9th Huniño finals tonight

CEBU, Philippines - Now on its ninth year, the Huniño: Huni Halad Alang Kang Señor Santo Niño will hold its finals tonight at 7 at the Cebu Coliseum.

Twelve compositions will battle it out to be proclaimed the Huniño 2015 grand champion. The winner will receive a reward of P50,000, while the second and third placers will get P30,000 and P20,000, respectively. The Best Interpreter will take home P5,000. All finalists will be awarded P10,000 each.

Huniño project director Gloria Villarojo said that while the annual event has been traditionally held at the open area of Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu Pilgrim Center, they decided to mount it this year at the Cebu Coliseum so that participants and the audience won't be inconvenienced in case of a downpour.

The songwriting competition's longevity is testament to the Cebuanos' innate musicality and unwavering faith in the Holy Child, Villarojo added. It also illustrates how the Cebuano music industry remains thriving.

Among this year's guest performers is Basilica rector, Father Jonas Mejares.

World-renowned Cebuana Divas Maria Donna (Shanghai Asia Music Festival 2006 Grand Prize winner), Raki Vega (ABS-CBN's Grand Champion Ultimate Born Diva and Hong Kong Disneyland performer) and Ana Fegi, (former ABS-CBN artist and international cruise performer) will also showcase their vocal prowess. Villarojo said the three female singers took time out of their busy calendars to perform in the event as their way of showing gratitude for their individual successes here and abroad.

1.            SANTO NIÑO, TABANGI ug KALOY-I KAMI

                Composer / Lyricist: Dennis Martin

                Arranger: Ralph Joey Cabusas

                Interpreter: Benjie Layos

2.            STO. NIÑO, MAGHARI KA

                Composer / Lyricist: Medelito Baculpo

                Arranger: Nendel Edrina

                Interpreter: Christian Cayobit, Dan Escasinas, Peter Guisadio

3.            PASAYLOA

                Composer / Lyricist: Peter Flordelis

                Arranger: Elvis Somosot

                Interpreter: Arman Mahinay

4.            AWIT SA KALIPAY

                Composer / Lyricist: Lloyd Christian Chiong

                Arranger: Nendel Endrina

                Interpreters: Rhythmic Praises

                (Lloyd Christian Chiong, Jundel Bacalso, Alvin Gantuangco,  Regelene Catubig and Marian Ruth                   Ogdoc)

5.            SANTO NIÑO, HOPE OF THE PEOPLE

                Composer / Lyricist: Emmanuel Abellana

                Arranger: Russel Alegado

                Interpreter: Roy Lotfel B. Racaza

6.            IPAMULONG MO LANG

                Composer: Kerstine A. Paglinawan

                Lyricist: Rowena Dela Cruz

                Arranger: Ralph Joey Cabusas

                Interpreter: Kerstine A. Paglinawan

7.            STO. NIÑO, BATANG GAMHANAN

                Composer / Lyricist: Marion Cabudlan

                Arranger: Elvis Somosot

                Interpreter: Marion "Matet" Cabudlan

8.            HOPE IN YOU, SANTO NIÑO  

                Composer:  Diomedes O. Licmo-an

                Lyricists:  Lourdes Millete S. Licmo-an, Lelita D. Caballes

                Arranger: Nendel Endrina

                Interpreter: Thomas John Castanares

                Back-up Vocals:  Aloisa Kemberly Alegres, Jane Rica and Adrian Buctuanon

 9.           MAGHARI KA    

                Composer / Lyricist: Ivy Mae Cabudlan-Richter

                Arranger: Elvis Somosot

                Interpreter: Ivy Mae C. Richter

10.          BATANG GIGASA

                Composer: Yoojin Raye, Anthony Burgos

                Lyricist: Russel Alegado

                Arranger: Russel Alegado

                Interpreter: Johnel Bucog

11.          SANTO NIÑO, PAGLAUM KO

                Composer / Lyricist: Manolito D. Languido

                Arranger: Russel Alegado

                Interpreter: Johanella Mae Languido

12.          I SHALL HAVE LIFE AGAIN

                Composer / Lyricist: Vicente Roco

                Arranger: Russel Alegado

                Interpreter: Japril Yap