Kantalikhasan is a nationwide environment themed songwriting contest with the most talented Filipino youth.
“There’s music amidst the desolation and the glory that shines upon our tears.” well-loved composer Sir Edward William Elgar declared during the British Empire’s darkest moment. This is the very same triumph of the human spirit that encouraged rock artist and Earthday Jam Foundation’s president Lou Bonnevie, together with acclaimed composer and the foundation’s creative director Jose “Toto” Gentica V,to launch the nationwide songwriting competition KANTALIKhASAN amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
In cooperation with DepEd DRRMS (DISASTER RISK REDUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICE GROUP), KANTALIKhASAN bannered the theme “Nature is Pop!” in a bold move to push the sonic horizon of nature songs or environment-themed songs beyond mere jingle and ethnic humdrum.
Open to Filipino 13-35 years old residing in the Philippines, KANTALIKhASAN ran from July to August 2020. Thirty Two songs were shortlisted from hundreds of entries representing all 13 REGIONS of the Philippines, NCR and Bangsamoro. Fourteen finalists were singled out from the shortlist.
The jury then chose the Top 5 songs with the grand prize winner and the other winners were selected from . Special Awards namely : the Most Promising Songwriter; the Music Culture Bearer Award; Best Collab; Best Pop Musical Stageplay Song and the Most Innovative Song.
Earthday Jam Foundation president Lou Bonnevie presided as chair of the board of judges composed of popular singer/songwriter Noel Cabangon; renowned US-based composer Odette Quesada; music theater director and writer Henry C. Tejero; record label producer Ito Rapadas and digital marketing specialist Mario Joson.
Since September , Earthday Jam Foundation has been posting on its FaceBook page the names of participants region by region and the HMS/SMS (Hear My Story/Sing My Song) series of select songs whose creators or collaborators defied all odds to compose them.
KANTALIKhASAN winners and special awardees with their fresh indie songs and complementing music videos and interviews will be presented in a two-hour online special on 20 October 2020.The event will also feature the performances of Lou Bonnevie, Noel Cabangon, Odette Quesada and talented young band and Earthday Jam regular, Gracenote.
KANTALIKHASAN winning songs will be available for download and streaming in all digital platforms worldwide beginning October 20,2020. That includes Spotify, Apple, Music.ITunes, Deezer and Amazon Music . All finalists will also be posted of YouTube via EARTHDAY JAM Channel.
KANTALIKhASAN is presented by Eathday Jam Foundation, Inc as part of its 20th anniversary celebration with support from Earthday Network Philppines, Tagbalay Foundation, Quezon City’s Environmental Protection Waste Management Division (EPWMD) Maynilad, Bright Maritime Corporation and NLEX .Media and digital partners include 83K, Vasayah Consultancy , MYX Music Channel , Business Mirror and Curve Entertainment.
For more info, you may email earthdayjamfoundation@gmail.com and visit the webpage and Facebook Page Earthday Jam Foundation .