Cebu City launches official hymn

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City finally has an official hymn entitled "Sugbuanon Ako" which was formally launched at the end of the People’s State of the City Address at Plaza Sugbo yesterday.

The title of the song is inspired by Mayor Michael Rama’s grandfather, Don Vicente Rama, who stands tall among the rest declaring that he is a Sugbuanon.

The hymn was mainly composed by Cerj Michael, also the composer of the Singapore-like Cebu City jingle while the lyrics were from the award-winning writer Andro Banate, musical arranger Nendel Endrina. Cerj is also the interpreter with Jingle Placencia and the Cebu City ensemble as backup singers.

Before its recording, Rama and some of the city officials also meticulously went over the lyrics making it a collaborative effort of everyone.

The hymn basically is a praise song of the good traits of the Sugboanons that one can be proud of wherever they may be.

It also expresses its warmth and graciousness that is distinctively Sugbuanon, aside from being religious and loving.

It also takes pride in the city’s progress while preserving its culture and heritage.

"Malambuong Siyudad sa Sugbo, mahigugmaon ug Diosnon ako, Isinggit sa tibouk kalibutanan ang kaanindot ko, progresibong Sugbuanon matinabangon, Kulturang Pilipinhon dakong garbo ang pagka-Sugbuanon Ko," parts of the lyrics of the official hymn.

Mayor Rama said such a hymn is long overdue.

“Sa time nga bise mayor pa ko (way back then), daan nako nagplano nga pabuhatan gyud og hymn ang Cebu City, " Rama disclosed which finally, came to life yesterday. — Sanden J. Anadia (FREEMAN)