In a festive celebration of shared musical heritage, Jesuit Communications (JesCom) and the Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) presented the inaugural BAYAN UMAWIT: Ignatian MusicFest 2026, marking the 45th anniversary of Himig Heswita, the 40th anniversary of Bukas Palad Music Ministry, and the 35th anniversary of Hangad, last Saturday evening, July 4th at the New Frontier Theater.
For those in attendance, the concert felt like a long-awaited homecoming. The hymns that have accompanied Sunday liturgies, weddings, retreats, classrooms, and quiet moments of prayer for decades returned to the stage, this time gathering hundreds of voices under one roof in a joyful expression of praise and thanksgiving.
In welcoming the audience, JesCom Executive Director Fr. Nono Alfonso, SJ reflected on the enduring commitment of the ministries whose members have faithfully balanced family life, careers, and countless hours of rehearsals and service to the Church. Fr. Nono also announced that BAYAN UMAWIT would now become an annual celebration during Ignatian Month, inviting future generations to continue singing the faith that has shaped Filipino Catholic life.
That same vibrant spirit unfolded throughout the evening.
Hangad opened the concert with the quiet sincerity that has long defined its music, inviting the audience into prayer through songs that have accompanied countless personal encounters with God. Members reflected on how hymns like Pagkakaibigan, Pananatili and Praise Be to God continue to draw both longtime listeners and younger worshippers into the same experience of faith.
The adulation and applause rose as Himig Heswita, led by renowned Jesuit composer Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ, took the stage. Before beginning, Fr. Arnel warmly reminded the audience that they were not there as professional performers but as men who humbly walked the path set forth by St. Ignatius, thus encouraging everyone to sing along with them. The invitation transformed the theater into something more than a concert hall, as familiar hymns such as Sa ‘Yo Lamang, Tanging Yaman, and Awit ng Paghahangad became a shared prayer echoed by the entire venue.
An exciting change of tempo followed as OPM icons The CompanY delighted the crowd with signature harmonies, timeless classics, and an a cappella rendition of Lead Me Lord offered as a prayer for the nation. The quartet then brought laughter and applause with their P-Pop number, “Bente,” proving that four decades of musical excellence can still embrace new sounds with humor and youthful energy.
Bukas Palad Music Ministry brought the evening toward its contemplative close, revisiting cherished songs of hope, generosity, and God’s abiding presence while introducing newer compositions from its 22nd album “Bless Our Darkness,” that spoke to a world longing for healing and peace. Co-founders Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ and Norman Agatep also reflected on the grace that has sustained the ministry through four decades of service, reminding the audience that every song ultimately points beyond the singers to God’s enduring faithfulness.
The concert then reached its summit when all three choirs gathered for a moving prayer for the nation centered on O Hesus Hilumin Mo. Interwoven prayers for healing, compassion, responsibility, and hope gave way to a jubilant finale of Pananagutan, Sambayanang Binuklod, O Bayan ng Diyos, and Humayo’t Ihayag, as confetti fell over performers and audience united in prayerful song.
An encore of I Will Sing Forever became the evening’s perfect finale. As voices lingered on its closing lines, applause gave way to embraces among the performers, with grateful smiles to cap off their spirited performances.
More than a celebration of milestone anniversaries, BAYAN UMAWIT affirmed what generations of Filipino Catholics have long known: thanks to these choirs that first sang them, these songs have undoubtedly become the enduring prayer of a people.
And with the launch of the annual Ignatian MusicFest, that living tradition is poised to inspire many more voices to sing, serve, and find God in all things.
AMDG.
Images from the Jesuit Music Ministry and Cubao Diocesan Ministry for Worship Facebook pages.
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