The Philippines has long been known for its love of music, with singing often regarded as a national pastime. This passion was on full display during the Grand Finals of “Your Song of Excellence: Duo Legacy,” held at Market! Market! in Taguig City. Now in its fourth season, this prestigious singing and songwriting competition continues to uncover the country’s best talents, proving that the Philippines is indeed a deep well of musical excellence.
Hosted by the multi-talented Nicole Asensio—herself a celebrated singer-songwriter and theater actress—the event brought together singing-songwriting duos from across the nation. Unlike previous seasons, this year’s competition featured duos who battled through auditions, preliminaries, and semifinals to earn their spot in the grand finale. The three final pairs faced the challenge of performing two songs: a Taiwan Excellence Jingle and a Taiwan Excellence Core Value Song, each with a maximum length of 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
The competition was fierce, and on August 31, 2024, the top three duos delivered performances that captivated both the judges and the audience. The task of selecting a winner fell to a panel of celebrity judges, including Pop Rock Royalty Yeng Constantino, award-winning singer-songwriters Ice Seguerra and Kean Cipriano, and renowned producer and songwriter Paule Zarate.
When the dust settled, it was the Mandarhyme Duo who emerged victorious, taking home the grand prize of P300,000. The first runner-up, Haranajeeb Duo, received P200,000, while the second runner-up, Unexpected Duo, earned P100,000.
The event was not only a celebration of musical talent but also a showcase of the deep connection between the Philippines and Taiwan. Attendees included officials from the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives both nations.
Brian Lee, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing at TAITRA, expressed his pride in the competition, saying, “Legacies are better built by strong partnerships. ‘Your Song of Excellence: Duo Legacy’ is a perfect example of how partnerships can be life-changing. This competition not only showcases the incredible talent of Filipino singers and songwriters but also highlights the shared passion for music between the Philippines and Taiwan.”
Wallace Chow, Ambassador of TECO in the Philippines, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in creating lasting legacies. “Taiwan and the Philippines have been creating and inspiring legacies together for many generations. This event celebrates that partnership through music filled with stories of strengthened collaborations.”
“Your Song of Excellence: Duo Legacy” was presented by premier partner Derma Angel, alongside major partners like Acer, Aorus, AOpen, Asus, DLink, Gigabyte, Kymco, MSI Gaming, PC Express, Republic of Gamers, Tatung, and Zyxel. The event not only honored the finalists but also reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the Philippines and Taiwan, united by a shared love for music and innovation.
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