Multi-awarded singer-songwriter LJ Manzano added a feather to his cap by bagging the championship of the Davao Pasko Jam 2022 Songwriting Competition grand finals held on December 16 at the Bantawan Amphitheater, Magsaysay Park.
Manzano received the top cash prize of P150,000 and a champion’s trophy for his “Pasko Nato” entry, which bested those of the other nine other grand finalists.
The Davao City Tourism Operations Office organized the event as part of the Pasko Fiesta 2022 celebration sponsored by the City Government of Davao.
Dabawenya artist Maan Chua’s “Paglaum sa Kapaskuhan” grabbed the runner-up honors, while Jovito Leonerio’s “Pasko sa Dakbayan” landed on the third spot.
Chua received P100,000, while Leonerio claimed P75,000.
Manzano, who also emerged champion in the 2017 Kadayawan Songwriting Competition, wrote on his Instagram: “YEHEY! Songwriting Grand Champion for the 2nd time around. Thank you Lord sa iyong pamasko (for your Christmas gift)!”
He said he was thankful for the opportunity to participate in the songwriting contest and win again.
“Hindi na sana ako sasali (I was not supposed to join anymore), but music is what keeps a musician alive. Songwriting and guitar playing will always be my passion,” the champion said. “Thanks to my bandmates who were with me in this competition, to my ever-supporting wife, and to my parents who watched the show.”
Manzano was also Star FM’s Bombo Music Festival 2019 champion for his song “Ngano” featuring JR Oclarit and Philippine Guitar Championship 2017 champion for “Himig Ng Panahon.”
He was an Awit Award recipient for songwriting the Best Ballad of the Year 2017 for “Naririnig Mo Ba,” performed by Morissette Amon.
The internationally-acclaimed fingerstyle guitarist also gained popularity for his and Joan Da’s song “Hay Nako,” which reached millions of views.
Over the years, he collaborated with different artists. Aside from Amon, he also worked with Ben & Ben, JBK, Mark Garcia, and former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
He performed as a lap-tapping guitarist at the Hillsong Conference Europe Opening in London in 2010. His MP3 band finished third in the Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4.
Meanwhile, consolation prizes of P25,000 each were given to losing grand finalists Chrishope Band (Pasko sa Pinas), D’Hombres (Pasko Fiesta), Arvy Grace Into (Dito sa Pasko Jam), Durian Capital PH (Manaygun Ta), Tuneheads Band (Celebrating Christmas all over the world), Jhana Marie Aranda (Uli sa Karong Pasko), and Apolinario Mabini Elementary School (Diwa ng Pasko). CIO
