Himig Handog (Eng: Musical Offering) is a

multimedia Multimedia is a form of communication that uses a combination of different content forms, such as Text (literary theory), writing, Sound, audio, images, animations, or video, into a single presentation. T ...

songwriting and music video competition in the

Philippines The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an Archipelagic state, archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of List of islands of the Philippines, 7,641 islands, with a tot ...

based in

Quezon City Quezon City (, ; ), also known as the City of Quezon and Q.C. (read and pronounced in Filipino language, Filipino as Kyusi), is the richest and List of cities in the Philippines, most populous city in the Philippines. According to the 2020 c ...

. The competition is operated by

ABS-CBN Corporation ABS-CBN Corporation is a Mass media in the Philippines, Filipino Media conglomerate, media company based in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. It is the largest entertainment television and film production, Broadcast syndication, progra ...

and its music subsidiary

Star Music Star Music (also known as Star Records and corporately as Star Recording, Inc.) is a Philippine record label owned and operated by ABS-CBN Corporation. It was formerly a separate company operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corpora ...

. The contest ran from 2000 to 2003 and was later revived in 2013. The theme of the contest has been

love song A love song is a song about love, falling in love, heartbreak after a breakup, and the feelings that these experiences bring. Love songs can be found in a variety of different music genres. They can come in various formats, from sad and emotion ...

s since 2002. Since its revival, it is popularly regarded as "the country's premier songwriting contest" with

Pinoy ''Pinoy'' ( or ) is a common informal self-reference used by Filipinos to refer to citizens of the Philippines and their culture as well as to overseas Filipinos in the Filipino diaspora. A Pinoy who has any non-Filipino foreign ancestry, ...

songwriters and composers submitting thousands of original compositions annually, and the country's top singers interpreting the songs in a live event.

History

Himig Handog was first established in 2000. To date, it only had held five competitions which were in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and in 2013. Each year, the title and theme of the contest changes. In 2000, the contest was titled as ''Himig Handog sa Bayang Pilipino'' which was held on October 1. During the second, third and fourth contests' themes and titles were ''JAM: Makabagong Kabataan'', ''Love Songs'' and ''Love Songs 2 ''respectively. From 2001 to 2003, only three songs were rewarded with varying amounts of financial incentives(cash prizes) depending on which entry came in first, second, and third. However, in 2013, the amount of incentives given were raised to five to make up a 'Top Five'. Other award categories were also introduced during this year. Also, it introduced a music video contest where participating

tertiary institution Tertiary education (higher education, or post-secondary education) is the educational level following the completion of secondary education. The World Bank defines tertiary education as including universities, colleges, and vocational school ...

s across the country were given the challenge of producing and directing the music videos for each song entry under a certain budget.

Himig Handog sa Bayaning Pilipino (2000)

*Date: October 2000 *Venue: Meralco Theater, Pasig City *Hosts: Pops Fernandez, Cris Villonco, and Mari Kaimo The competition was judged by Jim Paredes, Andrea Veneracion, Jimmy Santiago,

Ely Buendia Ely Eleandre Basiño Buendia (born November 2, 1970) is a Filipino musician. He is best known as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the alternative rock band Eraserheads, with whom he has released seven albums since their founding in 1 ...

, Willy Cruz, Fr. Nilo Tanalega, Emmie Domingo, Gerard Salonga, Sandy Prieto-Romualdez,

Charo Santos-Concio María Rosario "Charo" Navarro Santos-Concio (; born October 27, 1955) is a Filipino actress and former media executive. She is the host of , the longest running television drama anthology in the Philippines. From 2012 to 2016, she was the ch ...

, Freddie M. Garcia, Eugenio Lopez III, and Ryan Cayabyab as its chairman.

