The recently concluded Metropop 2003 competition was a night filled with great music and talent. Held at the AFP Theater in Camp Aguinaldo last November 29, 2003, wife and husband couple Bayang Barrios and Mike Villegas won the 1st and 2nd prizes respectively, making this couple a truly talented tandem. A crying Bayang Barrios broke down in tears of joy while receiving the grand prize for her interpretation and composition of "Malayo Man, Malapit Din". Her husband's song "Pretend That I Don't Love You" won 2nd place and was accepted by both Mike Villegas and interpreter Cooky Chua.


The song "Buti Na Lang" by Jonathan Manalo and interpreted by Kyla won 3rd place plus the special award for Close Up Planet Choice Award. This was based on online votes compiled on the Close Up web site. Jonathan is also known for bagging the Himig Handog sa Makabagong Kabataan Competition for his composition "Tara Tena" in 2001.

A special tribute was given to Yoyoy Villame for his witty and catchy novelty songs throughout the years. Joey de Leon sung a medley of Yoyoy's songs replacing the lyrics with a story of Yoyoy's career.

Congratulations to all the winners of the Metropop 2003 !


Here are the winners:


Grand Prize Winner
Malayo Man, Malapit Din
Composer, Lyricist and Interpreter: Bayang Barrios
Cash Prize: Php 500,000.00

Second Prize Winner
Pretend That I Don't Love You
Composer and Lyricist: Mike Villegas
Interpreter: Cooky Chua
Cash Prize Received: Php 300,000.00

Third Prize Winner
Buti Na Lang
Composer and Lyricist: Jonathan Manalo
Interpreter: Kyla
Cash Prize Received: Php 200,000.00

Best Music Video
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
Song Title: Pretend That I Don't Love You
Cash Prize: Php 50,000.00

Close Up Planet Choice Award (voted by members of the close up website)
Buti Na Lang
Composer and Lyricist: Jonathan Manalo
Interpreter: Kyla