The Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) of Jesuit Communications (JesCom) celebrated a new generation of Filipino liturgical songwriters at the awarding and press conference of the first-ever ” Purihi’t Pasalamatan” National Songwriting Competition, held on October 22, 2025 at Kalle 5, Quezon City.

The competition honored original liturgical compositions that express prayer and thanksgiving through music –continuing the legacy of Fr. Eduardo P. Hontiveros, SJ, regarded as the Father of Filipino Liturgical Music, whose pioneering works gave voice to the Filipino faithful in worship and prayer.

In his message, Fr. Nono Alfonso, SJ, Executive Director of JesCom, encouraged young composers to write music that helps the faithful pray and worship together.

The Preliminary Round panel featured respected composers and church musicians Norman Agatep. Kenneth Dacanay, and Aldo Joson, who helped select the finalists for the Finals Board of Judges led by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ (Chairman), with Prof. Alejandro Consolacion Il, Dra. Maria Theresa Vizconde-Roldan, Prof. Jude B. Roldan, Fr. Fruto Ramirez, SJ, and Fr. Nemesio Que, SJ.

Six finalists were recognized for their inspiring works:

Halad Pasalamat – Jundel Bacalso, LYRe

Ang Arong Mga Halad – Bryan Angelo Bisin & Nathaniel Cabaňero, Koro Crescendo

Magtipon Bayan ng Diyos – Fr. Leo Alaras, Coro Recoleto

Tayo’y Mags/awit at Magpuri – Erwin Vargas, Ambassadors for Christ Chamber Singers

Umawit ang Sambayanan – Jay-El Viteño, The Eastern Chamber Singers

We Come to You – Anthony Villanueva & Joel Zaporteza, Kammerchor Manila

The winners are:

First Prize- “We Come to You”‘ by Anthony Go Villanueva and Joel Zaporteza, performed by
Kammerchor Manila (P100,000 and a plaque of recognition)

Second Prize – “Umawit ang Sambayanan” by Jay-EI Blaza Viteño, performed by The
Eastern Chamber Singers (P50,000 and a plaque of recognition)

Third Prize – “Tayo’y Magsiawit at Magpuri” by Erwin D. Vargas, performed by Ambassadors for Christ Chamber Singers (P30,000 and a plaque of recognition).

The evening also featured reflections on Fr. Hontiveros’ profound impact on Filipino liturgical music and a call to the next generation of composers to continue writing songs of faith and worship.

Looking ahead, the “Purihi’t Pasalamatan” National Songwriting Competition will be held every two years continuing JMM’s mission to nurture Filipino composers and inspire new music for worship.

About “Purihi’t Pasalamatan”

The Purihi’t Pasalamatan National Songwriting Competition was launched by the Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) to discover and promote original Filipino liturgical compositions hat uphold the vision of Fr. Eduardo P. Hontiveros, SJ- fostering prayerful, participatory, and distinctly Filipino worship music.

About Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM)

The Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) is the official music ministry of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus. Under Jesuit Communications (JesCom), it produces and promotes liturgical and inspirational music that deepens faith and builds community. Through its artists publications, and music formation programs, JMM continues to be at the forefront of evangelization through song.

Email: jmm.director@jescom.ph
Website: www.jescom.ph
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