The Philippines has long been celebrated for its deep-rooted love of music, where singing is more than just a hobby—it’s a national passion. This love for music 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 competition continues to uncover the nation’s best talents, reaffirming that the Philippines is indeed a cradle of musical excellence.
Hosted by the multi-talented Nicole Asensio—a celebrated singer-songwriter and theater actress—the event brought together singing-songwriting duos from across the country. This year’s competition was unique, featuring duos who battled through auditions, preliminaries, and semifinals, showcasing their skills and creativity to earn a coveted spot in the grand finale. The final challenge was to perform two songs: a Taiwan Excellence Jingle and a Taiwan Excellence Core Value Song, each no longer than 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
The Grand Finals on August 31, 2024, were a thrilling display of talent, with the top three duos delivering performances that captivated both the judges and the audience. The judging panel, composed of Pop Rock Royalty Yeng Constantino, award-winning singer-songwriters Ice Seguerra and Kean Cipriano, and renowned producer and songwriter Paulo Zarate, had the difficult task of choosing the winners.
In the end, the Mandarhyme Duo emerged victorious, claiming the grand prize of P300,000. The Harana Jeeb Duo took home the first runner-up prize of P200,000, while the Unexpected Duo earned the second runner-up prize of P100,000.
More than just a celebration of musical talent, the event also highlighted the deep and growing 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, underscoring the collaborative spirit that both nations share.
Brian Lee, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing at TAITRA, expressed his pride in the competition, stating, “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.”
Presented by premier partner Derma Angel and supported by major partners such as Acer, Aorus, AOpen, Asus, DLink, Gigabyte, Kymco, MSI Gaming, PC Express, Republic of Gamers, Tatung, and Zyxel, “Your Song of Excellence: Duo Legacy” not only honored the finalists but also reinforced the enduring partnership between the Philippines and Taiwan—united by a shared love for music and innovation.