Songs for the romantic and revered

Saturday, January 7, 2012

FOR some reason, Cebuanos are a music-loving lot.

How that came to be, or how their appreciation for music evolved as a people, everyone perhaps has an opinion on. Harana (serenade) may be dead or dying. But truth be told, music and romance still make a pretty good pair these days, be it the subject of songs—or songwriters.

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The 32nd Cebu Pop Music Festival will happen this Jan 13, 7:30 p.m. at the New Cebu Coliseum. And true to tradition, Cebu, with this event, will celebrate the works of local songwriting talent from all over the province.

Besides the upcoming Sinulog festival, which features a variety of music offered to the Señor Sto. Niño, this competition should highlight the melodies and the craft of Cebuano songwriting as well.

The songs that made this year’s finals were composed and written by the following: Kagahapon Mo by Norman Jabonero and Gweendolyn Crescencio, Wa Lay Suyaay by Nicholas Escario Jr. and Alexander Franco Delantar, Adlaw Sa Gugma by Vincent James Eco, Cebu Gihigugma Ka by Bienvenido Racho, Ning Awit Handumon Ko Ikaw by Bernardo Gocela, Sa Imong Paglakaw by Archie Lesiguez, Diskarte Estoryahe by Russel Alegado, Tug-ani Ko by Dennis Martin, Pangandoy Lang by Russel Alegado and Yoojin Raye Anthony Burgos, Weder Weder Lang by Peter Flordelis, Bunga by Fernando Rabutan and Ulan by Eugene Tan.

“Cebuanos tend to be sentimental by nature. When we hear a sad song on the radio, some of us tell ourselves that, ‘That’s my song,’ when we are down at that time,” said event manager Gloria Villarojo.

“We often relate our lives to music,” she added.

The night’s program will still follow the regular competition format. But this year, one of the city’s distinguished choir groups, the UV Chorale, is expected to deliver an intermission number.

“Along with the songs they performed abroad in competitions wherein they won, they will also be singing pop songs. Imagine a Bruno Mars or Lady Gaga track done with a choral arrangement,” Gloria shared about what to expect from their guest performers.

The night expects not only to gather a balikbayan (returning Filipinos) crowd, but also to bring back devoted patrons of the competition. After everything has been said and done, the event points back to whom the glory is due, Gloria said.

“Prepare for something new and different. But what’s especially exciting this year is our enthronement of the Señor Sto. Niño. You should watch out for it.”