4 newcomers, 6 vets make it to Cebu Pop

Four newcomers and six veterans complete the final and official entries of 29th Cebu Popular Music Festival, which will be held few days before the annual Sinulog Festival in January 2009.

Among the newcomers are ABS-CBN reporter Juve Villar, Abner Lagdameo, Danilo Abapo and Manolito Languido.

Cebu Pop Music project director Philogene Florita revealed that they have received a total of 131 entries coming from Visayas and Mindanao. The screening was held at the University of the Visayas Alumni Office.

By 5 p.m. last Sunday, the screening committee trimmed the figure to 12. But The FREEMAN learned that at least six songs were tied at 12th spot so the screeners had to listen to them once more to make a vote. 

Florita revealed that of the 12, half are novelty songs and the rest were of various genres. 

The 2009 Cebu Popular Music Festival

12 Official entries are:

1. Tsambang Musikero — Abner Lagdameo

2. Sulti Pa Ka — Jay-arr Librando

3. Tinuhuang Buktot — Jay-arr Librando

4. Among Panginabuhi — Roy Ebrado Tabasa

5. Ang Tambag Ni Nanay — Engr. Bernard Gocela

6. Kami Ang Kabataan — Juve Villar

7. Kabataan... Kagahapon Ug Karon — Jun Cabillar

8. Asa Paingon? — Manolito Languido

9. Sa Ngalan Sa Nasud — Dennis Martin

10. Bugtawon Ang Kagahapon — Fr. Ponce Jed Bellones

11. Bulawanong Tambag — Danilo Abapo

12. Tim-os Kong Gugma — Jun Cabillar

This year’s Screening Committee was composed of multi-media personality Sam Costanilla, singer/organist Ben Roque, choir trainer Tony Montefalcon, CNU professor Dr. Marita Omega Nalam, The FREEMAN lifestyle columnist Archie Modequillo, radio/TV scriptwriter Cora Rosales Jayma, 2008 grand prize winner Jude Gitamondoc, RIAS, RPO-7 staff SPO4 Mark Nadanza, Danao City Central School teacher Rolando Galindo, lounge singer Baby Condeno, businessman Frank Japson and Bayawan City supervising admin and information officer Eli Manlangit.  

The Cebu Pop Music was started by Cebu first district Representative Eduardo Gullas in 1981 to preserve and promote Cebuano music.

Among the products of the festival that have made names for themselves in the national and international scene are Sheryn Regis, Ana Fegi, Raki Vega, Vina Morales, Chad Borja and Joan Almedilla of the Miss Saigon fame. — Ryan Mark/LPM