Halad 2010 honorees

First Of 2 Parts

CEBU, Philippines - For their inimitable artistry and contributions to Cebuano music, HALAD 2010 is set to honor Cebuano musicians (some of them posthumously) this January 13 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. As ultimate tribute to these music-makers, their compositions will be interpreted by our favorite Visayan divas Pilita Corrales, Dulce and Raki Vega as well as the most awarded homegrown choir, the University of the Visayas Chorale, in what could only be described as a Visayan talent extravaganza.

MIL VILLAREAL

Mil Villareal, who is also known as Maestro Mil, is a Cebuano composer who is now residing in Edmonton, Canada.  His most famous composition is the song “Bisan sa Damgo Lang” (in English, “Even if it were in my dreams”). Some of the beautiful Visayan songs he created were “Bulawan sa Lapok,” “Veronica,” “Hain Na?,” “Hinumdomi… Mohilak Ka Usab,” et cetera.

Born in Cebu in the year 1920, he started his musical career as School Band Director of University of San Carlos (1946 – 1948), then Staff Pianist and Musical director of Cebu Broadcasting Company (1948-1982), Musical Director of Channel 7’s “Sali Kami” (1983-1988), Band Leader of the Aristocrats Orchestra and DYRC Orchestra.  He also became popular when he played at night clubs such as the Farolito Night club, Maracas Night Club, Yarow Beach Night Club, The Other Place Night Club, et cetera. He was also a Musical Director in many Visayan and Tagalog movies.

In Edmonton, where he now resides with his wife Enriqueta, he was the Musical Director of the Philippine Choral (1991-2000) and is still the Musical Director of Vismin Choral Group (1991-present). He also leads the VISMIN (Visayas/Mindanao Association) choir in Edmonton, Canada. This is a group of over 100 members that organizes activities for Filipinos all throughout the year.  The main events are the VISMIN anniversary, Christmas, and Sto. Niño Fiesta. Maestro Mil will personally accept his award in HALAD 2010.  

INOCENCIO “SIUX” CABASE 

Siux was born on July 28, 1911. Putting his multi-talents to good use, he became a scriptwriter, radio comedian, and host of the famous DYRC Amateur Hour with Iyo Carpo and Nardo Guttierez. He was not able to study in college, but because of his God-given talents, he also became a notable song composer and music arranger. During the pre-war period, he became a member of KZRC orchestra whose band leader was his brother, Narding Cabase, who was lost in a Corregidor ship when it sunk. This compelled Siux to write one of his early compositions “My Lost Brother”. 

During World War II, he also composed a song, “Our War Has Began”. He has composed 100 songs to the knowledge of his family. He composed a song “Paulita” dedicated to his wife, Paulita Lorega, daughter of General Enrique Lorega. His music teacher was the late Mr. Pedro Avila, former principal of San Nicolas Elementary School who later on surpassed his knowledge in music. 

He was a musical director and script writer in DYSS and a host of a program “Kitang Kababayin-an,” whose co-host was Nieves dela Cerna. In DYMX, he hosted a radio program and composed a song of the same title “Kaming Taga-baryo”. One of the compositions of the late Siux Cabase, “Balud Sa Kalimot,” was popularized by Pilita Corrales. 

MANUEL “MANING” TAN VILLAREAL

Manuel T. Villareal, popularly known to his friends and associates in music as “Maning,” was born in the southern town of Boljoon in February 19, 1917.

For having cultivated his skills as pianist and composer, he also arranged musical scores for Visayan movies, trained young entertainers of Cebu and prepared them for a prolific career in music.

Among his notable songs are “Kahibulongan,” “Awit sa Inahan” performed by Susan Fuentes, and “Dahong Laya,” which was originally popularized by “Visayan Harana King” Stacs Huguete and then by Dulce, Diva of Visayan Songs. He died at the age of 73 in October 16, 1990. 

INASTACIO “STACS” HUGUETE  

For his distinct romantic balladeer vocals, Stacs Huguete earned such titles as the “Crystal Voice of Cebu” and “Visayan Harana King” during his prime. He launched his singing career in the 1950’s, doing nightly club singing engagements in such popular venues in the 60’s as the Yarrow Beach Resort and the Osvel Bowling Lanes.

He was also a radio talent and mainstay in DYRC from the 60’s to the 70’s, making appearances in noon show serenade programs. He also helmed a radio program dubbed “Harana” on DYBU.

Stacs was best known for interpreting and popularizing the Cebuano songs, “Bisan Sa Damgo Lang,” “Harana,” “Dahong Laya,” “Patay’ng Buhi,” “Veronica” and many more. He was also a member of very popular Cebuano quartet known as “The Vikings” with Mahnee Cabase, Ramonito Del Rosario, and Art Maloy. He passed away in 1999. (To be continued tomorrow…)