"Ulan" shines in 32nd Cebu Pop

CEBU, Philippines - Like a beacon of light shining through dark skies, a novelty song that paints a struggle in overcoming challenges bagged the grand prize in this year’s Cebu Popular Music Festival at the Cebu Coliseum last Friday night.

The song “Ulan,” composed and arranged by Eugene Tan bested 11 other finalists. The song was interpreted by Huni Sugbo, a trio of male singers composed of Daryl Shane Leong, Benjie Layos and Wilson Po. 

Tan was unable to attend the finals as he was admitted to the hospital due to high blood pressure.

Leong told The Freeman that Tan drew inspiration from the rain waters that have constantly flooded his house. “Ulan ang gi-title kay ang ilang balay pirmi man gud ma bahaan tungod sa uwan,” he said. 

“Maayo ang ulan kay daghan ug kapuslanan…Apan kon masobrahan muhatag ug kadautan,” goes the bridge of the song.

Leong added they never expected to win because they could barely practice together owing to their busy schedules. They simply enjoyed the song last Friday, he said.

“Wala mi magdahum nga makadaug mi kay ang among nahibaw-an nalingaw ra mi sa among gibuhat ug sa among pagkanta bisan sa ka-busy sa among mga schedule nga dili gani mi mag-abot kaayo para mag-practice,” he said.

The second place went to another upbeat song entitled “Cebu, Gihigugma Ka” composed by Bienvenido Racho and arranged by Alex Mabatid. It was interpreted by BBcians composed of Roy, Rico and Riel Tabasa, Teody Ebrado and Jonathan Bacus.

The song, instilling a Cebuano’s love for his homeland, was presented with high choreography that included back-up performers in costumes and props that highlight the colorful sights and sounds of Cebu.

The third place went to the song “Bunga” composed by Fernando Rabutan and interpreted by 13-year-old Marielle Montellano.

The song tackles realities such as crimes, disasters and calamities, and even the controversial issues of the Reproductive Health Bill.

“This is a 4 in 1 song. It is about the environment and others,” Rabutan said, adding, that the song stemmed from the quotation, “kung magtanom ka ug hangin, mu-ani ka ug bagyo.”

Rabutan said he did not expect to place this year because the other entries were equally beautiful and there were many talented performers. It was not his first time to join the Cebu Pop, though, as he has landed second twice in 2000 and 2004.

Montellano, a high school student from Mandaue City and the youngest among the interpreters, said she is thankful of the opportunity to sing in Cebu’s biggest singing tilt. She said her experience would show that age is not a hindrance to victory.

“I am so happy na naka abot ku diri knowing that Cebu Pop is the biggest competition for music,” she added.

The grand prize winner received P150,000 cash while the second and third place winners received P100,000 and P50,000 cash, respectively.   Each composer also received P15,000.

The other finalists this year include Norman Jabonero whose song “Kagahapon Mo” was performed by Gwendolyn Crescencio, Dr. Nicholas Escario whose song “Wala’y Suyaay” was performed by Christian Cayobit, Vincent James Eco whose song “Adlaw sa Gugma” was performed by Claudio Deiparine Jr., Engr. Bernardo Gocela whose song “ Ning Awit Handumon Ko Ikaw” was performed by Cherish Pearl Cartalaba, Archie Lesiguez, whose song “Sa Imong Paglakaw” was performed by Reggie Tortugo, Russel Alegado who submitted two entries - “Diskarte Estoryahe” performed by Ronil Vincent Watin and “Pangandoy Lang” was performed by Irene Abadiez, Dennis Martin whose song “Tug-ani Ko” was performed by Simeon Philipp Mancol and Peter Flordelis whose song “ Weder Weder Lang” was performed by Arman Mahinay.

This year’s guest performers include the internationally-acclaimed University of the Visayas Chorale that sang “Sto. Niño, Gugma Ko” for the opening prayer and Philippine National Anthem together with the UV Filipiniana Dance Troupe. The chorale also performed intermission pieces that included “Luyo sa Dag-um,” “Besame Mucho,” and Single Ladies, which drew the loudest applause from the crowd.

Broadcaster Sam Costanilla and former Pinoy Dream Academy Scholar Apple Abarquez were hosts of the event.

Atty. Joseph Baduel, UV’s Vice President for External Affairs, was this year’s project coordinator. He was assisted by Mr. and Mrs. Gani Villarojo of Soundtraxx Production Studio.

Now on its 32nd year, the Cebu Popular Music Festival is an annual offering of First District Representative Eduardo Gullas in honor of the Sr. Sto. Niño. (FREEMAN)