Santo Niño, Tabangi ug Kaloy-i Kami’ wins 9th Huniño

CEBU, Philippines – A composition on the unconditional love and unwavering guidance of Cebu’s patron saint, the Señor Sto. Niño, bested 11 other entries during Friday’s 9th Huniño (Huni Halad Kang Señor Sto. Niño) finals held at the Cebu Coliseum.

“Santo Niño, Tabangi ug Kaloy-i Kami,” written by Dennis Martin, arranged by Ralph Joey Cabusas and interpreted by Benjie Layos, was selected this year’s champion in the annual songwriting competition.

Martin, who is currently in Ireland, wasn’t around to bask in his victory and explain the inspiration behind his piece.

His interpreter, Layos, thanked his friend for trusting him to give justice to “Santo Niño, Tabangi ug Kaloy-i Kami” – a song he believes many Cebuanos can identify with.

“The message is simple: there’s no one else we turn to in our life but Señor Sto. Niño, so it’s only fitting that we thank him. Most of us can relate to the lyrics, because we always ask for the Sto. Niño’s help,” Layos said.

This was the second time that a song Layos interpreted for Huniño was selected the best. In 2013, he was part of the trio The Huni Sugbo, and the song they performed was also that year’s winner. Layos said he felt overwhelmed that the song he performed solo came out the victor.

“Sto Niño Hope of the People” composed by Emanuel Abellana finished second, while “Hope In You, Sto. Niño” by Diomedes O. Licmo-an came in third.

The singer and composer of “Maghari Ka,” Ivy Mae Cabudlan-Richter, was declared Best Interpreter. She said the country’s recent natural calamities were the inspiration behind her entry.

Richter said, “I really focused on the Holy Child because I believe after all the natural disasters and personal trials, he never abandons us. As a devotee, this song is very special to me.”

The champion received P30,000, while the second and the third placers took home P20,000 and P10,000, respectively. The Best Interpreter was also awarded P5,000 and all finalists were given P10,000 each.

All entries worked with the theme “Santo Niño, Hope of the People.”

Guest performers spiced up the show, with the King of Visayan Novelty Songs Max Surban and Basilica rector Father Jonas Mijares drawing hearty applause and laughs with their music and Cebuano humor.

Internationally-acclaimed Cebuano Divas Maria Donna, Raki Vega and Anna Fegi also upped the entertainment ante with their powerful voices.