Why Cebu produces some of the finest artists

Manila, Philippines - Cebu has managed to come up with a remarkable and accomplished list of successful artists and musicians. It must be the unique, magical mix of island living and progressive development that has produced some of the biggest divas and songstresses from this lovely province.

One of the most successful and well-known Cebuana divas is Pilita Corrales. A knockout beauty in her day, and even now at 71, “Asia’s Queen of Songs” still continues to do what she loves the most, which is to sing. With a spectacular and pioneering career still going strong on the live stage here and abroad, Corrales, with her signature singing style with a backward bend (liyad in the vernacular), became a household name all throughout the country. Her solid, creamy voice remains unchanged, only enriched, by time, taking us back to the beautiful Cebu, and Manila, of yesteryears.

Verni Varga

Another Cebuana songstress is Ignacia Mabugat, better known as Verni Varga. Originally from Bantayan Island in Cebu, Verni’s family moved to Manila when she was still very young. Her talent and love for music ran in the family but it was Verni’s mesmerizing sex appeal that conquered us all. Whenever she opened her pipes to sing with that 23-inch waistline, the jaws of men dropped, while most of us women raged in jealousy and envy only to be won over by her sultry performance.

Maria Teresa Llamedo, or Dulce, born and raised in Cebu, has been singing all her life. Having joined her fair share of amateur singing contests in the province, she was discovered at the MetroPop Festival at 14. She then went on to garner worldwide recognition in international competitions, including grand winner, Fourth Asian Songfest in 1979 and grand champion, Asia-Pacific Singing Competition in 1988. Dulce will forever be known as the “Theme Song Queen,” having 30 (yes, 30!) hit theme songs to her name.

Another Cebuana local who has managed to make a name for herself in the music world is Ana Fegi. “The Shimmering Diva” started out joining amateur contests as well, but went to Manila to sing with the original batch of Smokey Mountain. She has since led a successful singing career; the last time I saw this singer was when she gave a remarkable rendition as Nala in the Lion King of Hong Kong Disneyland.

Sheryn Regis

In January 2004, Cebuana Sheryn Regis was second place to Erik Santos in ABS-CBN’s nationwide singing contest, Search for the Star in a Million. She has managed to step out of Santos’ shadow, however, and has developed quite a following of her own. Aside from her undeniable talent, her story of hard work and dedication has served as an inspiration to many younger Cebuano artists.

Cebu’s entertainment and music scene is definitely one of the country’s finest. When you’re in the mood to unwind, Cebu holds a number of great venues for live music. The lobby lounge of Waterfront Hotel offers relaxing soft music with a string quartet and a female vocalist from 6 to 10 p.m. everyday. Nearby Sunflower Disco-Resto, on the other hand, features some of the best local showbands. Although the crowd here is composed more of the hip, young types, it definitely gives tourists a great feel of good old Cebuano partying! Jazz ‘n Bluz is a cool restaurant-bar which usually features two impressive live bands alternating and lots of jazz and easy listening music. I love its sophisticated ambience and delectable Cebuano cuisine. What better way to complement great local music than with the islands’ best gastronomic delights topped off with ballroom dancing?

Ana Fegi

The music and arts scene of Cebu has definitely proven itself time and time again as a springboard for some of our finest entertainers. Aside from listening to our many world-renowned Cebuano artists, let us visit the Cebu province to truly soak in the Visayan party experience, where life is lived and celebrated every single day. This summer, hang out at some of Cebu’s local bars and lounges for an epic night out and see for yourself how Cebuano and Cebuana musicians, popular or yet to be discovered, are, without a doubt, world-class.