Visayas talents shine in Himo’g Huni 2025
The spirit of Bisaya music took center stage as the Himo’g Huni Ika-Pito nga Hugna Original Songwriting Competition concluded with resounding success on April 28, 2025, at the Island City Mall Activity Center, as part of the official Saulog Tagbilaran 2025 festival calendar.
Now in its 7th year, the competition drew over 200 entries from across the Visayas region, celebrating original Bisaya compositions that reflect the creativity, struggles, and passions of local artists.
Eight finalists were selected to perform their songs live before a panel of judges and a cheering audience.
Emerging as Grand Winner was 22-year-old Jun Vincent Sararaña of Tuyom, Carcar City, Cebu, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) student at the University of Cebu.
His song, “Baklay,” which also earned the Best in Lyricism award, narrates the journey of every dreamer—especially struggling artists—who persist in pursuing their passion despite hardship.
“Baklay is a song for those who continue to walk the long road to their dreams,” Sararaña shared. “It speaks of those, who, despite difficulties, hold on to their belief in themselves, supported by friends who serve as fuel to keep going. It’s a tribute to imagination, self-belief, and resilience. Para ni’s inyo, agaw—uban ta’ng magbaklay aning lasang!” he added.
The First Runner-Up award went to Medelito Matedios Baculpo for his composition “Wa Gyuy Paglubad,” interpreted by Jewel Villaflores and Domedi, while Second Runner-Up went to Hidle Lyn Resurrecion and Dennis Martin for their piece “Gitakda,” also performed by Resurrecion.
The song was likewise awarded Best in Melody.
The Best Interpreter award was presented to Tex Hipolitus Padas and Jessyl Padas for their heartfelt rendition of “Bisaya’ng Pinulungan.”
Mayor Jane Yap, who graced the program, commended the competition’s founder, Fr. Val Pinlac, and organizing head Mr. Joseph Gara for their unwavering commitment to promoting local music and culture.
“Himo’g Huni has become a beacon of hope and a platform for young artists across the Visayas to be heard and celebrated,” Mayor Yap said.
She also announced that the winning performers will be featured during the upcoming ‘Maoy sa Mayo’ on May 4, 2025, giving them the opportunity to share their music with an even broader audience.
Himo’g Huni continues to be a signature component of Saulog Tagbilaran, fostering pride in Bisaya identity and empowering local talents through the power of original music.
Congratulations to Jun Vincent Sararaña, 22-year-old student from Carcar City, Cebu, who took home the top prize in the Himo’g Huni Ika-Pito nga Hugna Original Songwriting Competition on April 28, 2025, at Island City Mall during Saulog Tagbilaran 2025. His impactful original song “Baklay,” which also won Best in Lyricism, resonated with the audience through its powerful message of perseverance and self-belief. Contributed photo\]
Tagbilaran City celebrates St. Joseph in grand fluvial procession
Tagbilaran City once again came together in faith, festivity, and fellowship for one of the most beloved traditions of the Saulog Festival — the Fluvial Procession in honor of St. Joseph the Worker, held on April 29, 2025.
Devotees swept through the city as the day began with a Holy Mass at 7:15 AM at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Shrine-Parish.
Families and individuals gathered to offer prayers to the patron saint known to many as the silent protector of Tagbilaran.
At 9:00 AM, the faithful lined up on the streets as the image of St. Joseph was on a mobile procession, passing through familiar city landmarks like Plaza Rizal, BQ Mall, and CPG Avenue, before making its way to the PPA-Tagbilaran Port.
Devotees followed the convoy in prayer which is a moving testament to how deeply this tradition resonates with the people.
Then came the Fluvial Parade, which set sail from the port at 10:00 AM.
A fleet of colorfully adorned boats escorted the patron saint through Causeway Bay, stopping briefly at Parola, before making its ceremonial landing at the K of C Promenade.
From the water, the boats shimmered like floating altars, carrying not just the image of St. Joseph but the prayers and hopes of an entire community.
At around 11:30 AM, the image of Saint Joseph at the promenade was greeted by the Saulog Welcome Dance, a lively performance symbolizing the city’s joyful homage.
Dancers in traditional attire swayed in harmony, and the energy was palpable — a blend of spirituality and celebration that only Saulog could deliver.
Earlier in the month, the community had already been in spiritual preparation through the Novena Masses, which began on April 22, 2025, at the Cathedral.
These were made possible through the joint sponsorship of both public and private sectors, highlighting the shared devotion that transcends titles and affiliations.
The program also featured the announcement and awarding of winners for the Bugsay Making and Designing Contest 2025, recognizing the creativity of local artists and crafters who used oars (“bugsay”) as canvases to tell stories of faith and identity.
Mayor Jane Yap, who has long championed cultural and spiritual unity, noted how this year’s theme — “One with the World” — speaks volumes about what it means to be Tagbilaranon today. “In honoring our patron saint, we also open our hearts to the global community. Our values of faith, family, and resilience are not just local virtues — they are universal,” she shared.
As the scent of candles lingered and boats slowly returned to shore, what remained was the unmistakable spirit of a city united — by water, by worship, and by love for St. Joseph.
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap expressed heartfelt gratitude and unity in her message following the fluvial procession honoring St. Joseph the Worker on April 29, 2025. At the K of C Promenade, Mayor Yap highlighted the city’s deep-rooted faith and the significance of this year’s theme, “One with the World,” which embodies the solidarity that unites Tagbilaranons locally and globally. Contributed photo