PhilPop 2021 adapts to the new normal with digital songwriting bootcamp

PhilPop returns this year with a digital bootcamp that puts a spotlight on up-and-coming songwriters and composers in the Philippines.

Now ready to implement a more inclusive but intensive approach to mentorship and training, the country’s premier songwriting institution will be holding a 14-week program for aspiring participants to learn and further hone their skills in the field of songwriting, marketing and branding, recording and arrangement, intellectual property rights, music appreciation, and more.

Dubbed “PhilPop 2021 DigiCamp: Music Breaking Borders,” the songwriting mentorship campaign will push through in a virtual setting to adapt to the new normal and offer a positive learning experience for attendees even at the comforts of their home.

With the challenges of mounting a bootcamp in the time of pandemic, PhilPop remains committed in being at the forefront of empowering the future generation of recording stars and industry professionals, and ensure that these dreams and aspirations are not halted even by unfavorable circumstances. “We decided to carry on with the camp because we feel, more than ever, now is the perfect time to reach out to a lot of songwriters who are constrained at home due to the pandemic, PhilPop Executive Director Dinah Remolacio said in a statement. “Artists are becoming more productive and creative at home, and we believe that the digital sphere will enable PhilPop to reach these special group of people who want to further educate themselves and who want to be mentored in pursuing their dreams.”

PhilPop Program and Marketing Manager Gab Cabangon explains that apart from the technical requirements such as preparing and updating the website for the DigiCamp, PhilPop is also collaborating with some of the coaches and partners in creating a music curriculum and program suited to a virtual environment. “This includes developing pre-recorded lectures, brainstorming exercises that can be done online, and identifying the ideal session format for each topic. Teaching and mentoring online requires a shift in how we approach the camp this year.”

This year’s coaches, mentors, speakers, and consultants include some of the biggest names in the music industry such as Ryan Cayabyab, Noel Cabangon, Thyro Alfaro, Marlon Barnuevo, Trina Belamide, Jungee Marcelo, Ben&Ben’s Paolo and Miguel Guico, and more.

Apart from the transition from a physical camp to a digital camp, Gab Cabangon takes pride of PhilPop’s more expansive programming that were not included in the previous iteration of the songwriting workshop. He shares, “The DigiCamp this year will also include benefits such as music production and music release opportunities for fellows who participate in this program. Lastly, there’s going to be a lot more concrete outputs that will be expected from the songwriters who will apply for this program.”

For those who want to be part of this year’s PhilPop 2021 DigiCamp: Music Breaking Borders, log on to PhilPop’s official site to register. Application period starts from May 7 to June 25, 2021.

The digital songwriting bootcamp application  is open to all Filipinos 16 years old and above before June 9, 2021. Applicant must have a Smart mobile number for log-in purposes and special announcements. Basic music and songwriting knowledge is a must.

Those who are interested to join should be a Filipino citizen and must have sufficient wi-fi capabilities for all online activities.

PhilPop 2021 DigiCamp: Music Breaking Borders is an initiative of the PhilPop Music Foundation, chaired by Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan. This year's virtual event is co-presented by MAYNILAD, SMART, MULTISYS, TUNECORE and BELIEVE.