FOLLOWING a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, Cebuano music has once again taken center stage during the 41st Cebu Popular Music Festival held at the University of the Visayas Gymnasium on Friday, January 13, 2023.
The annual songwriting competition, held every Sinulog weekend, featured three categories this year and four finalists for each category.
"Do Re Migo Rami" composed by Jundel Bacalso and interpreted by Margarethe Ellain won the "Awit sa Gugma" category. The song is about unrequited love.
For the “Awit sa Malamdamon” category, winner was composer Frenyx Tarongoy's “Magdungan Ta, Mangamuyo Ta,” interpreted by Rona Jenn Lofranco-Cañete, Kayla Barrietos and Jared Roble. The song is about spreading love amidst a sea of darkness.
The trio also bagged the Best Interpreter award.
A fiery approach to an indecisive lover, “Unsaon Ko Karon” composed by Sharon Lanier and interpreted by Dave Alcano won the "Huni Kasingkasing" category.
“I practiced hard to make sure that I brought the song justice,” Alcano told SunStar Cebu. “Until now, I’m still in shock that we won.”
Asked what her message is to aspiring Cebuano songwriters and composers, she said: “keep your dreams high.”
Winners of this year's competition bagged P100,000 in cash each, while finalists received P20,000. The Best Interpreter award received P10,000.
The Cebu Pop Music Festival was the brainchild of then congressman Eduardo Gullas in 1980. Gullas is also the chairman of the Cebu Arts Foundation Inc., the group behind the Cebuano songwriting contest.
The next Cebu Pop Music Festival will again take place in 2024.
The Cebu Pop Music Festival is one of the most anticipated comebacks in celebration of the One Cebu Island Sinulog 2023 festivities.