CEBU, Philippines - Three compositions by veteran songwriters bested 135 others songs to win the 34th Cebu Popular Music Festival held at the Cebu Coliseum Friday night.
For the Folk/Country and Novelty Category, the song “Laylay sa Bukid†won, it was composed by Ronil Vincent Watin. The lyrics were written by Yoojin Raye Burgos and the music was arranged by Russel Alegado. It was interpreted by Rivianne Rose Cabaluna.
“Ayaw Ako’g Biya-i†by composer and lyricist Jade Castro won for the Ballad/ Pop Category. It was arranged by Nendel Endrina and interpreted by Jacqueline Bual.
For the Upbeat and Dance Music Category, the song “I Love Cebu†by composer and lyricist Russel Alegado took the top prize. It was interpreted by Raechelle Mae Faelnar, Rovee Marie Fernandez, Jem Keziah Felicilda and Fidel Cascabel.
Each winning composer received a cash prize of P100,000 and a trophy.
Bual was also awarded as Best Interpreter and received P10,000 and a trophy.
The non-winners got P20,000 each and plaques of appreciation.
The Cebu Pop Music Festival is a yearly project of the Cebu Arts Foundation, Inc. headed by former congressman Eduardo R. Gullas. It was first staged in 1981.
The winners said they have been joining the Cebu Pop for years but failed to win first prize, although Castro won second place during a previous Cebu Pop competition. They further encouraged Cebuano music enthusiasts to pursue their passion.
“Don’t give up. Kaya ra nato ang tanan. Di ta moingon nga lisod. Kay kung ibutang lang gyod nato ang love and passion, makab-ot gyod nato tanan,†Castro said.
Castro got his inspiration from his past relationship when he and his wife separated in 2011. He added that it has been his ultimate dream to perform his own composition in front of a large crowd.
Alegado explained that he composed the techno-music “I Love Cebu†to fit in the interest of the young ones.
Ronil Vincent Watin and Yoojin Raye Burgos’ “Laylay sa Bukid†was inspired by the silence of the mountain area where they live. Burgos, who is a volleyball player, made the lyrics of the song while he was alone waiting for the other players.
The other songs that made it into the final 12 were “Lakat Panginabuhi†by Bienvenido Racho, “Huning Sugboanon†by Manolito Languido and “Ceboom†by Dennis Martin for the Upbeat and Dance Music Category; “Hagawhaw†by Rene Campomanes, “Damgohon Ko Na Lang†by Archie Lesiguez and “Hain Na Ang Saad Mo?†by Ogie Melgar for the Ballad/Pop Ballad; and “Limpya Botas†by Franklin Padayogdog, Carlito Betito and Roy Tabasa, “Baha†by Emmanuel Abellana, and “Sakay Na Kamo†by Arman Mahinay for the Folk/Country/Novelty category.
Cebuana singer Sheryn Regis and The Voice Philippines finalist Eva Santos also performed during the event./BRP (FREEMAN)