Experienced Filipino songwriters and fresh voices came together to create music, collaborate, and keep the OPM legacy alive.
Crafting a great song takes time. It’s a mix of trying out ideas, rewriting, listening, and waiting for that perfect spark. For budding Filipino songwriters, being around the right people and a creative setting can make this journey even more rewarding. For the eighth year in a row, the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers (FILSCAP) organized the FILSCAP Songwriting Camp, an enriching three-day event aimed at fostering songwriting talent through guidance, teamwork, and practical experience.
From August 24 to 26, at Hacienda Isabella in Cavite, selected FILSCAP members gathered for an immersive experience that went beyond just creating songs. Participants teamed up with well-known Filipino composers, songwriters, arrangers, and producers to take their ideas from inception to performance.
Learning from the OPM Greats
The participants were split into five groups, each led by a well-respected figure in Philippine music. Camp Hari had Ebe Dancel, the artist behind hits like “Burnout” and “Bawat Daan,” along with arranger Gino Cruz. Camp Mukha was led by renowned folk singer-songwriter Joey Ayala, famous for “Walang Hanggang Paalam” and his significant role in Filipino folk music, joined by arranger Paulo Zarate. Camp Umaycan had award-winning singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon, known for “Dito Sa Kanto,” “Gagaan Din Ang Buhay,” and “Tuloy Pa Rin,” working with arranger Marlon Barnuevo. Camp Sa Kanya was under the guidance of seasoned songwriter, musician, and producer Ito Rapadas, known for his collaborations with South Border and other OPM artists, with arranger Roy Del Valle. Camp Kababayan, mentored by Jimmy Antiporda, the veteran songwriter, arranger, and musician known for composing hits such as South Border’s “May Pag-ibig Pa Kaya”, and Francis M.’s “Mga Kababayan Ko”, with arranger Ian Fajarito.
Adding to the camp’s expertise were moderators Trina Belamide and Jungee Marcelo. Belamide, a celebrated songwriter with pieces like “Now That I Have You,” “You’ve Made Me Stronger,” and “Shine,” paired with Marcelo, a veteran songwriter known for “Ako Na Lang,” “Hataw Na,” and “Nasa Iyo Na Ang Lahat”
They kicked off the program with discussions on songwriting techniques and industry demands, giving campers a peek into how professional songwriters balance creativity and industry needs.
Creating Outside the Comfort Zone
One of the best parts of the camp encouraged everyone to let go of their usual creative routines. Each group picked a picture, beat, and song structure from a fishbowl, creating a surprising mix for their new song. With these random pieces, they had to craft a story, build a tune, and turn a strange prompt into a complete song.
Mentors and arrangers helped as ideas slowly became lyrics, tunes, arrangements, and finally full recordings. The experience wasn’t just about the studio or writing songs. During Socials Night, everyone – campers, mentors, arrangers, and moderators, gathered to sing, share stories, and bond. It was a reminder that music is all about community, not just the art itself.
From the Page to the Stage
This three-day journey wrapped up with Showcase Night, where each group shared the original song created during the camp. What started as a mix of random prompts turned into a full song, arrangement, and live performance in just three days. The night also celebrated the end of the campers’ adventure, with certificates handed out after the performances. More than just a songwriting workshop, the FILSCAP Songwriting Camp offered a place where new artists could learn from seasoned pros, swap ideas with peers, find collaborators, and connect with others who understand the ups and downs of making music. Through projects like this annual camp, FILSCAP keeps crafting spaces for Filipino music to thrive. It’s not just about honoring past OPM songs and writers but giving the next wave a chance to explore, find their voice, and create what comes next.