Gullas says: The Feast of the Sto. Niño remains center of Sinulog

Cebu - As in the previous years, the 29th Cebu Popular Music Festival was once again a success but Cebu Arts Foundation, Inc. head Eduardo Gullas reminded Cebuanos that festivities during the Sinulog must not overshadow the real essence of the celebration, which is to pay homage to the Sto. Niño.

Gullas said even the much-anticipated yearly songwriting contest is but a means for composers and singers to pay homage to the child Jesus.

“Ang kapistahan sa Sto. Niño maoy labing importante nga okasyon, ang uban kay dayan-dayan lang na…ang pag-alagad maoy bililhon nga tahas sa kinabuhi,” Gullas said.

Beyond the revelry, Gullas said Cebuanos must give priority to the concelebrated Mass at the Basilica del Sto. Niño, the nine-day novena, and the holy procession.

Meanwhile, Jun Aliño Cabillar, the composer of this year’s winning song, was overwhelmed by the success of his composition “Tim-os Kong Gugma.”

The song, which was interpreted by Gerlie Lapinid- Laspiñas during the finals last Friday, won the P150,000 grand prize.

Laspiñas herself was named best interpreter and received P10,000.

“Happy kay ko kay wala gyud ko nag-expect nga ako ang mapilian kay ang tanang entries puro gyud maayo,” Cabillar said.

“Tim-os Kong Gugma” talks about a woman trying to settle a chaotic relationship with her husband.

This year’s second place winner of P100,000 is Roy Tabasa’s “Pungko-pungko,” interpreted by Riel, Rico and Roy Tabasa. The third place winner of P50,000 is Dennis Martin’s “Sa Ngalan Sa Nasud,” interpreted by Maricel Suaring.

The other finalists include “Tsambang Musikero” by Abner Lagdameo, “Asa Paingon” by Manolito Languido, “Kami ang Kabataan” by Juve Villar, “Bulawanong Tambag” by Danilo Abapo, “K.K.K. (Kabataan…kagahapon ug Karun)” by Jun Aliño Cabillar, “Tinuohang Buktot” by Jay-arr Librando, “Sulti Pa Ka” by Jay-arr Librando, “Bugtawon ang Kagahapon” by Fr. Ponce Jed Bellones, and “Ang Tambag ni Nanay” by Engr. Bernard Gocela.

This year’s board of judges was headed by Presidential Management Staff Secretary Cerge Remonde while media personality Sam Costanilla and former Pinoy Dream Academy scholar Apple Abarquez hosted the event. — Sanden J. Anadia of Banat News/JMO (THE FREEMAN)