RIYADH, 7 August 2006 — A 40-year-old computer technician has been adjudged grand winner in the songwriting contest conducted by the Asosasyon ng Mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (APM) in the national capital.
Romeo Carbonell prevailed over seven other contestants with his entry, “Pag-ibig Mo Katumbas ng Buhay Ko” (literal translation: Your Love is Equivalent to My Life).
The finals were held at the Philippine Embassy last Thursday.
Carbonell, who works with the Advanced Communication Electronics System in Riyadh, dedicated his victory to his wife, Mely.
Raymond Castiller, a nurse in the Security Forces Hospital, interpreted Carbonell’s song and also won for himself the “best interpreter” title.
Aries Silverio, a nurse at the Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City, was first runner-up with his entry, “You Sheltered Me Again." His song was interpreted by Richard Balgos, a veteran singer who started shining when he was in Jeddah.
“Now That You Left Me Behind” by Roger Esquivas, a senior systems analyst at the Arabian Air-conditioning Company, was the second runner-up. Wowette Rigor interpreted the song.
Carbonell, Silverio, Esquivas and Castiller each received a trophy, cash award, and 6-month subscription of Orbit channels, while all eight entries along with interpreters received certificates of recognition and consolation prizes.
The other songwriters who made it to the finals were Kervin Dy Sawyer (Destiny), Rommel De Leon (Pasasalamat Kay Inay), Eugene Juanich (Look at Me Now), Mary Pauline Dela Cueva (Breathe Again), and Malou Manarang Silverio (Pangako).
Except for Sawyer, Dela Cueva, and Juanich who sang their own compositions, Mariel Chua, Lowelene Tolentino and Michelle Martinez interpreted the other entries.
Jeffrey Almendras, APM founder and chairman, said his group received a total of 25 entries from OFWs and their dependents all over the Kingdom, but after stringent screening, only eight moved up to the finals.
Almendras said APM will produce the eight songs into a compact disc for distribution toward the end of 2006.
He said the proceeds from the CD will go to the projects of APM that are being lined up for 2007.
