Music graduates win 6th Huniño

CEBU, Philippines - Hard work and the love for music inspired the creation of the song which was hailed champion in 6th Huniño “Huni Halad Alang Kang Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu” original songwriting contest held at the pilgrim center of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño last Thursday."Balaang Sto. Nico, Ang Giya Ko," is this year’s grand winner.

The song was a collaborative masterpiece of Ian Gerhrome Perpetua (lyricist) and Kurl Francis Dedumo (composer). Both are graduates of Bachelor of Arts in Music at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF).

The third among six other siblings, Perpetua took his own struggles as a student and his personal relation to Señor Santo Niño as his inspiration in composing this year’s winning song which bested 14 other entries.  

Perpetua was also the interpreter of the song. 

“When I was still a student, I dreamed of singing for Huniño. On the same stage as those who have come ahead of me,” he said in Cebuano. 

A born again Christian, Shoji Hakayawa, 17, a Filipino-Japanese, of Lahug, Cebu City earned the second spot when he caught the hearts of the audience as he sang his own composition, “Ikaw Ang Kahayag."

He is a student of St. Francis of Assisi School, a private catholic school.

Despite his religion, Hakayawa, a polio victim, sang his song in prayer.

“I offer my song and performance to my family and to those who are like me,” he said.    

Fr. Jonas Mejares, chairman of the board of judges, said he cried when Hakayawa sang his song. Mejares said it was the very first time that he cried during a performance in the six years that the Huniño have been held.

According to Hakayawa, he started his personal devotion to the Child Jesus when he was still eight years old.

Hakayawa told The FREEMAN that the Santo Nino appeared to him in a vision during a dream.

The third prize was given to the song “Pit Senyor” composed by Jundel Bacalso, an accounting staff of Castilex Industrial Corp.

“Pit Senyor” was interpreted by the VOW Singers composed of alumni of the Liturgical Yodeler of the University of San Jose-Recoletos.

The best interpreter award was given to Jeo and friends, who sang “Huniño” composed by Jay-arr Librando, a music teacher at St. Francis of Assisi School in Lahug, Cebu City.

Mejares also proposed that Huniño would be dubbed as the official theme song of the song writing completion. — (FREEMAN)