[2] Its objective was to promote the advancement of Filipino music, and its chief proponents were journalist Teodoro Valencia and Imee Marcos.
From the fourth festival onwards, the competition was divided into professional and amateur divisions, to give new songwriters a level playing field without competing with more well-known composers.
Kumanta" Music and lyrics: Joe Reyes Interpreter: Cynthia Garcia and the Kabataan "Pag-ibig, Ano Ka Nga Ba" Music and lyrics: Cecille Marcaida Interpreter: Nick Gonzales "Pangako" Music and lyrics: Vic Villafuerte, Rolando Tinio Interpreter: Rex Demavivas "Saan Ako Patutungo" Music and lyrics: Jose Ilacad, Jr., Nannette Inventor Interpreter: Nannette Inventor "Swerte-swerte Lang" Music and lyrics: Joel Navarro, Rolando Tinio Interpreter: Joel Navarro "Tayo'y Mga Pinoy" Music and lyrics: Heber Bartolome Interpreter: Judas "Anak" failed to win any of the prizes, but went on to become one of the most popular Philippine pop songs ever and to launch the career of Freddie Aguilar.
This period in time was right at the beginning of the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) boom, and after this first festival, the singing careers of Hajji Alejandro, Celeste Legaspi, Maricris Bermont, and Anthony Castelo went to full gear.
The first grand finals of the festival was held at the Folk Arts Theater, with RPN-9 as the official broadcaster for the first edition of the said competition.
This song launched the career of Louie Ocampo, now a well-respected composer, and added to the numerous hits of The Apo Hiking Society.
There was no big hit from the festival songs, although "Kahit Konti" and "Magsimula Ka" were relative successes.
It has recognized non-mainstream musicians such as Gary Granada and Angelo Villegas, and boosted the singing careers of Jaya and Carol Banawa upon participating as interpreters.
Unlike the main festival, this event served as a talent competition for young aspiring singers.
The most notable participant was Melanie Calumpad who came third in 1997 and later returned as an interpreter for the actual song festival in 2003 under her stage name Kyla.