Hailing from the City of Tabaco, Julia Bruce De Guzman, aka ‘Juls Burce’, a fresh graduate from the College of Arts and Letters, has brought her remarkable talent to the songwriting industry, where she emerged in the recently concluded “Your Song of Excellence Season 3” as 1st Runner-Up in the songwriting category. 

In an interview with local media, Juls admitted that despite having a family with a passion for music, her discovery as an artist who writes and sings songs was unraveled, rather late. Still, it didn’t hinder her from pursuing her passion for music and storytelling. 

Her composition, titled “Gusto Mo Rin Pala Ako,” catapulted her way to the grand finals. This was the same piece she submitted to “Himig Handog,” another songwriting competition. Little did she know that there were just some other plans stored for her. 

In her Facebook appreciation post, she said that her only goal is to release her music this year, and she never thought about joining competitions. What made her do it? It was her idol. 

“Someone sent me a post from Taiwan Excellence #YourSongOfExcellence2023 and nakita ko yung mga judges mas na hype ako! To the last minute lang ako nagpasa at kinukulit na ako kasi nawala sa isip ko. Basta hindi ko alam if ilan prizes or what, basta sabi ko noon ‘sige na nga gusto ko ma meet mga lodis ko!’ And ayun na mentor pa nga po ni Sir Ice,” she penned. 

As a first-timer, Juls was thankful for the priceless lessons and unforgettable memories. 

“It’s my first time in a Songwriting Competition and grabe, it was a hit! Super daming learnings and wholesome memories! I have written songs for wonderful singers, and I got to meet Sir Ice, Ms. Yeng, Kuya Arthur, and Sir Pao. Of course yung samahan na nabuo, YSOE3 Fam! Heto ‘yung super unforgettable. It was all worth it!”

Juls also took home ₱30,000 plus ₱50,000 worth of sponsored products. Her song interpreter, Louis Alivio, also took the same prizes. | by Arnold C. Noda, MPS I-CPRO

Photo Credits: Juls Burce