The 2nd Mindanao Popular Music Festival (MinPop) revealed on Friday its new batch of top 5 finalists, narrowed down from around two hundred entries received this year.
MinPop, now on its second run, announced its return in September and called for the submission of original, unpublished songs by songwriters from Mindanao. The said entries have gone through a selection process to determine the songs that will be produced and showcased during the festival.
Making it to the MinPop 2022 Top 5 are as follows:
“BINGI, BULAG, PIPI (Bully)”, written by Davao-born / New Zealand-based singer-songwriter Benmark Mercado who is also a member of Davao pop quartet Negative Four.
“DI KASABOT”, written by singer-songwriter and member of Davao’s famed acapella group PSquare, Richmond Piguerra from Mati, Davao Oriental.
“DILI KO SUMHAN”, a song composed by Bukidnon-based songwriter Philip Anthony Lugares.
“ME 2”, a submission by singer-songwriter Yumi Morales representing Valencia City, Bukidnon.
“TRAFFIC” by CJ Kaamino, a returning MinPop finalist from Medina, Misamis Oriental.
The said songs will be recorded, produced and brought to life by a select group of interpreters, of which cost shall be borne entirely by MinPop.
The grand prize winner will receive P50,000.00, with the second and third placers receiving P30,000 and P20,000, respectively. A consolation prize amounting to P10,000 shall also be given to the remaining placers.
MinPop was first launched on 02 February 2020 with the objective of providing a platform and opportunity for Mindanaoan songwriters to showcase and promote their music to a broader audience. The event is powered by Muzic’s Kool, headed by MinPop Festival Director Jeremy Sarmiento and Chairperson Ricardo Floirendo.
The MinPop 2022 Grand Finals will be held live virtually on 5 February 2022.
