WINNING COPYCAT!
‘HulingElBimbo’ cast accuse online contest champ of music plagiarism
THE cast and the crew of the celebrated original Filipino musical “AngHuling ElBimbo” has called out the winner of an online contest for copying their musical ARRANGEMENT IN HIS fiNAL PERFORMANCE VIDEO.
With its successful run in 2018 and 2019, “AngHulingElBimbo” is a story of friendship told through the songs of Eraserheads, the 90’s’ most iconic Pinoy rock.
Its musical director Myke Salomon wrote on Twitter, “A guy copied/ ripped- off our musical arrangements for # AngHulingElbimboMusical ( musical treatment, concept) without permission [and] won in that pop stage CONTEST FOR HIS fiNAL ROUND. HE WON 1 million and an artist contract. I feel bad for the other contestants.”
He added, “And parasamga productions and judges. You are judging concept and originality. You tolerate ripping off.”
Salomon was referring to CJ Villavicencio who won the online talent show of “The Pop Stage” on August 2, snagging the P1 million- grand prize from fast food chain Popeyes and one-year management contract with Viva Artists Agency.
According to The Pop Stage criteria, judging is based on creativity and originality ( 40 percent), quality of performance (40 percent) and entertainment value ( 20 percent). The “big reveal” show was hosted by Matteo Guidicelli and the panel of judges saw Jed Madela, Lani Misalucha and G-Force choreographer Ritz Charles Beltran.
As the week went on, ElBimbo’s associate choreographer and dance
captain Stephen Viñas and theater artist Jef Flores uploaded video breakdowns they each made to highlight similarities between the song arrangement in the musical and Villavicencio’s Eraserheads winning performance video.
“This is for the producers of The Pop Stage and CJ Villavicencio!
Pinagtabikolang.AngHulingEl Bimbo and CJ’s Eraserheads Medley. Spot the #PopiracyIsAcrime # AngHulingElBimbo. ‘Inspirata’
pa,” Viñas wrote in his caption. “This guy won the competition!” he continued. “What a sad story. Stop it man! That’s not right. BE. ORIGINAL. Do your own damn thing. Not funny anymore.”
On the other hand, Flores pointed out in his video, “Last night, CJ Villavicencio won 1 million pesos performing concepts, choreographies, and musical arrangements he supposedly plagiarized from
AngHulingElBimbo: The Musical. This video is a side-by-side breakdown of: ‘PareKo’ (Myke Salomon arranger, Dexter Santos direction and choreography) [and] ‘Pare Ko’ (Videography: Ian Castor, Choreography: Rommel Quizon, Music Production: Ken Umahon x Cedric Calingasan) where I discuss exactly what was plagiarized according to my own opinion.”
Flores continued, “Bias Disclaimer: I AM NOT AFFILIATED WITH
‘AngHulingElBimbo,’ I do not work for them, however many of the cast are close friends of mine. I am a musical arranger and a theater actor and that’s why I’m upset and disheartened. At the same time, I don’t speak for all people, I only speak for myself. And I chose to make this video because I feel like this is not right.”
‘No intention’ to plagiarize
In a statement released through Viva Artists Agency on August 6, Villavicencio broke his silence following the accusations. He acknowledged his life instantly changed by his win and how the negative comments were unexpected.
“I was hurt and it also aches my heart (sic) to unintentionally hurt s om e people as well, especially the production team of ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical,’” he began. Villavicencio explained that his GOAL FOR THE FINAL PERFORMANCE WAS to present his friendships, student life and passion for music. He said the piece was dedicated to all of hardworking students and meant to pay tribute to his favorite artists and musical.
He continued, “There was no intention whatsoever on my part to plagiarize. I am sorry if I caused undue distress, seemed disrespectful or if I have hurt the theater community. Honestly, the things that I’ve read slightly affected my mental health. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the peop le who messaged just to check up on me. “Clearly, as an amateur and aspiring artist, I still have so many things to learn. I humbly ask for everyone’s understanding as I navigate this new world that I have recently entered. I am not a bad person. My intentions were far different from what people think.” In ending, Villavicencio thanked his new management, The Pop Stage team and judges, and his supporters for giving him “a life-changing opportunity.” “In this time of uncertainty, may we all have the heart to spread love among humanity,” he closed.
Take note that there is no mention in the statement whether his prize money and Viva contract had been withdrawn.
Ely Buendia speaks up
Meanwhile, it was only a matter of time before the issue caught Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia’s attention by mid-week.
Sharing Flores’ video breakdown, the singer-songwriter wrote in his personal Facebook account, “AHEB’S ROTC PareKo was by far, among all the brilliant arrangements and choreography in the show, the most striking and original renditions I had witnessed and enjoyed during its original run, and easily became my favorite. It took something old and was INSPIRED to make it NEW and FRESH.”
Buendia continued, “Therein lies the difference. Which is why it is disheartening that there is still a culture out there, not just in entertainment, that somehow makes it okay to take credit, and be rewarded, for someone else’s work. I am disappointed for all the AHEB crew because I know for a fact that they poured all their hearts and souls into creating something that was true to the material and their craft”
He ended, “In our day to day struggles against this oppressive life, the temptation is always there to take the fast route, the shortcut, the easy way to success. But we are human. I hope this matter is resolved soon and credit is given to those who deserve it.”
On the day Villavicencio released his statement, Buendia took to his personal Facebook account again and called out the personalities and companies involved in the issue. He wrote, “You alone have the power to make this right. You have the power to teach a young man and all the young people out there about to join the world, our children, a most valuable lesson that can have no other effect except make them good and become better.”
Buendia further emphasized, “You have the power to stand up for and give back to the art which has been a source of life for all of us. You have the power to set an example and for once do the right thing, and become a beacon of hope in these dark times ruled by greed, hate and lies.”
The rock star noted that there are certainly more urgent matters in the world today but pointed out all the same that inaction in this situation will set a bad example and consequences in the future.
Finally reiterating the hard work artists go through before presenting their work to an audience, Buendia warned, “This will not just be about a song, a contract, a million pesos or credit.”