Local music artist expresses frustration over songwriting contest disqualification and unauthorized use of music

In a social media post, a local music artist from Puerto Princesa City shared her disappointment after being disqualified from a songwriting contest and experiencing the unauthorized use of their music without credit.

Ailene Bautista, who entered a local Puerto Princesa City Tourism’s Songwriting Contest in September 2021, said that despite her dedication and effort, she failed to be included in the top 10 finalists.

Bautista also expressed support for fellow artists who participated, stressing the uniqueness of each artist’s craft but revealed feeling disheartened by the lack of recognition. Despite gracefully accepting the outcome, she admitted to losing confidence following the experience.

“September 2021 sumali ako sa Songwriting Contest ng Puerto Princesa City Tourism about the beauty of Puerto Princesa City and the winner will receive 50,000 pesos. I supported other artists na sumali rin and everyone deserves the title since we are all unique in our craft but the thing here is hindi nila ako pinasok sa top 10 just because may katono ‘raw’. Personally hindi ako ininform, nung nagchat yong ate ko bago lang nila sinabi. Pero tinaggap ko yon nang magaan kase tanggap ko namang hindi palaging panalo sa buhay but I can’t deny the fact na nawalan ako ng confidence,” Bautista said.

Adding to it, Bautista discovered that her song, “Amos Tara na sa Puerto Princesa,” was used in a promotional video without permission or credit, three years after the contest.

Despite attempts to address the issue directly with the organizers through social media, the artist received no response other than a mere ‘seen’ status on her messages.

“Ang point ko, there is no problem using my music even w/o permission or credits…. What hurt me is that they disqualified my craft and years later gagamitin nila at wala man lang credits,” Bautista said.

While acknowledging that her music is often shared and appreciated by the community, the artist stressed the importance of respecting artists’ efforts and providing proper acknowledgment for their work.

Meanwhile, Palawan Daily tried, but failed, to obtain a statement from the City Tourism Office regarding the matter, leaving questions unanswered.

As of press time, Bautista’s Facebook post has garnered 940 reactions, 117 comments and 536 shares.