JAM: Himig Handog sa Makabagong Kabataan (2001)

*Venue: Eugenio Lopez, Jr. Communications Center, Quezon City *Hosts: Ryan Agoncillo, Jodi Sta. Maria, Pops Fernandez The competition ended with "Tara Tena" by Jonathan Manalo (interpreted by Kyla, Kaya, and V3) as the grand winner. Special awards were awarded also with "Si Eddie" by Laarnie Matta "Lani" Macaraeg and Luz Ching "Luchi" Pumarega (interpreted by Dingdong Avanzado) winning all choice awards: Netsurfers Choice Awards, WRR 101.9 For Life Listeners Choice Awards, and Chalk and StarStudio Readers Choice Awards. The competition was judged by Chito Miranda, Bombie Balquiedra, Romina Oraa, Bobby Garcia, Jimmy Bondoc, Bituin Escalante, Nandy Vilar, Cholo Laurel, Cris Villonco, Reuben Laurente, Carlos Agassi,

Rico Blanco Rico Rene Granados Blanco (born March 17, 1973) is a Filipino singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, actor, endorser and entrepreneur. He began his career as one of the founding members, and served as the chief songwriter, ...

, and Ryan Cayabyab as its chairman.

Himig Handog Love Songs (2002)

*Venue: ABS-CBN Studio 10 *Hosts: Jericho Rosales, Kristine Hermosa, Ryan Agoncillo, and

Desiree del Valle Desirée Lois del Valle Dunham-Labrusca (born May 28, 1982), better known by her stage name, screen name Desiree del Valle, is a Philippines, Filipino-Americans, American actress. After joining ABS-CBN's Star Magic in 1998, she had her breako ...

The competition was judged by Raul Castro, Manny Gabling, Dero Pedero, Moy Ortiz, Edith Gallardo, Audie Gemora,

, Vina Morales, Vehnee Saturno, Rey Valera, and Ryan Cayabyab as its chairman.

Himig Handog Love Songs 2 (2003)

Himig Handog Pinoy Pop Love Songs: Mga Awit at Kwento ng Pusong Pilipino (2013)

*Date: February 24, 2013 *Venue: SM Mall of Asia Arena *Hosts:

Xian Lim Alexander Xian Cruz Lim-Uy (; born July 12, 1989) is a Filipino actor. He is currently an exclusive actor of GMA Network and GMA Pictures. He is best known for his roles in ''My Binondo Girl'' (2011), ''The Reunion (2012 film), The Reunion'' (2 ...

, Kim Chiu,

Matteo Guidicelli Gianmatteo Vittorio Fernan Guidicelli (, born March 26, 1990), known professionally as Matteo Guidicelli, is a Filipino actor, military officer, model, singer and former kart racer. Early life and career Matteo Guidicelli was born in Cebu Ci ...

and Megan Young The theme of the 2013 contest was P-Pop Love Songs: Mga Awit at Kwento ng Pusong Pilipino (lit. P-Pop Love Songs: The Songs and Stories of Filipino Hearts). It was held at the Mall of Asia Arena on February 24, 2013. The competition consists of twelve finalists selected from the 2,500 songs submitted during the auditions. The competition ended with "Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa" as the first place by Jovinor Tan (interpreted by Aiza Seguerra). Also, on second place was "Hanggang Wakas" by Soc Villanueva (interpreted by Juris Fernandez); third place was "If You Ever Change Your Mind", which was sung and composed Marion Aunor; fourth place was "Scared to Death" by Domingo Rosco Jr. and sung by KZ Tandingan; and fifth place was "Kahit Na" by Julius James de Belen and interpreted by

Toni Gonzaga Celestine Cruz Gonzaga-Soriano (born January 20, 1984), professionally known as Toni Gonzaga, is a Filipino media personality, host, actress, businesswoman, singer and vlogger. Gonzaga was the former lead host of ABS-CBN's long-running reality ...

. Meanwhile, the song " Nasa Iyo na ang Lahat" by Jungee Marcelo which was sung by

Daniel Padilla Daniel John Elago Ford (born April 26, 1995), known professionally as Daniel Padilla, is a Filipino actor and singer. He is a recipient of multiple accolades across television, film, and music, including the FAMAS Award for Best Actor and PMP ...

won special awards. These include MOR Listener's Choice, Tambayan 101.9 Listener's Choice, Star Records CD Buyer's Choice and the MYX Choice for Best Video. The competition was judged by Jim Paredes,

Louie Ocampo Jose Luis Ocampo, professionally known as Louie Ocampo (born June 21, 1960) is a Filipino composer and arranger best known for his association with Martin Nievera. Regarded as one of the pillars and icons of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). His n ...

