43rd Cebu popular Music Festival

The 43rd Cebu Popular Music Festival was a celebration of everything that makes Visayan music special — faith, devotion and the magic of falling in love. This year, 12 original songs came to life, each one a reflection of the Cebuanos’ incredible talent and their devotion to Santo Niño. On Jan.

17, 2025, the University of the Visayas’s gymnasium was filled with heartfelt melodies as finalists poured their souls into their performances. Organized by the New Cebu Arts Foundation Inc. and former Cebu governor Eduardo R.



Gullas, the festival brought us two remarkable winners: “Sobra Ra, Sobra Na” in the Young Songwriters Category and “Ikaduha” in the Love Song Category. Winners The Young Songwriters Category Grand Champion, “Sobra Ra, Sobra Na,” is a heartfelt collaboration by Eunice Lasola, Charles Laspiñas (composer), Karl Otida, Eunice Lasola (lyricists), Charles Laspiñas (arranger) and Janeen Ugang (interpreter). The group shared that their creative journey began at the San Pedro Calungsod Shrine, where they first met through their shared connection with the church.

“Growing up, I saw how my mom’s emotional needs weren’t always met, and I think the lyrics just flowed naturally from that experience. Maybe it’s because my mom taught me to be empathetic,” shared Eunice, one of the lyricists. For Charles, the experience was deeply spiritual.

“Before going there, I prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary to guide everyone involved. Now that it’s happened, it still feels like a dream,” he said with awe. As the song’s interpreter, 17-year-old Janeen admitted the challenge of delivering such an emotionally weighty piece.

“It was tough because the lyrics carry so much depth for someone my age. But when you’re on stage and see the audience, you become the character. You feel the emotions behind the lyrics because you know these experiences are real for some people.

You have to honor that and give justice to the song,” she explained. Meanwhile, in the Love Song Category, “Ikaduha” captured the hearts of the audience and emerged as the grand champion. The song is a collaboration by Paul Rosa (composer and lyricist), Neil Salarda (arranger) and interpreters Jan Francis Alinsonorin, Jovie Loon and Dave Alcano.

“Our group was formed through The Voice Generations Philippines on GMA. We decided to create a trio here in Cebu because it’s rare to see trios — most performances are either solo or duos. Kuya Paul gave us the chance to sing his song, and when we tried it out, the harmony just clicked,” the trio shared.

Composer Paul Rosa revealed that he had submitted the song in last year’s festival, but it didn’t make the cut. In hindsight, he sees it as a blessing. “At first, I lost hope, but I kept reminding myself that my song was good, and I created it for people who could relate to it.

Now, it feels like it was meant for this year because it’s even more relevant. I’m so grateful my interpreters brought it to life in a way that exceeded my expectations,” he shared. The trio also expressed how much they had longed to perform at the Cebu Pop Music Festival.

“It’s been our dream for a long time to perform at Cebu Pop. We’re so thankful Kuya Paul chose us for this song. At first, it was supposed to be just for fun, but we never expected to make it this far.

Our goal was simply to enjoy the experience,” they said. Prior to the announcement of the grand winners, Mary Therese Jade Damos was awarded Best Interpreter for her heartfelt performance. She expressed gratitude to her composer, Fr.

Lyndon Ruiz, saying, “This song is for everyone — for those in marriage, relationships and those who have loved and been hurt. This is my first time joining Cebu Pop, and I prepared by praying and practicing.” Meanwhile, the Best Lyrical Video Award was given to “Batan-ong Sugboanon,” a collaboration by Nicholas Ygot Yu (composer), Jennifer Milloria Ygot (lyricist) and Klarylle May Dumancas (interpreter), which was praised for its creative visual storytelling.

Each performance reflected the depth of emotion, faith and artistry that continue to make Cebu Pop a cherished tradition. As the curtain closes on another successful year, the festival leaves behind melodies and memories that will surely echo for years to come. S.