Daniel-Moira song manages grand slam feat at Himig Handog 2019
“Mabagal” may be in slow tempo but in terms of winning awards, the Moira dela Torre-Daniel Padilla duet is as fast as lightning.
Composed by Dan Martel Simon Tañedo, “Mabagal” topped this year’s Himig Handog songwriting competition, bagging five awards. Aside from Song of the Year, it won the special awards — MOR Philippines Choice Award, MYX Choice for Best Music Video, One Music PH choice for Favorite Interpreter, Star Music choice for Best Produced Track, and Most Streamed Track.
How does it feel pulling off a grand slam?
“It was a dream come true,” said the 25-year-old composer in an interview right after the announcement of winners held at the “ASAP Na’Tin ’To” stage. “Hindi ko po ma-describe ’yung feeling eh. Sa totoo lang, pakiramdam ko para akong nananaginip. Ayoko na nga ata magising (laughs).”
Both singers are no stranger to the competition. Few years ago, the song she interpreted, “Titibo-Tibo,” bagged the top award. He, on the other hand, clinched voters’ choice trophies for “Nasa Iyo Na Ang Lahat” and “Simpleng Tulad Mo” in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
“To be honest, nu’ng inanounce (na panalo ’yung song namin), parang nag-flashback lahat nu’ng two years ago. Ang sarap lang po sa feeling na maging part ng Himig Handog ulit,” she said.
Daniel echoed her statement.
“Nakaka-miss din eh. Nakakatuwa at the same time, iba kasi ’yung journey ng song na’to para sa’kin. Tapos isama mo na rin diyan ’yung genuine love nu’ng composer du’n sa music.
So nakakatuwa lang talaga.” “Mabagal” is lauded for its standard jazz vibe – something the interpreters feel “at home” with.
It’s no secret the fans of Moira and Daniel greatly contributed to the song’s success. But even so, they refuse to take credit, saying it was Dan’s gift for writing that made it possible.
“I think the award is just a bonus. Kasi we got the job we love, tapos nare-recognize pa.
I’m just happy lang to be part of this project na very genuine ’yung concept, very sincere
’yung bawat lyrics,” she said. Daniel expressed gratitude to his fans for supporting all his projects whether it is with real and reel partner Kathryn Bernardo or not. “Hanggang ngayon, ’di ba?
After so many years, ganu’n pa rin kainit ang pagtanggap nila sa mga ginagawa ko. Nakakatuwa lang kasi sabay-saby kami nag-go-grow lahat.”
Speaking of Kathryn, he also thanked her for appearing on “Mabagal’s” music video. Moira’s husband was also there, along with other couples.
“Idea ng production na isama sila eh. Pero buti nga pumayag ang Kathryn Bernardo kahit ang bigat ng TF (talent
fee) niya,” he quipped. “De joke lang po ’yun (laughs).” Daniel just got back from a month-long vacation and he admitted experiencing some adjustments. “Sabi ko nga nu’ng pagpasok ko
ng ABS-CBN, artista pala ako? Pero seryoso, it’s nice to be back,” he said. Asked to comment on Sarah Geronimo’s statement that should the management consider her pairing with him, the material must be “really good.”
“Tama naman si Ms. Sarah. Her statement was perfect,” he said.
Meanwhile, a reporter pointed out that a lot of young singers today seemingly “want to sound” like Moira.
She didn’t buy it.
“I know how it feels to be compared to other people so I don’t like the feeling of hearing anyone saying to another na ‘Hey, tunog Moira ka.’ Of course, it’s very flattering to me but
kasi growing up, talagang naging kasound ko din ’yung mga idols ko until I found my own my voice. So I’m excited to hear those young artists lalo na kapag natagpuan na nila ’yung tunog na para talaga sa kanila,” he said. Going back to Himig Handog, Dan bested over 4,000 entries and took home the R1 million cash prize.
List of Winners:
BEST SONG – “Mabagal,” composed by Dan Tañedo, interpreted by Daniel and Moira