, Olivia Lamasan, August Benitez,

Jett Pangan Reginald Jose Pangan (born June 21, 1968), better known as Jett Pangan, is a Filipino actor and musician best known for fronting the Filipino rock bands the Dawn, and the now defunct, the Jett Pangan Group. He is also an actor, appearing in s ...

, Freddie Aguilar, Cory Vidanes, Freddie M. Garcia,

Jed Madela John Edward Tiña Tajanlangit (born July 14, 1977), professionally known as Jed Madela, is a Filipino singer, songwriter, TV host, entertainer and occasional actor. He was the first Filipino to win the World Championships of Performing Arts tit ...

Sarah Geronimo Sarah Asher Tua Geronimo-Guidicelli ( ; born July 25, 1988) is a Filipino singer and actress. List of awards and nominations received by Sarah Geronimo, Her accolades include a Billboard Women in Music, ''Billboard'' Women in Music Award, an ...

and

Ogie Alcasid Herminio Jose Lualhati "Ogie" Alcasid Jr. (born August 27, 1967) is a Filipino actor, singer, songwriter, comedian, director and producer. He is best known for his songwriting and collaboration with other musical artists. He has appeared in fi ...

as its chairman. Special guests Anna Fegi, Bituin Escalante, and Martin Nievera performed a Finale production number representing the past winners of the competition. NOTE: All Tagalog titles are enclosed with English translations. Special awards: MOR Listener's Choice; Tambayan 101.9 Listener's Choice; Star Records CD Buyer's Choice; MYX Choice for Best Video TFC's Choice Award

Himig Handog Pinoy pop Love Songs (2014)

*Date: September 28, 2014 *Venue:

Smart Araneta Coliseum The Araneta Coliseum, also currently known by naming rights sponsorship as Smart Araneta Coliseum, is an indoor multi-purpose sports arena that is part of the Araneta City in the Cubao area of Quezon City, Philippines. Nicknamed "the Big Dome" ...

This year's contest was titled "Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs" and was held at the

on September 28, 2014, where the interpreters performed their songs with an orchestra conducted by Gerard Salonga. The event was hosted by Kim Chiu,

Alex Gonzaga Catherine "Alex" Cruz Gonzaga-Morada (; born January 16, 1988) is a Filipino media personality, host, comedian, actress, businesswoman, singer and vlogger. She played the lead role of Diane Santos on the Philippine television drama series '' P ...

and Robi Domingo. The studio versions of the songs were performed by the interpreters live at the morning lifestyle TV show Kris TV and on Sunday noontime variety show ASAP 19 ahead of the grand-finals night. Special awards:

Himig Handog Pinoy pop Love Songs (2016)

The Top 15 finalists of the 2016 Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs was released on January 13, 2016. The grand finals night was held at the Kia Theatre on April 24, 2016, and aired on ABS-CBN's "Sunday's Best". This was hosted by Kathryn Bernardo,

Enrique Gil Enrique Mari Bacay Gil V (; born March 30, 1992) is a Filipino actor and dancer. Gil has appeared in various films and television shows such as '' Mula sa Puso'', '' Budoy'', '' Princess and I'', '' Muling Buksan ang Puso'' and '' She's the One ...

