Davao based singer/songwriter Maan Chua is urging for more songwriters in the local music scene.
Chua was one of the special performers during the Tunog Kadayawan Song Writing Competition held at the Taboan, Matina Town Square last August 13.
In a backstage interview, Chua said he sees the potential of Davao’s music industry, basing on the 10 finalist’s performance during the event.
“We need more contestants coming from the younger generation. Because the trend of the music industry has been changing all through out,” Chua said.
Among the trend that she got interested is the fusion of the western and local sound which according to her is a good shift that would be beneficial for the industry.
“I’m interested to hear the fusion from the young ones. Music is universal. It’s a very good fusion to have the influence of the western and local music, because that is the trend right now. We always need to be updated with the new trend, without losing our identity as Mindanaons and Davaeoños,” Chua said.
She also said that events like Tunog Kadayawan are timely in promoting not only Davao’s growing music industry, but also in uplifting Mindanao’s bad image.
“Mindanao is not in a very good place right now. Little do they know, there is so much beauty here. Davao has so much to offer,” Chua said.
Chua has is behind the songs “Itadyak,” “Sayaw Mindanao,” and her winning piece during the 2013 Tunog Kadayawan (formerly Tunog Mindanaw) music competition, “T’nalak”, which tells about the rich culture and beauty of the southern part of the Philippines.
She is also the voice of the City Information Office’s public affairs program soundtrack, “Byaheng DO30”.
Tunog Kadayawan Songwriting Competition is one of the major events that focuses on the unique sounds and instrumentations of the region. Songwriters create Mindanaoan-inspired music that gives you a glimpse of the rich culture of Davao City and its neighbors.
Efren Maghinay Jr’s original composition “Padayon Dabaw” took home the grand prize of P100,000.
Maghinay in an interview expressed his gratitude to his band who interpreted his composition and to the people who supported him during that night.
The songwriter from Davao Oriental took inspiration in dedicating his composition to the 11 tribes that composed the region.
“I am hoping that through my composition, peace and unity will continue here in Davao. In times of tragedy and other circumstances, we will continue to stand on our feet,” Maghinay said.
Also winners of the competition are 2nd placer and Best Performer Willie Apa, Jr. with his composition “Labing-isa Pinag-isa” and Lover Jay Manzano Te with “Bahandi”.
Kadayawan 2018 Execom and Davao Tourism Association (DATA) President Gatchi Gatchalian was amazed by the performance on last night’s songwriting competition.
“I’m very with the outcome. The quality of the songwriters and their compositions this year has leveled-up from last year. Now, it’s more relevant and it truly speaks of what we are and what we are doing, and that is actually celebrating our Kadayawan,” Gatchalian said.
Tunog Kadayawan, according to him is a great venue for Davao musicians to showcase their world-class talent.
“This paves the way wherein Davao will be recognized as a city with a lot of great composers who get inspiration from our 11 tribes. No city can claim that kind of community that inspire each other. Only Davao,” Gatchalian said.
Also present during the event to show support is Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag.
(Ralph Lawrence Llemit)
