Song makes history at 7th Huniño

CEBU, Philippines - For the first time, an English song won in the Huniño “Huni Halad Alang Kang Señor Santo Niño” original songwriting contest.

Eugene Tan’s “I’ll Always Turn to You” bested 11 other finalists in bagging the grand prize of the 7th edition of the annual competition held at the Basilica del Sto. Niño Pilgrim Center Tuesday night.

“First time nakadaog ko sa (for me to win in the) Huniño. Historical pa gyud ni kay mao ni first English song nga nakadaog,” he said.

The winning piece, with Atty. Vicente Roco as lyricist and Russel Alegado as the arranger, was interpreted by HuniSugbo’s Wilson Po, Daryl Shane Leong, and Benjie Layos.

HuniSugbo was also awarded as the best interpreter.

Tan told The FREEMAN that the Sto. Niño is his inspiration in making the song, God being the one who gave him the gifts and talents he has.

He recalled that Roco gave him the lyrics last March yet since they are supposed to submit it in the event’s usual April staging, which was moved to August. After receiving the lyrics, he immediately worked on the tune, never expecting that what he made matched perfectly with the lyrics.

Tan said that every year he submits entries but this is the first time he won the grand prize.  He was a finalist in the first and fifth staging of the competition.

He admitted he had his doubts since his entry is in English.  After winning, he realized a song actually has no language preference since it is universal.

“Lipay na ko bisag ma-third prize ani; okay na gyud na, at least ang message sa song ma-spread and ma-share sa public. But God is really good, that He let us win the grand prize,” Tan said.

He had his share of trials prior to the event, but was grateful and delighted for the success, which he said was due to their combined efforts.

“Naa dyuy kakuli-an ming nahi-agoman, kay ang akong singer si Daryl gisip-on the night before sa finals. Si Benjie namatyan sa iyang pinakapinanggang lolo. Wa siya nagpahibawo naku, pero human niya’g perform, diha na siya nisulti ug nihilak og maayo,” Tan said.

 â€œDili gyud ta magsalig sa atong abilidad ug capability as a person. Aside from you, there are a lot of people who make a song possible; everybody works for it, everyone is blessed who made the song possible,” he added.

Tan, 39, discovered his love for song writing when he was 17. His first exposure was during the First Cebu Glory Song Writing Contest in 1999. Last year, his composition “Ulan”, also performed  by HuniSugbo, won the grand prize in the Cebu Pop Music Festival.

Tan also makes jingles; his clients include ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Mas Winner Ka”, Captain A Seafood Grill, Well-made Motors, Catleya Gardens and Memorial Parks.

“Santo Nino, Gasa Alang Kanamo”, composed by Niño James Bañares with Virgilio Amistad  as lyricist; Melvin Corpin, arranger; and Dan Valentin Escasinas III, interpreter, took second prize.  “Ania Ako” by Harold Jay Toreno (composer), Jundel Bacalso (lyricist), Nendel Endrina (arranger) and Trescendos (interpreter) won third place.  Trescendos comprises Joefel Panilaga, Jundel Bacalso, and Alvin Gantuangco.

Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino Rector Jonas Mejares, OSA, said that the event was a “great musical expression of faith.”

“(The) various composers… were able to transcend the limits of words and musical notes – all for the love of the Santo Nino. I was so happy to see a huge number of devotees to the Holy Child wanting to listen to the newly composed songs for Sto. Nino and to see their interpreters,” Mejares said.

The show started with a good production number that was sustained all throughout the contest.  Mejares said it was a product of collective effort, and thanked the staff of Soundtraxx and of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino. He likewise gave praise to the Holy Child for the good weather.

Mejares, a singing priest with a powerful voice, also said he was equally delighted to learn he shared the stage with Apple Abarquez, a former Pinoy Dream Academy scholar, and Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4 champion Roel Manlangit.

He added that the judges did a good job in selecting the top three winners.

Completing the 12 finalists are the following: “Managlahi Man Ang Pagtuo” by Erwin Lirazan; “Mag-ambahan Sa Panaw Sa Pagtuo” by Manolito Languido;  “Ikaw Lamang O Sr. Sto. Niño” by Rev. Fr. Lyndon Ruiz; “Santo Niño O’ Santo Niño” by Dennis Martin and Joseph Delima; “Santo Niño, Among Manlalaban” by Rommel Ambi and Rev. Fr. Ponce Jed Bellones; “Sto. Niño, Batobalani Ka Sa Gugma” by Medelito Baculpo; “Santo Niño, Among Ginoo” by Ritchie Gonzale;, “Salamat Sa Iyo O’ Señor Sto. Niño” by Mary Jane Saile; and “Batang Balaan” by Godwin Monserate and Justina Besin.

Mejares said they chose song pieces that can be used and sang by parishioners during the entrance song or any part of the Mass.

He said they are planning to have a live band to accompanying the performers next year and an orchestra by 2015.

Aside from trophies, winners also received P50,000 (grand prize), P30,000 (second place), P20,000 (third place).

The Best Interpreter, on the other hand, got P10,000. Each of the magic 12 finalists automatically got P5,000 plus a plaque.

Last year’s grand winner (Balaang Sto. Nico, Ang Giya Ko) was a collaborative masterpiece of lyricist Ian Gerome Perpetua and composer Kurl Francis Dedumo. — (FREEMAN)