From Kundiman, Pop to Rap, entries to Cebu Pop 2006 a more exciting variety

Through the years, the Cebu Popular Music Festival has proven itself as a godsend to aspiring Cebuano composers looking for a break for their flair for making music. It has been the stage as well that set the tone of the careers of some of the country's top singers.

Award-winning composer Jimmy Borja, belters Sheryn Regis, Raki Vega, and Vina Morales, and alumna of such Broadway musicals as Les Misérables and Miss Saigon Joan Almedilla are just some of the products of Cebu Pop, now considered esteemed names in the music and theater scene.

And as the music festival organized by Cebu Arts Foundation Inc. marks its 26th year, the promise and luster it holds have not paled one bit, drawing 150 hopefuls, 12 of whom have successfully qualified for the competition night tomorrow at the New Cebu Coliseum.

Special guest performers include Verni Varga, Raki Vega, Mandaue School of the Arts and Maria Donna.

According to project director Philogene Florita, the Cebu Pop is taking a very interesting turn this year by going largely pop. Why most of the qualifying songs have seemingly veered away from the Kundiman-style of past festivals is owed mainly to a youthful screening committee. Nevertheless, the beautiful melodies of two Kundiman entries won over the screening judges. Another entry sure to surprise audiences would the rap song.

The themes are as diverse as they can be, translating different emotions-from upbeat to melancholic, to satirical, to frolicsome-into song. To name a few, there's a song about one's personal experiences with the cellphone, a child pining for an OFW father, about the everyday lives of a fireman, a cook and a barber, and even on the controversial proposals to divide Cebu into four provinces.

As in the long-standing tradition, the songs will be interpreted by some of the city's finest and most promising voices, many of whom are also previous winners. To watch out for among this year's crop of interpreters is the gradeschooler from Mandaue, Grant Dosdos.

The finalists are as follows:

1. Bitoon Mo - Jun Cabillar (composer and lyricist), Nendel Endrina (arranger) and Ma. Lourdes Calma (interpreter)

2. Laylay sa Inahan - Glen Salve (composer and lyricist), Alex Mabatid (arranger) and Marion Louise Busano (interpreter)

3. Bidlisiw sa Bag-ong Paglaom - Dennis Sugarol (composer), Gwendolyn Suico-Cresencio (lyricist), Alex Mabatid (arranger) and Robert Bernada and Windy Prado (interpreters)

4. Bombero, Barbero, Kusinero - Frederick Villarojo (composer and lyricist), Jojo Serrano (arranger) and Pol, Dino and Erick Villarojo (interpreters)

5. Sugbo-ok (Sugbo Nga Tibuok) - Troy Ciar (composer and lyricist), Jojo Serrano (arranger), Maricel Suaring, Sandra Tan, Kristine Demeterio and Mikaela Arrizabal

6. Buhata Na (Uban sa Mga Damgo Ta) - Junnie Tampos (composer, lyricist and interpreter) and Alex Mabatid (arranger)

7. Kaminero (Metro Aide) - Fr. Ponce Jed Bellones (composer and lyricist), Nendel Endrina (arranger) and Carding Obiasada (interpreter)

8. Bahala'g Yabag - Jay-arr Librando (composer), Rogaciano Melgar (lyricist), Joel Oporto and Msgr. Rudy Villanueva (arrangers) and DMV (interpreter)

9. Tatay, Pauli Na - Dennis Sugarol (composer), Gwendolyn Suico-Cresencio (lyricist), Alex Mabatid (arranger) and Grant Dosdos (interpreter)

10. Ning Kiliran - Jun Cabillar (composer and lyricist), Nendel Endrina (arranger) and Jed Andrew Rosit (interpreter)

11. Silpon - Eugene Tan (composer, lyricist and arranger) and Chiko Pineda (interpreter)

12. Ang Hagit - Joseph Abella (composer), Eugene Tan (lyricist), Ralph Cabusas (arranger) and Annalee Sol (interpreter)

An album carrying all 12 songs will be available for sale at the venue tomorrow, produced by SOUNDTRAXX Production Studio. The 26th Cebu Pop Music Festival will be hosted by Sam Costanilla and Lou Dayoc. One In Him Band will provide live accompaniment.