An eye-opener and an immediate call not only to save Ilog Pasig but to save the world, PhilPop, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), and National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) have teamed up for this two-day Mini Bootcamp of Taga-Alog, which includes a songwriting workshop that aims to promote Ilog Pasig as a center of cultural narrative and heritage, as well as raise awareness for the rehabilitation efforts of the river through a creative advocacy in music.

This is perhaps one of the clearest languages not only to one's ears but also to the innermost, deep inside the heart. Being part of the observer of the Mini Bootcamp it is a privilege to learn from three of the best songwriters in the country, Noel Cabangon, Trina Belamide, and Jungee Marcelo. I have not only learned the construction of music but also learned some of the processes on how to create and come up with inspiring and moving songs.  Of course, there is also the learnings about the current stage of our environment based on the talks from DENR and Maynilad reps.

So, how did the songwriting went? Well, as mentioned it is advocacy and it is led by the three acclaimed and award-winning songwriters/ professionals in the music industry, Noel Cabangon, Trina Belamide, and Jungee Marcelo. The Mini Bootcamp is joined by upcoming composers and songwriters who have shown immense promise in writing the next big anthem for the environment.

After the success of TampisAwit last year, PETA and NCCA have expanded the mentorship program for budding songwriters and composers by tapping PhilPop to come up with a more comprehensive syllabus that put emphasis on Songwriting for Advocacy.

During the camp activities, coaches gave some short talks about song composition in which participants were very much attentive, as I am also. Right after they were given some activities to test creativity. Then it was followed by a short presentation.

"This time, we're not only imparting techniques to improve their craft," that's according to Taga-Alog Mini Bootcamp 2019 Chairman Noel Cabangon. He also added, "It is also our responsibility to prepare them in the real world, and help them pitch advocacy concepts that are geared toward creative ways to build awareness on various environmental causes. As musicians, we are more than just entertainers; we can change the world with our art."


The two-day songwriting workshop and competition culminated with the performance of the top 5 finalists and the announcement of the top 3songs. The first winner was given a grant for the official recording and promotions during the entire Taga-Alog campaign for 2019.

The winners are

1st Place - Suzanne Samson / “Ilog Pasig Laban”
2nd Place - Gerard de Leon & Rica Francisco / “Bangon, Ilog”
3rd Place - Randy Pusing / “Kayang-kaya”