Liza Soberano Hope Elizabeth Soberano (born January 4, 1998) is an American and Filipino actress. Known for playing supporting characters in comedies and dramas as a teenager, she has since expanded her repertoire to leading roles in film and television. She ...

and Robi Domingo. "Dalawang Letra", a song entry composed by

Pinoy Dream Academy ''Pinoy Dream Academy'' (also known as PDA) is a Philippine television reality competition show broadcast by ABS-CBN. Originally hosted by Toni Gonzaga, Nikki Gil, Sam Milby, Bianca Gonzalez and Roxanne Barcelo. it aired on the network's weeken ...

alumnus Davey Langit and interpreted by

Itchyworms The Itchyworms is a Filipino rock band. The band is composed of Jazz Nicolas on lead vocals, drums and piano, Jugs Jugueta on co-lead vocals, keys and guitars, Kelvin Yu on bass guitars, Chino Singson on lead guitars, Weckl Mercado on guitars, an ...

band was named as the grand winner, while the song "O Pag-Ibig", composed by Honlani Rabe and Jack Rufo and interpreted by Ylona Garcia and Bailey May bagged the most number of special awards. Special Awards: * MOR 101.9 Choice Award - O Pag-Ibig by Bailey May and Ylona Garcia * TFC's Global Choice Award - O Pag-Ibig by Bailey May and Ylona Garcia * One Music Philippines Favorite Interpreter Choice Award - O Pag-Ibig by Bailey May and Ylona Garcia * MYX Best Music Video Choice Award - O Pag-Ibig by Bailey May and Ylona Garcia * Star Music Choice Award - Nyebe by Kaye Cal

Himig Handog (2017)

The Top 10 finalists of the Himig Handog 2017 was released on September 10, 2017. The grand finals day was held on ASAP on November 26, 2017, on ABS-CBN. "Titibo-Tibo", a song entry composed by Libertine Amistoso and interpreted by Moira Dela Torre was named as the grand winner, while the song "Tayo na Lang Kasi", composed by Soc Villanueva and interpreted by Kyla and Jason Dy bagged the most number of special awards. Special Awards: * MOR 101.9 Choice Award - Tayo na Lang Kasi by Kyla and Jason Dy * TFC's Global Choice Award - Wow na Feelings by Janella Salvador * One Music Philippines Favorite Interpreter Choice Award - Tayo na Lang Kasi by Kyla and Jason Dy * MYX Best Music Video Choice Award - Tayo na Lang Kasi by Kyla and Jason Dy * Star Music Choice Award - The Labo Song by Kaye Cal

Himig Handog (2018)

The Top 10 finalists of the Himig Handog 2018 was released on September 25, 2018, and on September 26, 2018, they revealed their interpreters. The grand finals day was held on ASAP on November 11, 2018, on ABS-CBN. This was also the last episode of ASAP prior to its reformat into ASAP Natin 'To in the following week after the entry of

Regine Velasquez Regina Encarnacion "Regine" Ansong Velasquez-Alcasid ( ; born April 22, 1970) is a Filipino singer and actress. She is considered one of the most influential figures in Philippine popular culture and is known for her vocal range and beltin ...

as a main host. Unlike in previous years, a competition between universities and colleges for the best music video production was not held. Special Awards: * MOR 101.9 Choice Award - Sugarol by Maris Racal * TFC's Global Choice Award - Sugarol by Maris Racal * One Music Philippines Favorite Interpreter Choice Award - Wala Kang Alam by Sam Mangubat * MYX Best Music Video Choice Award - Sugarol by Maris Racal * Star Music Choice Award - Mas Mabuti Pa by Janine Berdin * Producer's Award - Tinatapos Ko Na by Jona

Himig Handog (2019)

The Top 12 finalists of the Himig Handog 2019 was released on June 24, 2019, while the interpreters were revealed on July 26, 2019. The grand finals day was held on ASAP Natin 'To on October 13, 2019, on ABS-CBN. Special Awards: * Listeners' Choice Award - Mabagal by Daniel Padilla and Moira Dela Torre * MOR 101.9 Choice Award - Mabagal by Daniel Padilla and Moira Dela Torre * One Music Philippines Favorite Interpreter Choice Award - Mabagal by Daniel Padilla and Moira Dela Torre * MYX Best Music Video Choice Award - Mabagal by Daniel Padilla and Moira Dela Torre * Star Music Choice for Best Produced Track - Mabagal by Daniel Padilla and Moira Dela Torre

Himig Handog (2020)

This year, among the 3,000 of compositions submitted, the Top 12 finalists of the Himig Handog 2020 was announced on September 26, 2020, via

