Many seminarians are good singers but few get the chance to become recording artist. In that light, consider brother Bonn Barretto blessed.

The Davao-based seminarian is on his fifth year of study or the final stretch of his journey towards priesthood. Being able to carry a tune was no coincidence as he has friends who happen to be choir members. 

 Only when he entered the seminary, though, that he discovered his “gift of singing.” Bonn then became the lead vocalist of the seminary band in Cotabato City for four years. 

This seminarian is also on social media where he posts cover versions of popular songs.

A balladeer himself, he loves to sing and listen to inspirational/religious and love songs. He hopes to collaborate with his favorite artists namely Martin Nievera, Basil Valdez and Gary Valenciano.

“I was on a spiritual retreat when I received a call from someone," he said in an interview. "She heard my singing voice through a cover song with a video I uploaded. She asked if I was up to recording an original."

That "someone" is Rosabella Jao-Arribas, a US-based Filipina talent manager who established the rising RJA Productions specializing in discovering talents here and abroad.

Bonn's song is “Susi Ay Pag-ibig,” written by Marizen Yaneza. It was recorded last May.

“I have been singing in churches and other events, but it never crossed my mind that I would be given an opportunity to do a recording. I was contented singing on Facebook and Smule. It was through a friend from Ireland, Nathaniel Cabanero, that I came to know about RJA Productions.

“Being part of this family is a great blessing to me. I never thought that I would be given this rare opportunity considering that I am a seminarian. I am truly grateful to Tita Rosabella for believing in me.”

Inspirational song

Bonn sought the approval of his superiors before doing the recording.

The recording happened at a right time when the world realized the pandemic is here to stay for a while, which makes the message of the song more meaningful than ever.

The future priest sees music as avenue to share his voice to as many people as possible. He believes he song will touch hearts.

“This is a big blessing especially during this time. The song is an invitation to pause and reflect.”  

"Susi Ay Pag-ibig" is a personal message to people regardless of their differences and orientation. The song’s title alone says it all: Love, the perfect PM (personal message), is the key."

"It's high time for me to push my singing capabilities to spread the good work of the Lord," he said. "The song is timely and relevant, especially that this country is so divided and hate is everywhere, especially on social media."

"Hinahamon tayo nito na... that after all, what the world needs is love, a love that is translated into action. To love is a universal call,” said he.

“Never be ashamed or afraid to ask for help when we need it, at magtiwala tayo sa kanya gaano man kahirap. Our lives may be hard and unfair and that we may be sailing on stormy seas and all we feel is uncertainty, I believe God is sailing with us, never abandoning us. Hold on to our faith!”

Being a seminarian, there are notions that maybe he should only sing God-related song. 

Well, that's not the case. According to him, Rosabella first heard of his voice singing the John Farnham classic “Please Don’t Ask Me.” 

"Singing is all about the message. Of course, if you want to offer some message to your listeners, you have to enter their world and from the inside, dun ka gumalaw," he said.