Elzar Dodjie L. Simon is the current president of KATHA, the Organization of Filipino Composers. He is also a member of the Board of Director of FILSCAP, the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
Dodjie, known to friends, has won major awards in both local and international songwriting competitions. In the local area, he won 2nd Place in the 1997 Metropop Music Festival for the song "If I Could", interpreted by Lloyd Umali. He won in the 1990 LikhAwit Music Festival for the song "Tatak ng Filipino", interpreted by Chad Borja. He also won 2nd Place in the 1998 KBP Music Festival for the song "Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika", interpreted by Richard Reynoso. In the international music scene, he won Grand Prize for the song "You Lift Me Up" (music by Danny Tan, lyrics by Dodjie Simon, interpreted by Jaya) in the 2nd Asia Song Festival in Hong Kong. He won 2nd Place in the 3rd Manila International Songwriting Competition for the song "One More Time", interpreted by Lani Misalucha last November 1997. He has written theme songs for major movie productions and was nominated in the FAMAS for the song "Ang Lahat Ng Ito Pati Na'ng Langit", interpreted by Basil Valdez. He has written songs for major artists such as Gary Valencino, Martin Nievera, Sharon Cuneta, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Louie Heredeia and Donna Cruz.
Aside from his involvement in the music industry, Dodjie works as an Assistant Vice-President for Information Technology at Asian Terminals, Inc., a multinational corporation operating the entire South Harbor, Port of Manila. Married to Dr. Elisa Nazal-Simon, Dodjie is the proud father of three children, Joshua John, 5; Elisha Paul, 3 and Ysabel Grace, one month old. He is also active in the worship team and cell group of Christ is Exalted Community Church.
At a time when the world focuses on globalization, it if only fitting for Asian music to expand its vision beyond the region. Yet as we extend our reach, it is important for us to keep sight of our own identity. Through this lens, the Asia Song Festival Philippines '98 symposium peeks at the futures.
While we continue to look forward we must take time to look back to see where we came from. As the century turns to a new page, let us deepen our roots as we stretch our arms to reach greater heights in the next millenium.
