24th Marian Song Festival now open

CEBU, Philippines - The World Apostolate of Fatima of the Philippines - Cebu Archdiocesan Division is now accepting entries for the 24th Original Marian Song Festival, which will be held on September 8, 2009 at the CAP Conference Hall along Osmeña Boulevard.

This year song festival, dubbed “Gasa Kang Mama Maria,” aims to pay tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary on her birthday.

WAF Cebu President Amelita Guaren clarified OMSF is not a competition but an offering to the Blessed Virgin. In fact, singers, lyricist and composers participating in the contest will not receive cash awards but a simple token of appreciation.

“Through the songs, we exalt and promote Mary`s virtues especially her humility so that people may imitate them,” Guaren said.

Entries to the festival must be original from the lyrics to the melody. The use of traditional Marian prayers as lyrics is discouraged, but they can be paraphrased and used. 

Compositions can be in Pilipino, Cebuano of English. Each entry must only be for four minutes and must not have been popularized before July 15, 2008.

Guaren said all participating songwriters should express their consent for the executive committee to choose the genre, form, meter, arrangement, tempo, rhythm and instrumentation, among others.

She said all submitted compositions shall become the property of WAF and may be used during the organization’s seminars and meetings.

Entries may be submitted on or before July 31, 2009 at the WAF office located at the second floor of Patria de Cebu Building in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral along P. Burgos Street. Interested parties may contact the office through 412-1477. — Emee C. Lucena/JMO (THE FREEMAN)