JMM celebrates faith, artistry, and Filipino excellence in music
The Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) and Jesuit Communications (JesCom) proudly celebrate another milestone, as its artists and collaborators earned multiple nominations at the 38th Awit Awards, the country’s most prestigious recognition for excellence in the music industry.
The nominations highlight JMM’s enduring mission to produce music that uplifts the soul, deepens faith, and brings the Word of God to life through song. For the JMM team — led by Director Les Mendiola, with Patricia Morato and Rey Malipot, under the leadership of JesCom Executive Director Fr. Emmanuel “Nono” Alfonso, SJ — these recognitions affirm the music ministry’s decades-long commitment to faith-inspired creativity.
“Every note, every lyric, every prayer turned into song is our humble offering to the Lord,” shared the JMM team via Facebook. “We are deeply grateful that these songs continue to touch hearts.”
Among this year’s nominees is the stirring instrumental rendition of “Nang Buo Kong Buhay”, performed by flutist Jay Gomez and soprano Yvette Parcon, a finalist for Best Instrumental Recording. Originally composed by the late Fr. Eduardo P. Hontiveros, SJ, regarded as the Father of Filipino Liturgical Music, the piece was performed live during Luwalhati sa Diyos: The Legacy of Fr. Honti — a grand centenary tribute concert held in October 2024. “Nang Buo Kong Buhay” is also featured in the commemorative album Vespers 9 (Fr. Honti@100 Reimagined), reintroducing Fr. Honti’s timeless works to a new generation of faithful listeners.
Also earning nominations are two moving tracks by the Ateneo Boys Choir— “Jesus, Best Friend” and “Nasa Palad Mo” — both cited for Best Recording by a Child or for Children.
“Jesus, Best Friend,” composed by Dom Bulan, SJ and arranged by Miggi Angangco, with Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ on piano, reminds listeners that Jesus is not only our Savior but also our truest friend. Meanwhile, “Nasa Palad Mo,” composed by Fr. Manoling V. Francisco, SJ and arranged by the late Daisy N. Marasigan, is a touching hymn of trust in God’s loving hands.
Both songs appear in the Ateneo Boys Choir’s 2024 mini-album Sa Atin Siya’y Mamamalagi, produced by JesCom and JMM. The album serves as a heartfelt tribute to Ms. Daisy Marasigan, who dedicated 36 years to forming the young choristers of the Ateneo de Manila Grade School. Under the direction of Roselle Elinore Matias and Venitta Marie Magpantay, with assistance from Virgie Gayda-Esteves, the Ateneo Boys Choir continues to carry forward ‘Coach Daisy’s’ legacy of musical excellence and spiritual formation.
Since its founding, the Jesuit Music Ministry has remained one of JesCom’s strongest arms in media evangelization — shaping the soundscape of Filipino liturgical music through the works of Jesuit composers and faithful collaborators. From the classic hymns of Fr. Hontiveros to the songs of new generations, JMM’s mission remains the same: to bring people closer to God through music that heals, inspires, and unites.
The 38th Awit Awards, organized by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI), will be held on November 16, 2025, to honor outstanding Filipino artistry across various genres.
As we look ahead to an exciting awards night, where the final roster of winners will be feted, the greatest reward for JMM and JesCom ultimately remains in knowing that these songs move people to prayer and closer encounters with God.
(AMDG)
Nang Buo Kong Buhay – Jay Gomez feat. Yvette Parcom (Best Instrumental Recording)
Jesus, Best Friend – Ateneo Boys Choir (Best Recording by a Child or for Children)
Nasa Palad Mo – Ateneo Boys Choir feat. Marcel Roy S. Navarro & Generoso R. Maquirang IV (Best Recording by a Child or for Children)
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