Masterpieces reflecting Filipinos’ struggle and hope when it comes to love comprise the Himig Handog 2019 Top 12 entries, all vying to win the sought-after Best Song recognition from the country’s biggest songwriting competition.

From almost 4,000 entries, the song finalists are down to 12, now produced and brought to life by this year’s carefully selected interpreters.

Daniel Padilla and Moira Dela Torre come back in this year’s competition and collaborate in Dan Martel Simon Tañedo’s “Mabagal.”

“The Killer Bride” star Janella Salvador also returns to join the roster of interpreters and sings “Nung Tayo Pa” of Rex Torremoro and Elmar Jann Bolaño.

Former “Idol Philippines” contestant Alekzandra Nicolle Quitalig competes with her own composition, “Alaala,” while Davao-based singer-songwriter Eamarie Gilayo likewise interprets her own song, “Ikaw at Linggo.”

Another former “Idol Philippines” contender, Vanya Castor, tries her luck in a different contest by interpreting “Paano Ba,” penned by composer Richanne Charms Jacinto. Meanwhile, “Isa Pang Ikaw,” composed by Joseph Ponce is performed by former “X Factor Australia” contestant Justin Vasquez.

This year, acoustic balladeer TJ Monterde interprets “Panandalian,” composed by Jerome Arcangel and Cee Jay Del Rosario, while Alex Gonzaga sings the composition of Michael Angelo “Aikee” Aplacador titled “Please Lang.”

Former “X Factor Philippines” contender Joan Da interprets her song with LJ Manzano entitled “Sasabihin Ko,” while singer-songwriter Davey Langit comes back in the competition—this time as an interpreter of the song “Simula ng Dulo,” which he co-wrote with Therese Marie Villarante.

I Belong To The Zoo, sings Ferdinand Aragon’s song “Ingat,” while “Tawag ng Tanghalan” champion Janine Berdin gives her rendition to “Sa’yong Mundo,” composed by Noah Zuniga.

Over the years, the songs produced in Himig Handog have won hearts of Filipino listeners here and abroad. True to its mission, ABS-CBN’s songwriting competition has also continuously brought about the best of OPM by searching for outstanding musical compositions from all over the world.

The grand winner will take home P1 million, while the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th placers get P500,000, P200,000, P150,000, and P100,000 cash prizes, respectively. Watch out for the grand finals of Himig Handog 2019 live on “ASAP Natin ‘To” on October 13.

Aside from being hailed as this year’s Best Song, the entries also go head-to-head for the other sought-after awards, including MOR’s Choice, MYX Choice for Best Music Video, TFC’s Global Choice Award, Star Music’s Choice Award, and Best Produced track.

The #HimigHandog2019 songs can be streamed on all digital music stores worldwide and are also available on Star Music’s YouTube channel. For details, like @HimigHandog2019 on Facebook. You may also visit starmusic.ph, like Star Music on facebook.com/starmusicph, and follow it on Twitter and Instagram @ StarMusicPH.