Himig Handog

What is Himig Handog?

“HIMIG HANDOG” is the biggest Filipino songwriting competition organized by the ABS-CBN Network and Star Records, music subsidiary of ABS-CBN.

The competition run from 2000 to 2003 and later revived on 2013. The competition is open to all aspiring songwriters who are Filipino or of Filipino descent.

In 2000, the contest was titled as “HIMIG HANDOG SA BAYANG PILIPINO”. On its’ second, third and fourth contests, themes were “MAKABAGONG KABATAAN”, “LOVE SONGS” and “LOVE SONGS 2” respectively. In 2013, HIMIG HANDOG’s theme was “P-POP LOVE SONGS: MGA AWIT AT KWENTO NG PUSONG PILIPINO”.

Now on its seventh year, HIMIG HANDOG 2015 will once again highlight "Pinoy Pop Love Songs" as the theme of the competition.

Over the years, the HIMIG HANDOG Songwriting Competitions have shaped Philippine entertainment industry, many songs which have gone on to be theme songs of television shows, movies, and have been used in television and radio commercials. Also, many songwriters from the competition have been given their breaks; most notable was then amateur composer Jonathan Manalo, who is now a multi-awarded composer and producer of Star Records. On the other hand, many then new artists who interpreted the songs of Himig Handog, such as Daniel Padilla, Marion Aunor, Wynn Andrada and Gloc-9 have gone on to make their own mark in the music scene today.

From 2001 to 2003, only top three songs were awarded with varying amounts cash prizes. However in 2013, the amounts of prizes given were raised to five to make up a 'Top Five’. Other award categories were also introduced last year, such as: Star Records Buyer’s Choice, Tambayan 101.9 Listener’s Choice, MOR Listener’s Choice and MYX Choice For Best Video and TFC’s Choice Award.