VISAYAN divas Pilita Corrales, Dulce and Raki Vega praised educator Jose Gullas for honoring Cebuano music composers whose works were not given enough recognition.
Gullas, also a former congressman, is producing “Halad 2010: A musical tribute to Cebuano culture, artistry.”
It will feature Cebuano classics and a cultural showcase at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino tonight.
The internationally renowned University of the Visayas Chorale will also perform.
As in the last two Halad shows, a new roster of Visayan composers and musicians will be given recognition in Halad 2010.
To be honored for their inimitable artistry and contributions to Cebuano music (some of them posthumously) are Siux Cabase, Stacs Huguete, Metring Ylaya, Fr. Ponce Jed Bellones, Mil Villareal, Maning Villareall, Mahnee and Shiela Cabase, and Oscar Pagas.
Corrales said that even in her concerts abroad, she always renders one or two Visayan songs. Her favorites are “Matud Nila” and “Usahay.”
Dulce said with the promotion of Cebuano music and culture by Gullas, it can help tell the world that Cebuanos are talented.
Vega, for her part, said it’s better to hold regular concerts of Visayan songs.
Corrales suggested that the three of them produce an album of Visayan songs.