THE first-ever Visayan Music Awards (VizMA) will be happening this July 27, Saturday, 7 p.m. at the Oakridge Pavilion. With the producers of Binibining Cebu behind it, the Sacred Heart School Batch ‘85 Foundation, VizMA will surely play a large part in contributing to the advancement of original Visayan music.
I was privileged to be a part of a Listening Party at Asmara Urban Resort & Lifestyle Village last July 19. I took some notes after every track, and would like to share some of the positives—in a line or two—here.
“Alu” - Words and Music by Hakeem Duazo
A strong message done with a heartfelt, simple delivery.
“Ayaw Sa Karon” - Words and Music by Ramon Christopher Calam
- Fun track with the potential to deliver a killer hook.
“Balitaw” - Words by Adonis Durado / Music by Yana Durado
Absolute work of art meshing poetry with sweet melodies.
“Hit and Run” - Words by John Peterson Villarin / Music by Neil Salarda
Groove is essential to good music and this track goes hard at it.
“Kalimtan Na Ka Karon” - Words and Music by Ruel Ceriño
Heartfelt and easy on both the heart and ears.
“Lingi-a” - Words and Music by Melay Libres
‘90s pop culture re-introduced with this house-inspired track
“Matag Piraso” - Words and Music by Ferdinand Aragon
Time ceases, and a listener comes face-to-face with the bittersweet truths of love and life.
“Natulog Mong Kasing-kasing” - Words by Irving Guazon / Music by John Stephen Cadeliña
A classic confession; emotional yet in touch with reality
“Nganu” - Words and Music by Fritz Baguio
Humor is a Bisaya trademark. This song is definitely radio-friendly.
“Sama Lang Kanimo” - Words and Music by Fr. Reymund Quito
Apologetically traditional; a track on a mission to enlighten listeners.
Competitions like this one are tough. To make the Finals is already a huge accomplishment for any songwriter, and winning the top prize is merely icing on the cake. But for the sake of speculative entertainment, personally speaking, I would probably place my bet on “Matag Piraso,” “Lingi-a” and “Balitaw” to take Top 3. Dark horse pick would probably be “Nganu.”
Tickets to the show are available at P1000, P500 and P200 (general admission). Call 0905-433-9070 for details. Congratulations, team VizMA!