In the history of “Himig Handog” songwriting festival, this could be the first time that an entry have moved so many people to tears including Jed Madela and Yeng Constantino who served as preliminary judges during the live performance of the song “Kababata,” an entry by Kritiko in the “2018 Himig Handog Love Songs and Love Stories.”

During Himig Handog’s third round of preliminary competition which was held on the ASAP stage Sunday, October 21, “Kababata” was performed live by Angeline Quinto and rapper/songwriter Kritiko. It was pitted against “Mas Mabuti Pa” with interpreter Janine Berdin, “Dalawang Pag-ibig Niya” with interpreters Krystla Brimner, Sheena Belarmina and MNL48, and “Sugarol” with interpreter Maris Racal.

Among the four songs, “Kababata” is the clear winner by the way it moved the judges and audience to tears. It’s also safe to say that this song has an edge over the first 6 entries that were released last week: “Hati Na Lang Tayo Sa Kanya” by Joseph Santiago of Quezon City, “Para Sa Tabi” by Robert William Pereña, “Sa Mga Bituin Na Lang Ibubulong” by Davao’s pride Kyle Raphael Bordon, “Tinatapos Ko Na” by Sarah Jane Gandia, “Wakasan” by Philip Arvin Jarilla of Antipolo, and “Wala Kang Alam” by John Arellano of Manila.

Last year’s winner was “Titibo-tibo” by Libertine Amistoso with Moira dela Torre as interpreter. Will “Kababata” become the next winning song?

Watch the studio recording video for “Kababata” below: