Maintaining the rich heritage of Filipino liturgical music, the Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) recently presented the winners of the Purihi’t Pasalamatan National Songwriting Competition at Kalle 5 in Quezon City.
From 149 entries, six finalists advanced to the last round of judging, with three winners named:
- 1st Prize: ‘We Come To You’ by Anthony Go Villanueva and Joel Zaporteza, performed by Kammerchor Manila
- 2nd Prize: ‘Umawit ang Sambayanan’ by Jay-El Blaza Viteño, performed by the Eastern Chamber Singers
- 3rd Prize: ‘Tayo’y Magsiawit at Magpuri’ by Erwin Vargas, performed by the Ambassadors for Christ Chamber Singers
The other finalists—’Halad Pasalamat’ by Jundel Bacalso and LYRe; ‘Ang Among Mga Halad’ by Bryan Angelo Bisin, Nathaniel Cabañero, and Koro Crescendo; and ‘Magtipon Bayan ng Diyos’ by Fr. Leo Alaras and Coco Recoleto—were also recognized during the awards ceremony.
Sharing the inspiration for the top-winning piece, Villanueva said: “Actually, nung cocompose ako on the spot ko siya ginawa, my inspiration kasi with that song is meron ako tinatapos na mass for St. James, sinabihan ko si Joel na gumawa ng english text na mga kanta, nung tinitingan ko na yung mga lyrics na sinulat niya dun na nag-akma yung song.”
The Finals Board of Judges was chaired by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, with Prof. Alejandro Consolacion II, Dra. Maria Theresa Vizconde-Roldan, Prof. Jude Roldan, Fr. Fruto Ramirez, SJ, and Fr. Nemesio Que, SJ. Preliminary screening was conducted by church musicians Norman Agatep, Kenneth Dacanay, and Aldo Jopson.
Organizers said the competition encourages a new generation of composers to write meaningful, singable liturgical music that bridges Filipino faith and culture.
