Meaningful messages relayed in winning songs

CEBU, Philippines – Songs about moving forward and the sacredness of marriage bagged the top awards in the 35th Cebu Popular Music Festival Friday night at the Cebu Coliseum.

The songwriting competition was categorized into three musical genres:  RnB (or rhythm and blues), Ballad and Pop, and Rock.

The song, “Nalumos sa Sabaw”, by composer and lyricist Fr. Lyndon Ruiz won for the RnB category. It was arranged by Nendel Endrina and interpreted by MC REY featuring John Michael Bengil of Echo Band and John Joseph Russel of Grassots.

For the Ballad and Pop category, the song “Salamat Na Lang” by composer and interpreter Cerj Michael emerged as the winning piece. The song was arranged by Nendel Endrina and written by Andro Banate.

The song “Padayon Sugboanon” by composer and lyricist Manolito Languido won for the Rock category. It was arranged by Russel Alegado. The song interpreter, Jamila Albino, won the Best Interpreter award and received cash prize of P10, 000.

The winning composers received cash prize of P100,000 each, a plaque and an image of Señor Santo Niño. The non-winners were given a cash prize of P20,000 each and plaques.

Best Interpreter winner, Jamila Albino, said it was her second time to join the competition. Her last appearance was last 2002 when she won as the second runner-up.

“Karon wala ko mag-expect nga modaug kay after pila ka years nibalik ko og kanta sa kani nga competition,” she said.

She further said that the message of the song, Padayon Sugbuanon, is for Cebuanos to continue their journey despite the calamities that hit the country.

“Nalumos sa Sabaw” composer and lyricist Fr. Lyndon Ruiz said the significance of the song highlights the importance of preserving the sanctity of marriage.

“Kay daghan magbuwag, mga broken families. Ang iyang anak mangutana kung asa iyang papa, aron nga dili kaayo sakit paminawon, amo na lang gigamit ang pulong nga ‘nalumos sa sabaw’,” he said.

He shared that they came up with the idea to bring the message for couples to realize the value of marriage and their responsibility as parents.

Composer and interpreter Cerj Michael of “Salamat na Lang” said that the song relates to his real life experience.

“Gibuwagan siya unya ang nakigbuwag niya gusto makigbalik. So at the end niingon ko, salamat na lang,” Michael said.

“So very overwhelming, dili ko katuo,” he added, noting that it was his first time to join the songwriting competition.

The other song compositions that were included in the final 12 were “Ikaw Ang Tanan” composed by Neil John Lubiano, “Ako Ba Kini” composed by Albin Lotario, and “Sayang ang Luha” composed by Arnel Satomera for the RnB category.

For the Ballad and Pop category, the songs were “Maayo Pa Nga Hikalimtan” composed by Peter Flordeliz, “Ikaw Ang Natingban” composed by Jennifer Povadora, and “Magpabilin” composed by Fernando Rabutan.

For the Rock Category, the top songs were “Bisaya Baya Ni, Bay” composed by Jude Gitamondoc, “Super Juan” composed by Dennis Martin, and “Sugta” composed by Medelito Baculpo.

There were also special performances during the event from It’s Showtime’s “Stars of 45” grand champion Archie Marcial, the Voice of the Philippines artist Jem Cubil, and American Idol Season 10 contestant Monique delos Santos.

Sam Costanilla and Pinoy Dream Academy Scholar Apple Abarquez were the hosts for the evening.

The annual Cebu Pop Music Festival, which is organized by the Cebu Arts Foundation, Inc., first went on stage in January 1981.  Former Cebu first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas is the founder of the Cebu Pop Music Festival.  (FREEMAN)