Cebu first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas reminded Cebuanos the other night during the 28th Cebu Popular Music Festival that the “most important event” today is the feast of the Sto. Niño.
In his speech at the New Cebu Coliseum, where the musicfest was held, Gullas said Cebuanos and visitors must not forget the “substance of the celebration” of the Feast of the Sto. Niño while they enjoy the revelry of the Sinulog and other festivities, or be awed by the performances at the Cebu Pop.
Gullas said the Sto. Niño, the nine-day novena, the yearly procession, and the concelebrated Mass at the Basilica del Sto. Niño by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal must always be on top of the Cebuanos’ list of events.
Those from outside Cebu have come to the city, brave the massive crowd and heat just to be able to pray and give thanks to the Holy Child but there are some city residents who would not even care to visit the Basilica. “Maguol ko niini,” the congressman lamented.
Gullas reminded the people that there is something to be learned from the devotees’ display of love for God. They came from all walks of life, some are even ailing and all of them gather at the Basilica for the sake of the Sto. Niño.
Gullas heads the Cebu Arts Foundation Inc. that have been organizing the Cebu Pop Music Festival, and annual songwriting contest, which he said has not only been a “vehicle to local composers to display their wares” but most importantly as “halad to Señor Santo Nino.”
Meanwhile, the grand prize winner of the 28th staging of the musicfest was the song “Pasayloa Ko,” composed by Jude Gitamondoc and interpreted by Elvis Somosot, which won the P150,000 champion’s purse and a motorcycle. It was a song about a man asking forgiveness from the woman he loves.
Gitamondoc’s other composition “Bisan Pa”, which was interpreted by Arceli Bullo, was the second prize winner of P100,000 cash.
The third prize winner of P50,000 cash was “Karon,” a song composed by Jun Cabillar and interpreted by Kim Sanchez, who was given the festival’s best interpreter award and the P10,000 cash prize. — Liv G. Campo/RAE