Himig Handog

History

Himig Handog was first established in 2000. To date, it only had held five competitions which were in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and in 2013. Each year, the title and theme of the contest changes. In 2000, the contest was titled as Himig Handog sa Bayang Pilipino which was held on October 1. During the second, third and fourth contests' themes and titles were Makabagong Kabataan, Love Songs and Love Songs 2 respectively.

From 2001 to 2003, only three songs were rewarded with varying amounts of financial incentives(cash prizes) depending on which entry came in first, second, and third. However, in 2013, the amount of incentives given were raised to five to make up a 'Top Five'. Other award categories were also introduced during this year. Also, it introduced a music video contest where participating tertiary institutions across the country were given the challenge of producing and directing the music videos for each song entry under a certain budget.

Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs: Mga Awit at Kwento ng Pusong Pilipino (2013)

The theme of the 2013 contest was P-Pop Love Songs: Mga Awit at Kwento ng Pusong Pilipino (lit. P-Pop Love Songs: The Songs and Stories of Filipino Hearts). It was held at the Mall of Asia Arena on February 24, 2013. The competition consists of twelve finalists selected from the 2,500 songs submitted during the auditions.

The competition ended with "Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa" as the first place by Jovinor Tan (interpreted by Aiza Seguerra). Also, on second place was "Hanggang Wakas" by Soc Villanueva (interpreted by Juris Fernandez); third place was "If You Ever Change Your Mind", which was sung and composed Marion Aunor; fourth place was "Scared to Death" by Domingo Rosco Jr. and sung by KZ Tandingan; and fifth place was "Kahit Na" by Julius James de Belen and interpreted by Toni Gonzaga.

Meanwhile, the song "Nasa Iyo na ang Lahat" by Jungee Marcelo which was sung by Daniel Padilla won special awards. These include MOR Listener’s Choice, Tambayan 101.9 Listener’s Choice, Star Records CD Buyer’s Choice and the MYX Choice for Best Video.

The competition was judged by Jim Paredes, Louie Ocampo, Olivia Lamasan, August Benitez, Jett Pangan, Freddie Aguilar, Cory Vidanes, Freddie M. Garcia, Jed Madela, Sarah Geronimo and Ogie Alcasid as its Chairman. Special guests Anna Fegi, Bituin Escalante, and Martin Nievera performed a Finale production number representing the past winners of the competition.

Special awards:

Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs (2014)

This year's contest was titled "Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs" and was held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on September 28, 2014, where the interpreters performed their songs with an orchestra conducted by Gerard Salonga. The event was hosted by Kim Chiu, Xian Lim, Alex Gonzaga and Robi Domingo. The studio versions of the songs were performed by the interpreters live at the morning lifestyle TV show Kris TV and on Sunday noontime variety show ASAP 19 ahead of the grand-finals night.

Special awards:

Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs (2016)

The Top 15 finalists of the 2016 Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs was released on January 13, 2016. The grand finals night was held at the Kia Theatre on April 24, 2016 and aired on ABS-CBN's "Sunday's Best". This was hosted by Kathryn Bernardo, Enrique Gil, Liza Soberano and Robi Domingo. "Dalawang Letra", a song entry composed by Pinoy Dream Academy alumnus Davey Langit and interpreted by Itchyworms band was named as the grand winner, while the song "O Pag-Ibig", composed by Honlani Rabe and Jack Rufo and interpreted by Ylona Garcia and Bailey May bagged the most number of special awards.

Special Awards: