A hundred voices dressed in white stand beneath the high ceiling of the Oratory of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Cameras sweep across the Loyola School of Theology as the first notes rise: “Bayan muling magtipon, awitan ang Panginoon.” Archival scenes from 1986 flicker between frames—crowds along EDSA, hopes rekindled, rosaries raised. The music swells into one resounding prayer. Iba-iba ang tinig. Iisa ang bayan.
That scene anchors a defining February 2026 for the Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM). Through song, story, and public witness, JMM marked the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution—not as nostalgia, but as a call to remember what faith once made possible, and what it still demands today.
At the heart of the month was the release of the Pag-aalaala EP. Rolled out intentionally, the project unfolded in stages. On Feb. 13, Noel Cabangon’s “Bagong Kinabukasan” opened the series with steady hope. On Feb. 20 came “Kalye,” written and performed by Toto Sorioso with Bukas Palad and Hangad, honoring the streets where ordinary Filipinos once stood side by side. The full EP launched Feb. 23 on digital platforms, adding “Pilipinas, Aking Inang Bayan” by Bukas Palad and “Ahon Na,” written by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, and Fr. Miguel Bava, SJ.
In the face of political turmoil, warring ideologies, and rampant corruption beleaguering the country today, the timely launch of Pag-aalaala reminds Filipinos of their people’s shining moment, where courage, truth, and peace restored hope and provided a guiding light for the nation to follow.
“Ahon Na” carries both urgency and symbol. Sung by father and son Noel and Gab Cabangon, together with Bukas Palad, it bridges generations. Noel represents those who witnessed EDSA’s upheaval. Gab stands for those born after 1986, now inheriting its unfinished work. The refrain—“Ahon na. Bayan, bumangon ka!”—speaks plainly to a nation wrestling with corruption and disinformation.
The EP’s centerpiece, a reimagined “Pag-aalaala,” returns to a hymn long sung at Masses. Composed by Fr. Manoling, it draws from the Exodus story—the journey from slavery to freedom—while recalling a nation’s decisive turn toward courage in 1986. More than 100 voices formed the grand choir, joined by OPM artists Lucas Martin, Bituin Escalante, Floyd Tena, Michael Shimamoto, Darwin Lomentigar, Eumee Capile, and Noel Cabangon. The result is both proclamation and prayer.
Behind the scenes, the work was exacting. In 45 days, JMM coordinated artists, secured agreements, mounted recordings and video shoots, and delivered the EP to streaming platforms. Project coordinator Rey Malipot summed it up in three words: “pressure, passion, and prayer.”
The music did not remain in studios. On Feb. 24, after a community Mass at the Blue Eagle Gym, JMM joined the EDSA 1986 Anniversary Concert along the Loyola Schools’ Red Brick Road. The following day, selections from the EP were featured during the Third Trillion Peso March activities and the main EDSA@40 program at the People Power Monument. Toto Sorioso performed “Kalye” near the monument itself—a full-circle moment for the JesCom sound engineer and FILSCAP award-winning songwriter who also mixed and mastered the EP.
On the airwaves, JMM Radio marked its eighth year on Radyo Katipunan 87.9 FM and announced its expansion to TV Maria. During the Feb. 25 special, “Pag-aalaala 1986,” Fr. Manoling also shared his own EDSA memories, connecting past witness with present mission.
Through music, media, and community engagement, JMM concretely showed the greater mission of Jesuit Communications: evangelize and educate through compelling storytelling. In remembering EDSA@40, JMM did more than look back. It asked a living question—what does freedom require of us now?
AMDG
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