Original song wins first 'Huniño' tilt

Despite the heavy rains Wednesday evening, devotees still flocked the Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño's pilgrim center to witness the first-ever Huniño or Huni Halad Kang Sto. Niño songwriting contest.

Twelve new and original compositions, chosen from the 122 entries, vied for the songwriting contest of the church.

Renato Sagayno's "O Senyor Sto. Niño" was the grand prize winner in last Wednesday's event, earning him P50,000 cash plus an additional P5,000 for being a finalist. The song was interpreted by Japril Yap.

Sagayno's song was about prayer, thanksgiving and complete surrender to Sto. Niño. He composed it from July to September last year.

"I'm thankful to Señor Sto. Niño that we won," Sagayno said.

Sagayno also won second place in a songwriting contest of the Fatima Parish in Basak Pardo last May 13 with his composition "O Birhen sa Fatima".

Sagayno is a member of the Holy Guardian Choir and a teacher of the University of Cebu High School.

The song "Himayaon Ka Senyor Sto Niño" composed by Norman Jabonero and interpreted by the group called Revelation won second prize and P35,000 cash.

The third prize winner of the contest was "O Holy Child" written and composed by Jay-arr Librando and interpreted by Reston Sineneng and Rhine Rose Echivarri. They went home a cash prize of P35,000 also for winning third place and best interpreter.

Other entries that were chosen were "Sto. Niño nga Milagroso" composed by Roy Tabasa, written by Gwendolyn Cresencio and interpreted by Robert Bernadas, "O Santos nga Dios" composed and interpreted by Nida Orio, "O miraculous Sto. Niño" composed by Eugene Tan and interpreted by the For the Lord Choir, "Sto. Niño, Tabangi Panalipdi ang Sugbo" composed and interpreted by Manolito Languido, "Yukboan ug Pasidunggan" composed by Rommel Ambi and written by Fr. Jed Billones, "To be a child like you" composed by Ogie Melgar, "Hiyas ni Sto. Niño" composed and written by Flordeliz and Melchor Gilig, "Sto. Niño Kami Panalipdi" composed by Emmanuel Abellana and "Sto. Niño, Our hope for peace" composed by Russel Alegado and written by Janice Warnack.

They all went home also with P5,000 as finalist in the competition. - Jasmin R. Uy/BRP