Jesuit Communications (JesCom) emerged victorious at the 45th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA), bagging two prestigious honors for its standout projects this year.
Representing the media arm of the Society of Jesus’ Philippine Province at the official awarding ceremonies for the 45th CMMAs were JMM Director Lester Mendiola, JMM Coordinator Rey Malipot, and Production Manager Ernestine Tamana, joined by Special Projects and Publications Officer Editha Sablan.
The event, held at the Citystate Tower Hotel last November 23, 2023, was live-streamed via the official CMMA Facebook page and simulcast on multiple TV Maria platforms.
Bringing home the title of “Best TV Special” was “Visita Iglesia”, JesCom’s Holy Week special that aired last Holy Wednesday, April 5 on CNN Philippines. “Visita Iglesia” bested six other finalists for the coveted award, continuing JesCom’s long tradition of producing exceptional Lenten programs.
“Visita Iglesia” is JesCom’s 18th Holy Week TV special, with this year’s milestone win marking the sixth time the media arm of the Society of Jesus’ Philippine Province has won the CMMA ‘Best TV Special’ plum. Other winning productions include “Habilin: Ang Pitong Huling Wika ni Hesus” (2008), “Kwento ng mga Peregrino” (2009), “Ang Aming Mga Sala” (2010), “Fiesta: Ang Makulay na Pananampalatayang Pilipino” (2021), and 2022’s “Gabay sa Pagiging Santo”.
“Visita Iglesia” takes viewers on a virtual pilgrimage to seven Philippine churches that are steeped in historical significance, cultural heritage, and architectural value. At each destination, the documentary looks at the church’s history, unique structural features, and collection of liturgical artifacts, as well as highlights the different stories of divine intervention that have been passed down to generations of parishioners and devotees.
Not to be outdone, “Nauna Na Kitang Mahalin” produced by the Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM), received a “Special Citation” after making the list of eight finalists for “Best Inspirational Song—Religious” in the CMMA’s Music category. Singing the featured title during the ceremony’s intermission was none other than Rey Malipot, who delighted audiences with his rendition.
Performed by OPM star Erik Santos, “Nauna na Kitang Mahalin” is arranged by JC Celeste, with music and lyrics from Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ.
Previously joining “Nauna Na Kitang Mahalin” in the list of finalists was “Gandang Sinauna at Sariwa,” performed by musical theater singer and actress, Kayla Rivera. The song based on St. Augustine of Hippo’s prayer, “I have loved thee too late, o Beauty of Ancient Days, yet ever new,” is composed by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, arranged by Gino Cruz, with lyrics by Fr. Vic Baltazar SJ, Jandi Arboleda, and Norman Agatep.
Both “Nauna na Kitang Mahalin” and “Gandang Sinauna at Sariwa” are tracks included in JMM’s “Soundtrack of Our Faith” album. Released on digital streaming platforms last Black Saturday, April 8 2023, “Soundtrack of Our Faith” features new and classic JMM songs performed by popular and mainstream artists.
With another successful stint at the Catholic Mass Media Awards, JesCom proudly congratulates its Production Manager Ms. Ernestine Tamana, the special’s director and JesCom Creative Director Ms. Pauline Mangilog-Saltarin, writer Angela Ureta, and other collaborators who shared their time, talent, and dedication to the success of “Visita Iglesia.”
Moreover, the Jesuit Music Ministry also extends its congratulations to the artists, musicians, lyricists, composers, and arrangers, for generously contributing to the remarkable achievement of “Nauna na Kitang Mahalin.”
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