JesCom, JMM pay tribute to Jesuit Music with “Ginintuan”

Jesuit Communications Foundation (JesCom) and Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) proudly celebrate the rich musical tradition of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus, in its upcoming concert, “Ginintuan”: Celebrating Fifty (50) Years of Jesuit Music”, on July 13 at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater, Ateneo de Manila University.

The landmark celebration honors the enduring legacy of the late Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ, whose compositions in the vernacular, dating back to the late 1960’s, soon became heralded as classics of Filipino liturgical music: “Ama Namin”, Ang Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri (Magnificat)” and “Pananagutan”.

Throughout the era of social upheaval that witnessed Martial Law and the People Power Revolution, Jesuit Music continued to thrive with the release of Himig Heswita, where Jesuit composers Fr. Nemy Que, Fr. Fruto Ramirez, and Fr. Danny Isidro, all worked hand in hand with the beloved Fr. Hontiveros.

Later, an Ateneo High School freshman by the name of Manoling Francisco would collaborate with the legendary teacher Dr. Onofre Pagsanghan and produce the timeless hymns “Mariang Ina Ko” and “Hindi Kita Malilimutan”. Alongside his best friends Jandi Arboleda and Norman Agatep, Fr. Manoling Francisco SJ would form the acclaimed Bukas Palad Music Ministry.

Following other notable compositions such as Fr. Charlie Cenzon, SJ’s “Awit Ng Paghahangad”, Fr. Jboy Gonzales SJ’s “Panunumpa” and Fr. Arnel Aquino SJ’s “Pagsibol” and “Ito Ang Araw”, Himig Heswita experienced newfound growth, together with Bukas Palad and Hangad. JMM then continued its progress into the New Millennium with Lauds, Vespers and Matins’ meditative music, and the vibrant, youthful sound of One Praise.

Joining in “Ginintuan’s” festive commemoration of half a century of truly inspiring talent and creativity are JMM’s multi-awarded music ministries, Bukas Palad, Hangad, Himig Heswita, Koro Ilustrado, and Musica Chiesa; and community choirs Tinig Barangka and Pansol Choir. Other noteworthy JMM artists scheduled to perform are Jay Gomez, Toto Sorioso, and soprano Lara Maigue.

Also gracing the event are outstanding musical artists Bituin Escalante and Noel Cabangon, together with the evening’s special guest, His Excellency Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle.

“Ginintuan: Celebrating 50 Years of Jesuit Music” also aims to generate funds for the rehabilitation project of JMM’s recording studio.

As it faces the challenging yet exciting possibilities of the present digital age, it is indeed with the help, kindness and generosity from its ardent fans and followers that JMM can continue to produce its brand of meditative and reflective music that uplifts the soul for the years to come.

Tickets for “Ginintuan: Celebrating 50 Years of Jesuit Music” are available at Tanging Yaman outlets at Sonolux Building and SM Megamall. For inquiries, please call 426-5971 local 113 or text 0908 886 8447. More information is also available on the event’s official Facebook page.