With voices lifted in thanksgiving and hearts united in song, Jesuit Communications (JesCom) and the Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) celebrated the culmination of the inaugural “Purihi’t Pasalamatan: The Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ National Liturgical Music Songwriting Competition” during its awarding ceremony and media conference held Oct. 22, 2025, at Kalle 5 Sports Bar, Quezon City.
The milestone event brought together composers, judges, partners, and guests for an evening that honored the legacy of Fr. Eduardo “Fr. Honti” Hontiveros, SJ— regarded as the Father of Filipino Liturgical Music—and celebrated a new generation of musicians inspired to carry on his mission.
Following the singing of the beloved Fr. Honti composition, “Ama Namin,” where everyone in attendance prayed in unison, JesCom Executive Director Fr. Nono Alfonso, SJ, opened the program by reflecting on the esteemed Jesuit composer’s enduring gift of allowing Filipinos “to sing and pray in our own native tongue.”
Image courtesy of the DZRV 846 Facebook page.
Fr. Nono even recalled hearing a choir perform one of Fr. Honti’s songs during Mass in France, affirming how the pioneering music of the proud son of Molo, Iloilo, transcends the boundaries of language and nation.
From a pool of 150 total entries submitted by Filipino composers from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and even overseas, six finalists were chosen for the competition’s final round. Their compositions embodied the themes of the Catholic Social Teachings and reflected the diversity of sound, culture, and spirituality that continues to define Filipino liturgical music.
The night’s top honor went to “We Come to You,” an offertory piece composed by Anthony Go Villanueva and Joel Zaporteza and performed by Kammerchor Manila. “Umawit ang Sambayanan” by Jay-El Blaza Viteño, performed by The Eastern Chamber Singers, placed second. Taking third place was “Tayo’y Magsiawit at Magpuri” by Erwin D. Vargas, performed by Ambassadors for Christ Chamber Singers.
Other finalists included “Magtipon Bayan ng Diyos” by Fr. Leo G. Alaras, “Ang Among Mga Halad” by Bryan Angelo T. Bisin and Nathaniel Cabañero, and “Halad Pasalamat” by Jundel Bacalso.
Following the awarding, the audience was treated to a live performance of the winning piece by Kammerchor Manila, followed by a tribute rendition of Fr. Hontiveros’ classic hymn “Purihi’t Pasalamatan.”
Image courtesy of the DZRV 846 Facebook page.
In the ensuing media conference moderated by multimedia guru and Radyo Katipunan 87.9 FM host, Noel Ferrer, the judges and winners shared insights on the competition’s creative and spiritual significance. Panelists across the table—including Fr. Nono, Prof. Jude Roldan, Norman Agatep, and Kenneth Dacanay remarked on the rich variety amongst the submitted songs, describing the collection as a reflection of how today’s composers bring their own voices, influences, and faith to the altar of music.
Image courtesy of the DZRV 846 Facebook page.
This diversity, the panel acknowledged, echoes Fr. Honti’s own belief in ‘sounding as you are,’ where authenticity in music is in itself a prayer.
Anthony Go Villanueva and Joel Zaporteza recounted how they submitted “We Come to You” just before the deadline, crediting their success entirely to God’s grace. Moreover, the winning duo shared how their achievements all come from His goodness, carrying the same message as their newly awarded offertory composition.
Images courtesy of the DZRV 846 Facebook page.
JMM Director Lester Mendiola formally closed the evening by thanking all participants and supporters, further reaffirming JesCom’s mission to nurture faith through creative expression.
Through the successful first staging of Purihi’t Pasalamatan, JesCom and JMM continue to fulfill their mission of media evangelization—helping the faithful encounter God through music that speaks to the depths of the Filipino heart and lifts it in soulful prayer.
AMDG
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