CEBU, Philippines - Twelve songs dedicated to the Child Jesus will vie for the grand prize next week.
Now on its eighth year, Huniño song festival gathers local talents.
Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu rector Father Jonas Mejares said this year’s song fest revives live accompaniment to create a livelier finals night, happening on August 27.
“Sa mga niaging tuig, medyo nawagtang ang live accompaniment. We used to have orchestra. Mao nay atong ihinay og balik,” Mejares said.
A live band will be tapped for next week’s grand finals.
The song titles where this year’s Huniño winning song will be plucked from include “Nagpasalamat Kami,” “Sto. Niño, Isalig Ko Kanimo,” “Isalig Ang Tanan,” “Unta Agakon Mo,” “My Little King,” “Pag-ampo,” “To You Alone I Pray,” “Misalig Ko,” “Sto. Niño, Giyahi Ako,” “Kay Ikaw Misaad,” “Viva Sto. Niño,” “Buhi Nga Hari.”
“Nagpasalamat Kami” is written, composed and arranged by Russel Alegado, and interpreted by Necie Diaz.
“Sto. Niño, Isalig Ko Kanimo” is composed by Lizette Abellana, written by Emmanuel Abellana, arranged by Russel Alegado, and interpreted by Froilan Amal Jr.
“Isalig Ang Tanan” is composed by Carlo Niño Alcantara, written by Jundel Bacalso, arranged by Nendel Endrina, and interpreted by One4God.
“Unta Agakon Mo” is composed by Lloyd Christian Chiong, with lyricist Alvin Gantuangco, arranger Russel Alegado and interpreter Michelle G. Udang.
“My Little King” is written and composed by Candy Limbaga, arranged by Juni Jay Tinambacan, and interpreted by Marie Frances Angelica Limbaga.
“Pag-ampo” is composed and written by Rene Campomanes, arranged by Nendel Endrina, interpreted by Danica Caballes, Rene Campomanes, and Medi Baculpo.
“To You Alone I Pray” is composed and written by Mary Jean Saile, arranged by Nendel Endrina, and interpreted by Gerlyn Ville Abaño.
“Misalig Ko” is composed and written by Reinfred Adolfo, arranged by Nendel Endrina, and interpreted by Pasakalye Dos.
“Sto. Niño, Giyahi Ako” is composed and written by Yoojin Burgos, arranged by Russel Alegado, and interpreted by Analyn Manlise.
“Kay Ikaw Misaad” is composed by Neil Salarda, written by John Peterson Villarin, arranged by Neil Salarda, and interpreted by Jose Gomora Jr.
“Viva Sto. Niño” is composed and written by Jundel Bacalso, arranged by Nendel Endrina, and interpreted by The VOW SINGERS.
“Buhi Nga Hari” is composed and written by Michaed Dax Barlaan, arranged by Melvin Corpin and interpreted by Los Cantantes. —/NSA (FREEMAN)