On October 12th, 2024, the Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) and Jesuit Communications (JesCom) celebrated the life and legacy of Fr. Eduardo P. Hontiveros, SJ, through the grand tribute concert, Luwalhati sa Diyos: The Legacy of Fr. Honti.
Held at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater, Ateneo de Manila University, the highly anticipated event was the centerpiece of the year-long Honti@100 celebration, commemorating the centennial birth anniversary of the esteemed Jesuit regarded as the “Father of Filipino Liturgical Music.”
Fr. Hontiveros, or Fr. Honti, as he was affectionately called, was instrumental in shaping Filipino liturgical music after Vatican II, composing timeless hymns like Pananagutan and Ama Namin. His songs became the foundation of Filipino Catholic worship, bringing together faith and culture in a uniquely Filipino expression of spirituality. To honor his profound contributions, Luwalhati sa Diyos gathered renowned choirs, artists, and musicians who were deeply influenced by Fr. Honti’s work.
An Evening of Music and Faith
The concert, divided into two segments—We Praise God from Our Roots and We Praise God Forever—began with opening remarks from JMM Director Lester Mendiola. In both his matinee and gala welcome address, Mendiola described Fr. Honti’s deep impact on Filipino liturgical music and emphasized how the classic songs of the proud son of Poblacion Molo, Iloilo, continue to inspire generations of Filipino Catholics, both locally and abroad.
Under the musical direction of Mark Anthony Carpio, conductor of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Luwalhati sa Diyos featured performances from some of the most respected names in liturgical and inspirational music. The Hontiveros Overture, performed by Musica Chiesa and the Musician Friends of the Jesuits, set the tone for the night, showcasing a symphonic tribute to Fr. Honti’s iconic compositions.
A Celebration of Faith and Filipino Identity
The first segment, We Praise God from Our Roots, reflected on Fr. Honti’s commitment to honoring Filipino life and experience through music. Koro Ilustrado opened the program with Magpuri Kayo sa Panginoon and Panalangin ng Mangingisda, beautifully arranged by conductor Anna Tabita Abeleda-Piquero. The Pansol Choir followed with Sa Gabi’t Liwanag and Kaisaha’t Pagkakaisa, offering a heartfelt homage to the enduring unity of faith.
Among the highlights of the evening was the performance by Tinig Barangka, who shared a medley of Fr. Honti’s beloved songs, including Dakilang Pag-ibig and Panginoon, Maawa Ka. The Young Voices of the Philippines, led by Dr. Maria Theresa Vizconde-Roldan and Prof. Jude B. Roldan, charmed the audience with Sa Dapit-Hapon and Reyna ng Langit.
Honoring the Legacy with Modern Voices
In the second half, We Praise God Forever, the concert turned its focus to Fr. Honti’s lasting influence on today’s musicians and composers. A heartfelt video message from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, one of Fr. Honti’s former students, expressed deep admiration for the Jesuit’s impact on Filipino worship, calling him “a great artist and servant of God, with a simple heart.”
Hangad’s soulful acapella rendition of Kahanga-hanga and Ang Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri continued the celebration, followed by a stirring performance of Nang Buo Kong Buhay by soprano Yvette Parcon and flutist Jay Gomez, who were accompanied by ballerina Katrene San Miguel’s graceful interpretative movements. Bukas Palad Music Ministry, one of Fr. Honti’s most inspired groups, moved the audience with their performances of Dakilang Pag-ibig and Liwanag ng Aming Puso.
The special gala performance of Hesus na Aking Kapatid by OPM star Jona was a standout, capturing the spirit of Fr. Honti’s mission to connect faith with life’s daily struggles.
A Fitting Finale
Following Fr. RB Hizon SJ’s acknowledgment of his brother Jesuits’ immense gratitude for their legendary mentor, Himig Heswita then delivered a medley of Fr. Honti’s classics, including Panangagutan and Kahanga-hanga, bringing the concert to a resounding conclusion. In his closing remarks for the evening gala, Fr. Xavier Olin, SJ, Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in the Philippines, thanked the devoted performers and appreciative audience, reflecting on Fr. Honti’s legacy as a bridge between faith and culture.
The grand finale saw all choirs and musicians join together for a rousing performance of Pananagutan, a fitting tribute to the enduring power of Fr. Honti’s music in uniting hearts and lifting souls.
As the emphatic encore number of Papuri sa Diyos resonated throughout the theater, it remained evident that Fr. Honti’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of Filipino Catholics to sing praises to God in their native tongue, forever carrying forward the gift of faith through song.
Indeed, Luwalhati sa Diyos was not only a landmark celebration of Fr. Honti’s music but a powerful testament to the lasting impact of his life’s trailblazing work, ensuring that his timeless hymns will be sung for years to come.
AMDG (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam)
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