Tears rolled down the face of Filipino singer Alisah Bonaobra as she sang on Christmas Eve at their local church for the first time in almost two years.
"Christmas Eve was one of my most memorable moments. I am a devotee of our church here for almost 15 years now. After two years of attending online masses, first time ko pong kumanta sa Christmas Eve mass. Naiyak po ako. Ito po ang memorable na nangyari sa akin. I also celebrated Christmas with my family," said Alisah when asked how she celebrated Christmas, during a Zoom press conference recently.
During the holy mass, Alisah sang "Silent Night" for the parishioners. Then on New Year's Eve, Alisah said that she will organize a simple program that would make the occasion festive.
The X-Factor UK and The Voice Philippines contender is still on Cloud 9 after her inspirational song "Faithful" won Best Inspirational Song in the 43rd Catholic Mass Media Awards. It tells about the personal reflection on the many times that a person has experienced God’s faithfulness in one’s life.
“Honestly, I am really surprised. Not that I don't trust our song, but with the other nominees for the Best Inspirational Song Category, being nominated is already a tremendous achievement. Until now, I still can't believe that we won. Praise God!” said Bonaobra, who just signed with San Francisco-based RJA Productions headed by Rosabella Jao-Arribas.
"Faithful" is composed by renowned songwriter Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes, the woman behind such OPM classics as Basil Valdez’s “Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga”, Kuh Ledesma’s “I Think I’m In Love”, Martin Nievera’s “Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin”, and Gary Valenciano’s "Reaching Out."
It was also arranged by Eugene Nick Parpana, mixed and mastered by Dante Tañedo, with Arnie Mendaros serving as a vocal coach.
Upon knowing that “Faithful” was declared Best Inspirational Song in the 43rd CMMA, Cecile, who is now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, shared, “I just lost my mom last month and my dad last May. My first thought upon learning of this wonderful news is how I wished my parents were still around. This news would have made them so happy and proud of their daughter.”
Both the RJA Productions talent and the acclaimed composer were deeply grateful when they received the recognition.
Alisah expressed, “My heart is overflowing with gratitude to accept this award on behalf of the whole team. I am deeply honored to interpret this song, which is Best Inspirational Song at the 43rd Catholic Mass Media Awards. To God be all the highest Glory! To all the incredible people behind the Catholic Mass Media Awards, thank you very much for this recognition. This means so much to me and to the entire team. To Miss Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes, the magnificent composer of “Faithful”, I can't thank you enough for allowing me to interpret your song. I will forever hold this memorable experience in my heart. To my RJA Productions family, my heartfelt thanks for the tremendous amount of support you have given to this song. To my manager, Tita Rosabella Arribas, thank you for always trusting me. To my RLAJ Fam, Furbabies, Alisah Warriors, friends, and supporters, thank you so much for the love, motivation, and support. Lastly, to all the people watching tonight, please keep the faith. God is faithful. Maraming salamat po!” she concluded.
While Cecile said, “I dedicate this win to my personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the giver of every good and perfect gift and to whom I give all the glory, honor, and praise.”
As the country is still dealing with the aftermath of typhoon Odette, Alisah and Cecile also gave words of encouragement to the people most affected by the calamity.
“Never give up and stay faithful to God, because God never gave upon us. Life is always not fair, but God is always faithful. A thousand times I failed yet God's mercy still remains. God will take care of you when you trust Him,” Alisah said.
Cecile stated, “Although things may happen that are difficult to understand, even in our darkest moments, do not lose hope, there’s a reason for everything. Hold on to your faith and just continue to put your trust in God.” Truly uplifting words from these God-fearing women that are in the same vein of the message of their song “Faithful”.
Alisah is releasing a new song “Muli’t Muli” through her label RJA Productions and will be available on all digital platforms starting Dec. 31, 2021. The song’s music and lyrics were provided by Kevin Montillano and Kiko Salazar; music arrangement, mix and master were rendered by Kiko Salazar.
For more information about RJA Productions visit. https://www.facebook.com/rjaproductions/