The Fr Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ National Liturgical Music Songwriting Competition

The Jesuit Music Ministry of Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc. invites amateur and
professional songwriters to join the first PURIHI’T PASALAMATAN: The Father Eduardo P.
Hontiveros SJ Liturgical Music Competition.

WHO CAN JOIN?

1. The competition is open to all composers, songwriters, and/or lyricists (amateur or
   professional) who are Filipino citizens or of Filipino descent, and at least 18 years of age.
2. Employees of Jesuit Communications, the competition sponsors, and their relatives up to the
   fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, are not eligible to join the competition.
3. The composer must not be a member of a recording company or organization, nor have pre-assigned rights to the composition.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SONG ENTRY/ENTRIES

1. Maximum Number of Entries:
   1. A contestant may submit up to two (2) entries, whether as an individual, in
      collaboration with others, or both.
   2. Originality and Copyright: Each entry must be an original work created by the
      contestant. All rights to the song, including copyright, must be owned exclusively by the contestant.
2. Language and Translation:
   1. The lyrics must be in Filipino, English, or any major language in the Philippines.
   2. The song must be accompanied by an English translation of the lyrics. The
      translation does not need to fit the music but should convey the meaning of the
      original lyrics.
3. Liturgical Purpose: Entries must be liturgical songs intended to be sung by a choir for one of the following purposes during the Mass: Entrance Song, Preparation of the Gifts, Communion, Recessional.
4. Theme: The entry must reflect any of the themes of the Catholic Social Teachings of the Church, such as: Dignity of the Human Person, Call to Family, Community, and Participation, Rights and Responsibilities, Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers, Solidarity, Care for God’s Creation.
5. Musical Style and Tempo: The song may be either slow or fast, but it must be appropriate for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The tempo should complement the liturgical mood and facilitate congregational participation.
6. Arrangement: The entry must be arranged for two, three, or four voices (mixed male and female voices). Harmonies should be crafted to support the liturgical nature of the song and encourage vocal participation.
7. Length of Entry: The total length of the entry must not exceed 4 minutes, including the intro and outro. The song’s duration should also be appropriate for the part of the Mass it is intended for. For example, an offertory song is typically shorter.
8. Choir Participation: The song must be interpreted by a choir with a minimum of 8 members. This is to ensure the song’s suitability for communal and choral singing during liturgy.

SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES

The contestant must submit the following for each entry:

• An accomplished entry form with complete personal data as required;
• Lyrics and the original copy of the music sheet (including both the original and English translations);
• An MP3/WAV file of the musical composition;
• A photo of the composer and lyricist
• A group photo and a write-up about the choir

TIMELINE

• Launch: Jan 28, 2025
• Deadline of submission of Entries: Apr 19, 2025
• Announcement of Finalists: Jun 20, 2025
• Date of Finals Night: TBA

SELECTION OF WINNERS

From the song entries submitted, Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) will choose seven finalists. A winner will then be selected from the finalists by a panel of judges appointed by Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc.

Participation in this competition is voluntary. All participating songwriters and their entries are not entitled to any form of remuneration.

Once the winner is chosen, JMM will contact the songwriter to inform them of the results.

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING

PRIZES

• First Prize: ₱100,000
• Second Prize: ₱50,000
• Third Prize: ₱30,000
• Finalists: ₱10,000 each

ENTRY FORM