The Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) celebrated another milestone in its mission of faith-filled music as “Jesus, Best Friend”, composed by Rev. Dom Bulan, SJ, and performed by the Ateneo Boys Choir, received the award for Best Recording for a Child/Children, at the 38th Awit Awards.
Held on November 16th at the Meralco Theater and organized by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI), the ceremony honored outstanding Filipino artistry across musical genres.
The recognition marks a grace-filled moment for JMM, whose mission has long been to create music that deepens faith and invites listeners into prayer. “Jesus, Best Friend” is rooted in David L. Fleming, SJ’s translation of the Anima Christi from the book Draw Me Into Your Friendship, and offers a tender reminder that the companionship of Jesus is real, comforting, and ever near.
The piece is brought to life by the youthful voices of the Ateneo Boys Choir, supported by the piano work of esteemed Jesuit composer, Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ, and the sound engineering of Toto Sorioso.
In a Facebook post, the JMM team, composed of Director Lester Mendiola, Rey Malipot, and Patricia Morato, expressed its deep gratitude to all those who contributed to the recording’s success:
“Our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Roselle Matias, Ms. Venitta Magpantay, Mrs. Virgie Gayda-Esteves, and Mr. Jervy Robles for guiding and supporting ABC. Thank you, Fr. Emmanuel Alfonso, SJ, and Jesuit Communications! And of course, deep gratitude for the young voices who lifted this prayer heavenward. Your singing reminds us that the friendship of Jesus is a gift meant to be shared with joy.”
Mendiola added, “Maraming salamat po to our collaborators in the Ateneo Boys Choir and to our entire JesCom and JMM team! Always for God’s greater glory!”
For Rev. Dom Bulan, SJ, the award was indeed an unexpected blessing. Reflecting on the joyful moment, he wrote, “Join the Jesuits and make your dreams come true, even dreams you’ve never dreamt of,” even calling the win the “plot twist of the year.”
“Jesus, Best Friend” was among three JMM standout works that were nominated at the 38th Awit Awards. Sharing the citation for Best Recording by a Child or for Children was “Nasa Palad Mo,” composed by Fr. Manoling V. Francisco, SJ, and arranged by the late Daisy N. Marasigan.
This touching hymn of trust in God’s loving hands also appeared in the Ateneo Boys Choir’s 2024 mini-album Sa Atin Siya’y Mamamalagi, produced by JesCom and JMM. The album served as a heartfelt tribute to the beloved ‘Coach Daisy’, who dedicated 36 years to forming the young choristers of the Ateneo de Manila Grade School.
Named a finalist for Best Instrumental Recording, was the stirring rendition of “Nang Buo Kong Buhay,” performed by flutist Jay Gomez and soprano Yvette Parcon,. 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.
As a whole, these nominations highlight JMM’s continued commitment to nurturing Filipino liturgical music and supporting artists whose gifts inspire prayer and reflection.
Inspired by the pioneering legacy of Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, the Jesuit Music Ministry has been one of JesCom’s strongest arms in media evangelization. Through decades of collaboration with Jesuit composers, religious communities, and lay musicians, JMM has helped shape the soundscape of Filipino worship—from the classic hymns of Fr. Honti to the new music emerging from today’s generation of artists.
This latest Awit Award is, ultimately, more than a trophy. For JMM and JesCom, it affirms that songs grounded in faith can move hearts, especially when sung by children whose voices resound with much sincerity and hope.
With gratitude and renewed purpose, JesCom and JMM continue their shared mission:
to bring people closer to God through music that heals, inspires, and proclaims His love.
AMDG
Jesus, Best Friend – Ateneo Boys Choir (Best Recording by a Child or for Children)
Nang Buo Kong Buhay – Jay Gomez feat. Yvette Parcom (Best Instrumental Recording)
Nasa Palad Mo – Ateneo Boys Choir feat. Marcel Roy S. Navarro & Generoso R. Maquirang IV (Best Recording by a Child or for Children)
