What an inspiring theme to focus our songs on— farming and nature. To bring to mind a farmer’s toils, beauty of nature and plants, life in a farm, beauty of a tree, songs in praise of God’s works, these are some wonderful musical directions wherein we can focus our songwriting talents. Songs that share positivity and hope are great songs to sing along to with friends, listen to while traveling, working, or relaxing.
The opportunity to portray lives and everyday experiences through songs was a brilliant idea that Dr. Milagros How, Executive Vice President of Universal Harvester Inc, embraced and acted upon to help create awareness and recognition for the hardworking farmers and other workers in the agricultural sector.
To find a voice through song and to use music to highlight her advocacy for the agricultural sector is the mission of the First TOFARM Songwriting Competition. After launching the TOFARM Film Festival last year where six stories highlighting the tribulations and triumphs of our farmers and similar workers in the sector, Universal Harvester Inc. ventures into another medium to give more hype and meaning to their agricultural revolution goal.
During the Songwriting Festival launch held last September 10, 2016 at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, media guests were quite supportive of Dr. Howe’s well-meaning efforts for the agricultural sector which explains the continuous flow of questions regarding technicalities of the competition. Clearly, they did not want this effort to fall into the usual commercial trap of professionals joining in simply to win the cash prize. Most in the room wanted this to be a more heart-driven project that will be manifested in the final song entries. Questions of creativity and uniqueness of the music as well as selecting non-commercial judges were raised to open the doors for experimental music too. Dr. Howe made the audience laugh with her candid and straight-from-the-heart responses. The audience’s feedback was noted with concern, appreciation, and further review. Along with her on the panel were Rommel Cunanan, Project Director, Luchie Roque, Jed Balsamo, and Olivier Ochanine, former PPO conductor.
Guided by its theme, “Planting the Seeds of Change”, the First TOFARM Songwriting Competition is open to all Filipino Amateur and Professional songwriters. Different song genres are encouraged and suggested, but not limited to: Folk/Acoustic. Rock, Jazz, R&B, Country, Pop, Inspirational, Fusion.
The following requirements must be submitted on or before NOVEMBER 18, 2016: A duly accomplished Application Form; Copy of a valid ID with specimen signature of the applicant (including co-applicants, if collaboration); Song Entry in mp3 format labelled English/or any Filipino language with line-by-line translation, if applicable)– two (2) hard copies and one (1) copy in pdf file in the Song Entry CD.
Criteria in choosing the song entries are quality of composition, lyrics, and its originality.
Nine (9) finalists will be chosen by the TOFARM listening Committee. Results shall be announced on December 5, 2015 through print media and website announcements. Each of the (9) finalists will receive a certificate and P40,000.
From the finalists, a grand prize winner , 1st runner up, 2nd runner up, and the People’s Choice (Prix du Publique) will be chosen during a special live concert happening on February 6, 2017.
Aside from the trophies, the grand winner will receive P300,000 cash; 1st runner up, P200,000 cash; 2nd runner up, P100,000. The People’s Choice Award will also receive P75,000. Here’s your chance to share your life’s music through the first TOFARM Songwriting Competition.
Entries may be sent via courier or postal mail to:
TOFARM SONGWRITING COMPETITION
TOFARM Secretariat
10th floor Harvester Corporate Center
158 P. Tuazon St., corner 7th St.
Cubao, 1109 Philippines
or via email to: tofarmmusic@gmail.com
Mission Green Possible 