Visayan Music Awards Reveals Top 10 Finalists

    The Visayan Music Awards (VizMA) has released its Top Ten (10) Finalists for its songwriting competition. Organized by the Sacred Heart School for Boys Batch 1985 Foundation Inc., and endorsed by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, VizMA aims to recognize men and women who have played an important role in the promotion of the Visayan language, culture and music.

   The finalists are set to perform a live rendition of their song with the Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra at the inaugural Visayan Music Awards Finals Night on July 27, 7PM at the Oakridge Pavilion, Mandaue City. Artists Karencitta and Max Surban are also set to grace the event with host Giselle Sanchez.

    “We originally planned to select seven winners but eventually decided to increase the pool to 10 to recognize all the excellent composers who placed so much effort into the competition and best represent Visayan culture and music,” said VizMA Project Chairperson Barney Borja.

   “We had the best music arrangers and musicians in the country review each of the songs over several weeks. We also flew artists across the country to arrange and produce their songs. This year’s song finalists genuinely show the beauty, breadth and variety of Visayan music. We are all very happy with the outcome,” he added.

      Over 500 songs were submitted in VizMA’s pioneering year including entries from a Catholic priest, a court stenographer and a practicing lawyer. The Grand Prize winner will receive Php100,000; Php 75,000 and Php 50,000 for the Second and Third Placers, respectively; and Php 10,000 each for the Fourth to Tenth Placers. The finalists will also receive a scholarship worth Php 150,000 from Thames International's Innovation and Creative Enterprise Program (ICE).

 The composers and song interpreters of Top 10 VizMA finalists
Singer-Songwriter Ferdinand Aragon who wrote Matag Piraso delivered a soul-wrenching performance during VizMA’s Media night.
Dave Smith and Atty. George Laurente interpreted the Durados' Balitaw
Two of the creative minds behind VizMA - Mr. Barney Borja and Mr. Kenneth Cobunpue - both are successful members of Batch '85.

For tickets and questions about VizMA, visit its official Facebook account. See you at Oakridge this Saturday!