This year, Jesuit Communications (JesCom) proudly celebrates the 20th anniversary of Kape’t Pandasal, an early morning reflection program that has provided spiritual nourishment to its loyal audiences for two decades. Led by its roster of notable personalities such as Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Ms. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng, Fr. Jboy Gonzales, SJ, Fr. Emmanuel Alfonso, SJ, and Fr. Fiel Pareja, the program continues to inspire countless viewers seeking moments of faith and reflection in their daily lives.
Since its inception, Kape’t Pandasal has maintained its core format—brief but meaningful reflections that are easily digestible for viewers. Over the years, however, the platform has evolved, transitioning from its original, early-morning television broadcast on ABS-CBN to social media platforms, adapting to modern trends in digital consumption. In 2024, Kape’t Pandasal made a long-awaited return to television, airing once again, now on the Bilyonaryo News Channel.
Reflecting on this significant milestone, Ms. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng, a longtime host and the only lay preacher on the show, shared her gratitude for being part of such a meaningful ministry. “I feel so privileged to be part of this journey, serving alongside such holy men and great men serving the Lord,” she expressed. “The format may have remained the same, but Kape has continuously adapted to changing times, ensuring that we find new ways to spread the Gospel.”
Ms. Rissa, known for her relatable and heartfelt reflections, acknowledged that making the Gospel relevant to daily life is both a challenge and a privilege. She often draws from her personal experiences, offering viewers a glimpse into how God reveals Himself through ordinary moments. “I sometimes wonder if my reflections are too simple, but then I remember that most people are just like me—ordinary, trying to make sense of life and searching for God’s hand in our circumstances,” she humbly explained.
For two decades, Kape’t Pandasal has touched hearts and minds across a broad spectrum of viewers—from youth to elders—by offering fresh, engaging content despite the challenges of daily production. Ms. Rissa revealed that her own spiritual journey is reflected in the program’s scripts, often serving as a personal journal of her week’s most profound insights. “You have to be an eternal student to keep things fresh,” she noted, sharing that her nonstop pursuit of learning, including her upcoming master’s degree in Global Strategic Communications, has been instrumental in her approach.
Beyond providing daily reflections, Kape’t Pandasal has also created a sacred space for spiritual growth in today’s fast-paced world. Ms. Rissa likens the program’s impact to the way the experience of the daily Mass might shape one’s spiritual journey. “Sometimes, it’s something the priests say in their homilies that makes me reflect about an attitude or action I have to rectify. Sometimes it’s something in the readings that strikes me. Other times, it’s a phrase from the prayers recited at Mass. That’s how my faith grows,” she shared.
“I’d like to believe that Kape impacts our viewers in the same way. They ‘hear’ God speak through the voice of the Kape hosts and they learn something new about God. God speaks and they respond to His voice.”
Looking ahead, Ms. Rissa is optimistic about the future of Kape’t Pandasal, especially in engaging younger generations. She emphasized the importance of witnessing and inspiring the youth to love and serve God. “I believe that if young people fall in love with Jesus, they will share God’s Word through media—just as they share everything else on social media. The challenge is to help them fall in love with Jesus, and the rest will naturally follow.”
As Kape’t Pandasal hopes to enter its third decade, evolving through the changing times, JesCom’s beloved program remains firmly rooted in its mission—to bring the message of the Gospel to all, one daily ‘spiritual vitamin’ at a time.
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