MANILA — Philpop and Himig Handog have announced the interpreters that will bring to life the 12 songs that made the cut for their inaugural collaboration.

According to Jonathan Manalo, ABS-CBN Music Creative Director, the tie-up between the two most prestigious platforms for music composers was nearly a decade in the making.

“We share the same vision and advocacy for OPM. Ang tagal na pinagusapan, this conversation has been 5-8 years. 2 years ago we had an announcement. And finally, ito culmination— mag launch na tayo album,” he said during the grand media conference held Thursday afternoon.

Manalo added, he is confident the pieces written by the 12 finalists will showcase “the best” of both Philpop and Himig Handog.

“Magaganda yung songs, confident ako lumapit sa artists. Madali manligaw if magaganda kanta. We all agreed itong set are great songs,” he enthused.

Part of the lineup of interpreters for the forthcoming record is Billboard Philippines chart-topper Maki, hugot hitmaker Moira, and OPM Star Ice Seguerra.

Maki, who will be interpreting “Kurba” by Alvin Serito, expressed his excitement to be part of the very first collaboration between the iconic platforms.

“Natutuwa ako kasi very great timing. Very in line to the song I just released. Masaya ako and very honored,” he said during the press conference.

Seguerra, meanwhile, promised to give justice to Francis Contemplacion’s vision for “ATM.”

“As artist it is for me to understand the story ro tell it properly. Ako more than anything I feel im a storyteller. I stay true, when I sing gusto ko umangat kanta,” he said.

“Noong sinusulat ko gusto ko in love kakanta,” Contemplacion said.

Moira, on the other hand, revealed she hesitated to commit to interpreting a piece from the collaboration. She, however, was unable to resist after being moved by “Papahiram” by Rinz Ruiz.

The track will also feature Johnoy Danao.

“Noong pinakinig ako umiyak ako. Sobrang to sing another person’s song. It is hard for me to embody a song not my own. But when I heard it… it was such an empowering moment. I am honored to interpret a song will speak to so many,” Moira explained.

Ruiz revealed he wrote the piece as a “form of therapy” while he was struggling to cope during a “tough” period in his life.

“Intention at purpose ay para marinig ng tao. I picture na yung iluluto kong kanta, andoon in mind ano ba need ng tao? ano ba need ko ngayon? Iyun ginawa ko sa paglikha ng song. I made sure nandoon lagi yung gusto ng tao. ‘Yon ang ginawa kong ingredient sa paggawa ng kanta."

Meanwhile, Philpop board member and National Artist of the Philippines for Music Ryan Cayabyab urged the public to help back Filipino music.

“Congratulations 12 finalists for new releases, bagong kanta, bagong Filipino music. I would like to ask the public to support this endeavor and support Filipino music,” he said.

FULL LIST:

1. “ATM” composed by Francis Contemplacion,  interpreted by Ice Seguerra

2. “Buhi” composed by Keith John Quito, interpreted by Ferdinand Aragon

3. “Dili na lang” composed by Relden Campanilla, interpreted by Jolianne

4. “Ghostwriter” composed by Kevin Sumalde Yadao, interpreted by KHIMO

5. “Kurba” composed by Alvin Serito, interpreted by Maki

6. “Langit Lupa” by Geca Morales, interpreted by Lyka Estrella, Annarain, Geca Morales

7. “MHWG” by Rob Angeles, interpreted by VXON

8. “Papahiram” composed by Rinz Ruiz, interpreted by Moira ft. Johnoy Danao

9. “Salamat (Nga Wala Na Ta)” composed by Jimmy Ricks Grajo, interpreted by Kurt Fick

10. “Taliwala” composed by Maric Gavino, interpreted by Noah Alejandre

11. “Tulala” composed by Shantel Cyline Lapatha, Interpreted by Shantel cyline and Extrapolation

12. “Wag Paglaruan” composed by Tiara Shaye, interpreted by FANA ft. Tiara Shaye