Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ is a renowned Filipino Jesuit composer whose music has profoundly shaped how generations of Filipinos pray, reflect, and express their faith.

A gifted musician from a young age, Fr. Manoling initially dreamed of becoming a concert pianist. However, at 14, he gave up formal classical training to focus on his studies and socio-civic involvement. In his first year of high school, he composed Hindi Kita Malilimutan, which would later gain wide popularity through the rendition of Basil Valdez.

He went on to write some of the most beloved and enduring songs in contemporary Filipino liturgical music, including Tanging Yaman, Sa ’Yo Lamang, I Will Sing Forever, and One More Gift—pieces now heard regularly in churches, classrooms, and Filipino gatherings around the world.

Fr. Manoling is one of the founding members of the Bukas Palad Music Ministry, which began as a group of high school friends brought together by their shared love for music and faith. Over the years, the ministry has grown into one of the country’s most influential sources of liturgical and inspirational music.

His contributions have extended to historic moments in the life of the Church. Fr. Manoling composed music for the 1995 World Youth Day Mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II in Manila, and later for the 2015 Papal Visit of Pope Francis—providing songs that inspired millions and helped elevate these once-in-a-generation spiritual events.

Today, Fr. Manoling continues to write music, mentor composers, and deepen the integration of faith, theology, and the arts in the life of the Church. His work remains a powerful channel through which people are drawn closer to God in prayer, reflection, and service.