By Louie Benedict Del Fierro & Elliot Dimasuhid |
As the spotlight shines brightly on more musical talents, Sophia Ysabelle Alcantara and Symon Lawrence Yuson from Jerusalem, and Patrisha Ysabel Pilpil and Demme Gem Taypin from Pamplona took the stage without missing a single beat in Duhawit: Duet Singing Competition last February 23, 2023.
In the first performance, Pwede Ba by Lola Amour, Pauline Mabanag and Allyzza Barlaza of the Salamanca Cluster ideally used feigned nonchalance to mask the desperation in their infatuation as they sing, "Huwag ngayon at di ko yata kakayanin." Through the vocalists' exuding confidence and charm, the song paradoxically turns its audience into what the song doesn't want them to be; obsessed and mildly humorous. Whether it’s the pains of unrequited love or the butterflies of a new budding romance, Pwede Ba translates life’s most bittersweet moments into a soothing melody you can’t help but tap your feet to.
Filled with fuzzy feelings and butterflies, Shekyla Saludo and Louisse Gamolo of the Montserrat Cluster touched the listeners with a serene and groovy piano sequence of Wondering by Julia Lester and Olivia Rodrigo. The song carefully builds until the pair’s honeysuckle soprano enters the picture—allowing the listeners to blissfully get lost in the euphoria of finally getting what they’ve been yearning for. Wondering’s lyrics juxtapose this feeling with lines of unanswered questions about what-if scenarios.
Made for lovers who become fascinated with the idea of love rather than the lived reality, the third performance, Paano Ba Mag Mahal by Piolo Pascual & Sarah Geronimo, tells the story of the kind of ardor that is inadvertently confusing. This features Sophia Alcantara and Symon Yuson of the Jerusalem Cluster airing out their frustrations surrounding an unclear relationship, saying, “Paano ba ang magmahal? Kailangan bang nasasaktan? Lagi na lang 'di maaari, ngunit ayaw lumisan.” In the same sense, Alcantara and Yuson tried to combat the blurred lines with a mask of indifference in the choruses, not wanting to lose their minds over the confusingly undefined relationship, singing, “Kailan ba ang tamang panahon? Kailan ba magkakataong malaya na ang puso mo at puso ko?”
The fourth performers, Ezary Villaruz and Sofia Carreon of the Manresa Cluster, stood out in the dazzling galaxy of stars as a shining bright light that keeps illuminating, guiding, and navigating the journey muddled by emotions and thoughts. It is difficult to envision a time when Tala by Sarah Geronimo wasn't nearly the pop cultural powerhouse that it has successfully established itself to be—where the mere opening few beats of its stirring percussion would be enough to make time seem to stand still before giving way to a frenzy of decibel-breaking shrieks and screams. Here, all hell breaks loose—in a good way—with the AdDU-SHS Community crowding the gymnasium singing at the top of their lungs, and even busting out the signature snappy choreography that is, quite honestly, not that simple to execute. Despite the technical difficulties halfway through the performance, the spectrum of defiance, distinction, and diversity becomes one in a swing of cathartic release.
Having risked it all for love, the lyrics of the fifth performance, Isa Pang Araw by Sarah Geronimo, sing of trouble in paradise as they wish for the courage to love the person who ails their heart the most. Soulful and raw, the pair paints an aching picture of grief and regret—encapsulating how loss is tenderly felt. The highs and lows of such despair are reflected in the pace change between verses, outlining Barcelona’s Allessa Lemosnero and Christophe Llanes's angelic vocals to serve as the perfect beat break—leading to a powerful chorus. The song rounds out with the pair’s dulcet crooning as the melody simplifies as if representing resignation to the loss of a loved one.
As listeners glide through the sixth performance of the competition, they will find an adoring yet revitalizing hug that resonates with a dreamy appreciation of one’s self. Powered by the silky vocals and subtle synth of Pamplona’s Patrisha Pilpil and Demme Taypin, I can by Donna Cruz is a comforting harmony that feels more like a gentle caress rather than an aggressive push of enthusiasm. Serving as their dedication to their aspirations in life, I can is a heartfelt and emotional piece, a fitting denouement to a quiet and peaceful emotional journey.
Meanwhile, the candidness of Allynne Laniba and Jeff Castan of the Paris Cluster exposed the intense rawness of being enraptured with every detail of someone you love with Something I Need by OneRepublic. With an eclectic blend of pop and indie, the song seamlessly gives off luxury and timelessness as the pair sings altogether: “You got something I need, in this world full of people, there's one killing me.” Its masterfully written lyrics and upbeat instrumentals provide a heart-fluttering tale for its listeners.
The Climb by Miley Cyrus starts with a slow hymn that overflows with raw emotions—expressing a calm yet desperate intensity of today’s emptiness and yesterday’s cravings. Evocative of dreamy Y2K love songs in the past, the melody feels personalized and specially made for the listener to reach their dreams. The vocal range and eloquent techniques of Rome’s Janielle Adlawan and Dancel Pate are heard throughout the song, where their sopranos and low tones elevate the song’s impact. With the expressive blending of the pair’s voices and choir-like echoes, accompanied by the subtlety of piano and strings, The Climb unwaveringly delivers an unclouded vibe.
With Montserrat as the first runner-up and Salamanca and Barcelona’s pairs tie as the second runner-up, their catchy, harmonious, and experimental vocals are definitely enough to get audiences ablaze, especially with the singers’ swoon-worthy, breathtaking variety of talents.
It is no mistake to say that Duhawit has so much to offer to avid music lovers. The duet singing competition is full of wonder, longing, and love—a fitting encapsulation of a collection that intricately weaves will-they-won’t-theys and uncertain futures into its melodies. The vocalists’ pursuits of glory seem closer than ever, instilling a tangible thrill for anticipating audiences who can’t wait to see what they have in store in the future comprised of real, promising talents.
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