The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu once again became the stage for faith expressed through music as the 14th HuNiño: Huni Halad Alang Kang Señor Santo Niño unfolded on August 27, 2025, at the Santo Niño Pilgrim Center.

Since its inception in 2007, HuNiño has remained an original songwriting competition dedicated to deepening devotion to the Holy Child, bringing together composers, arrangers, and interpreters whose heartfelt melodies serve as prayers of love and faith.

In its 14th year, the Songwriting Competition Concert Night featured 12 talented finalists who graced the stage with their original compositions. Each performance not only showcasing musical artistry but also serving as a sincere devotion to Señor Santo Niño de Cebu.

Emerging as the Grand Champion, Irineo C. Hernandez III captivated the audience with his heartfelt rendition of ‘Batang Hari (Aming Señor Santo Niño),’ where he shone as the composer, lyricist, musical arranger, and interpreter of his own piece.

For Hernandez, this victory was far beyond expectation.

“First time ko sumali dito, kumbaga parang unexpected. Taga Maynila kasi ako…kaming mga kasama ko, isa lang ang goal namin: pagsilbihan si Santo Niño through the songs. Bonus na lang ‘to ang pagkapanalo,” he shared.

When asked about the inspiration for his song, he humbly shared that it came from his devotion.

“Siyempre, yung inspiration ko si Santo Niño. Bata pa lang ako, si Santo Niño nakamulatan ko na—kaya ko siya sinulat. Kahit noong hindi pa ako sigurado sa sarili ko, para kay Santo Niño, sige gagawin ko ‘to,” he explained.

Hernandez also left an encouraging message for his fellow musicians and devotees:

“We all deserve to win the competition. Panalo kami lahat dito. Gawa lang tayo nang gawa ng kanta para kay Santo Niño. Hindi lang kay Santo Niño, at para sa iba pa. Find inspiration in what you are doing.”

The second place was secured through the inspiring performance of “Santo Niño, Himayaon Ka” by Katrina V. Bacalso, musical arranger, Jundel Bacalso and interpreters, Klyss Gia Cabańero, Trisha Anne Bontigao and Myrgen Santillan.

Meanwhile, third place went to “Until I Found You,” composed by Jundel A. Bacalso, music arranged by Sean Gonzales and interpreted by Neńa Marie Gail P. Taborada.

Special awards were also given, namely: Best in Lyric Video winner was awarded to “Until I Found You,” while the Best Interpreter Award was given to “Santo Niño Himayaon.”

Beyond the awards and recognitions, the 14th HuNiño became a celebration of the steadfast devotion and faith expressed through music. Each participant, whether declared a winner or not, offered their talents as a prayer and a melody of love echoing the devotion to the Holy Child.

HuNiño is not just about winning, but about celebrating faith and touching lives through music.

As each note is inscribed, the harmonies o love and faith for the Holy Child, Señor Santo Niño, radiate eternally within the hearts of His devotees. /Erika Faith Labares and Regina De La Cerna, Creative Arts Ministry (CAM)

More photos at https://tinyurl.com/bdcc45rb