Hymn of mercy wins 9th Niño song contest

Hunino winners Benjie Layos (far right) and Roy Racaza (2nd from left) on stage with Fr. Jonas Mejares, OSA (center) and Cebuana singer Raki Vega (far left) after the competition last Friday. (PHOTO BY BRITZ BRIONES)

A prayer hymn seeking  God’s mercy and help won in the 9th Huniño or Huni Halad Alang Kang Señor Sto. Niño grand finals at the Cebu Coliseum last Friday.

The song titled “Santo Niño, Tabangi ug Kaloy-i Kami” got the highest score from the panel of judges composed of renowned composers and musicians in Cebu as well as priests of  the Order of St. Augustine.

The winning piece was composed by Dennis Martin, arranged by Ralph Cabusas, and interpreted by Benjie Layos, a veteran singer and theater actor.

It was the second time in three years for  Layos to sing the winning piece in the annual original songwriting competition in honor of the child Jesus.

Taking second place was the song “Sto Niño, Hope of the People” composed by Emanuel Abellana.

“Hope In You, Sto. Niño” by Diomedes O. Licmo-an finished third.

Ivy Mar Richter, who likewise composed “Maghari Ka,” was named the Best Interpreter.

All 12 finalists received t P10,000 each.

The grand prize winner brought home P50,000.

The first runner-up received P30,000, and the second runner-up got P20,000.

All  fifteen entries are  included in a CD album sold at the Basilica del Sto. Niño’s religious store.

Aside from the performance of Cebu’s top  singers  interpreting the compositions, special guests sang  hymns during the grand finals night — Anna Fegi, Raki Vega, and Maria Donna.

The three homegrown talents impressed the audience when they sang a medley of Disney songs alongside singing

Augustinian priest and composer Fr. Jonas Mejares, OSA.

Legendary Cebuano songwriter and singer Max Surban also entertained the crowd.

Fr. Dan delos Angeles and Maryrose Villcasatin-Maghuyop hosted the event.

Unlike the previous Huniños which were held at the open-air pilgrim center of the Basilica del Sto. Niño, Mejares said they decided to transfer the event indoors to the Cebu Coliseum.

“In the past years, there were instances that it really rained so hard during the event. So in order to address this, we agreed to hold the event in a place where the participants and audience won’t get drenched in case of rain,” he explained.