Staging for “Huniño” moved to August

CEBU, Philippines - More composers and lyricists are encouraged to send entries for the 7th Huniño “Huni Halad Alang Kang Señor Santo Niño” original songwriting contest.

Fr. Jonas Mejares, rector of the Basilica del Sto. Niño, said that composers have enough time to submit their entries because the deadline is until May 31. Mejares said that the holding of the contest was moved to August 27 instead of having it last April.

“We would like to give them enough time to have good materials nga makanta sa katawhan because we aim at having newly composed liturgical songs by our locals here that can be used in the celebration of the Mass and that can be sang by the people,” Mejares said.

The organizers will be choosing 15 finalists for the competition. Each finalist will be using a minus one during the presentation, which will be held at the Pilgrim Center of  the Basilica del Sto. Niño.

Interestingly, Mejares said that next year they are planning to have a live band accompanying the performers and by 2015, they plan to have a grander event by having an orchestra to accompany the performers.

Aside from trophies, lucky winners will be bringing home cash prizes. The grand prize winner will bring home P50,000; second placer will get P30,000, while  third placer will have P20,000.

The Best Interpreter, on the other hand will get P10,000. Each of the 12 finalists will automatically receive P5,000 and a plaque.

The rector’s office will receive the entries until 4:00 p.m. on May 31. Entry forms may be obtained at the said office and one may call telephone numbers, 2556697 to 99 local 400 for more queries.  (FREEMAN)