Cebu Pop Music Festival 2026 Celebrates Musical Excellence in Grand Finals
The vibrant sounds of Cebuano music echoed through the University of the Visayas Gymnasium in Cebu City on January 16, 2026, as the Cebu Popular Music Festival held its highly anticipated Grand Finals night. This prestigious event, now in its 44th year, once again demonstrated the profound cultural impact and artistic diversity of Bisaya music, transcending generational and geographical boundaries.
Honoring Tradition and Innovation
Held in conjunction with the annual Sinulog festivities, the festival serves as a musical offering to Señor Sto. Niño, whose enduring devotion continues to inspire composers from all walks of life. Presented by the New Cebu Arts Foundation Inc., this year's competition paid special tribute to the late Eduardo R. Gullas, revered as the Father of Cebu Pop, whose lifelong advocacy for original Cebuano music has shaped countless songwriters.
Romantic Ballad Category Winner: A Dream Realized
In the Harana or Romantic Ballad category, top honors were awarded to John Ryan Panuncialman of Carcar City for his heartfelt composition "Ikaw Gihapon." The song, arranged by Jan Eric Casas, is rooted in an unspoken affection from Panuncialman's senior high school years.
"It was many years back. I liked a girl but couldn't tell her how I felt, so I just put it into a song," Panuncialman revealed after the awards ceremony. Although this marked his first time entering Cebu Pop as a composer, he is no stranger to major competitions, having previously won Sinulog Idol in 2024 and participated in past festivals as an interpreter.
This year's milestone saw Panuncialman performing his own composition for the first time, an achievement that also earned him the Best Interpreter Award. "At first, I never really expected to win. Joining Cebu Pop has always been a dream," he shared emotionally. His winning entry triumphed over other notable songs including "Akong Harana," "Akong Inday," "Haranahan Ko Ikaw," "Pasumbingay," and "Bulan."
B-Pop Dance Category: Perseverance Rewarded
The Bisaya Pop (B-Pop) Dance category showcased the evolving sound of contemporary Cebuano music, blending modern rhythms with authentic Bisaya lyrics. This year's winner was Atty. Archie Lesiguez, a Tacloban-based composer who finally claimed victory on his fifth appearance in the finals with the song "Ikaw Ra."
"I told myself this would be my last try," Lesiguez admitted, highlighting his determination. Having participated in the festival since 2012, he drew inspiration from enduring relationships, noting "I see couples who are still together even after many years of marriage. They still choose each other every day."
Performed by Francheska Luise Empino and arranged by Neil Salarda, "Ikaw Ra" outperformed other entries such as "Sa Cebu Ra Ni," "Paso," "In Love Sa Torpe," "Dili Palabi," and "Magkadayun Sa Puhon."
Special Recognition for Lyrical Excellence
Adding to the night's accolades, the entry "Sa Cebu Ra Ni" by Vicente Roco received the Best Lyric Video award, celebrating outstanding visual storytelling that complements musical composition. This recognition underscores the festival's commitment to honoring all aspects of artistic creation in Cebuano music.
The 2026 Cebu Popular Music Festival not only crowned deserving winners from Carcar City and Tacloban but also reinforced its role as a vital platform for nurturing and promoting the rich tapestry of Bisaya musical heritage. As the festival continues to evolve, it remains a beacon for artists who celebrate love, life, and cultural identity through the universal language of music.
