velasco - "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (second place)
* Jacky Garcia- "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" (third place)