ABS-CBN ABS-CBN is a leading Philippine media and content company. It serves as the flagship media brand of ABS-CBN Corporation, a subsidiary of Lopez Holdings Corporation. Once the country's largest free-to-air television network, ABS-CBN has since ...

social media platforms and the interpreters were revealed on October 24, 2020. The music videos for all songs were released on January 2, 2021. The grand finals night was held on March 21, 2021, at the ABS-CBN Studio 10 (the studio used for ASAP). It was hosted by Jayda, Edward Barber and Jona. The competition was judged by Erik Santos, Jazz Nicolas, Aldrin Cerrado, Arnold "DJ Popoy" De La Cruz, Moy Ortiz, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, and Eloisa Matias as its chairman. Because of the restrictions caused by the

COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines The COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines was a part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 () caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (). As of , there have been reported cases, and reported deaths, the fift ...

, the grand finals night was held without a live audience, and was streamed on KTX.ph with a delayed telecast on Sunday's Best, while the organizers, artists, and crew followed quarantine periods, enforced swab test requirements, maintained distancing protocols and followed all health and safety procedures to ensure their safety and good health. Special Awards: * TikTok's Choice Award - Tabi Tabi Po by JMKO * MOR's Choice Award - Tinadhana Sa'yo by Zephanie * TFC's Global Choice Award - Tinadhana Sa'yo by Zephanie * MYX Choice for Best Music Video Award - Marupok by KZ Tandingan * Most Streamed Song - Kahit Kunwari Man Lang by Moira Dela Torre and Agsunta

PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Festival (2022-2025)

In September 2022, PhilPop and Himig Handog, renowned entities in the Philippine music industry, collaborated for the biggest songwriting festival in the Philippines. This collaboration followed an open audition where songwriters could submit their released or unreleased songs. On April 14, 2023, PhilPop and Himig Handog announced the selection of 35 DigiCamp fellows who would take part in the Songwriting Festival. These selected 35 fellows engaged in a 2-month DigiCamp program tailored to enrich their songwriting skills. The DigiCamp curriculum included a well-structured program providing training, guidance, and mentorship to foster the development of their capabilities as songwriters. After the 2-month training, the 35 fellows had to submit their final entries to qualify for the Top 12. On July 22, 2023, PhilPop and Himig Handog, revealed the Top 12 selected grand finalists who had qualified to progress to the forthcoming competition. The Top 12 entries went through multiple rounds of adjudication, headed by an esteemed panel of board members, producers, key leaders, prominent songwriters, and decision-makers affiliated with PhilPop and Himig Handog. One year after the announcement of the Top 12, on July 17, 2024, a video uploaded by Star Music PH and Philpop unveiled the names of the interpreters and their respective songs, alongside the composers. The following day, July 18, 2024, marked the highly anticipated grand media launch of Philpop Himig Handog 2024. This event was attended by the interpreters and the Top 12 composers, including notable figures like

Ice Seguerra Ice Seguerra (born Cariza Yamson Seguerra; 17 September 1983), formerly Aiza Seguerra, is a Filipino actor, singer-songwriter, director and guitarist. Initially coming out as a lesbian in 2007, Seguerra also came out as a transgender man i ...

Moira Dela Torre Moira Rachelle Bustamante Dela Torre (born November 4, 1993) is a Filipino singer, songwriter and actress. Born in Olongapo, Philippines, she began as a voice artist for corporate jingles and theme songs. In 2013, she competed in ''The Voice ...

, Johnoy Danao, Maki, VXON, Khimo Gumatay and several emerging artists from the Philippines. The Top 12 Philpop Himig Handog songs were released on all digital platforms on July 19, 2024. The official music videos were released on November 8, 2024, on the ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel. The Finals Night was held at the New Frontier Theater on March 22, 2025. Special Awards: * Smart People's Choice Awards * TBA

References

External links

Official websiteHimig Handog
on

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{{Philippine music awards 2000 establishments in the Philippines Assets owned by ABS-CBN Corporation Events in Metro Manila Music events in the Philippines Recurring events established in 2000 Song contests Star Music