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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider A Song of Faith: JesCom's 'Himig Panalangin' premieres this Black Saturday on GMA-7

A Song of Faith: JesCom's 'Himig Panalangin' premieres this Black Saturday on GMA-7

Published Apr 16, 2025 05:35 am

At A Glance

  • In partnership with the Manila Bulletin, Himig Panalangin invites viewers to rediscover the role of sacred music in everyday life—from the quiet corners of parish choirs to the grand harmonies of Filipino liturgical history.

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This Holy Week, let the power of sacred music lead you into deeper reflection and renewal.

Jesuit Communications (JesCom) proudly presents Himig Panalangin, its 19th Holy Week television special, airing this Black Saturday, April 19, at 7:30 a.m. on GMA-7. A moving documentary on how Catholic music shapes and strengthens faith, Himig Panalangin is a soul-stirring tribute to the songs, stories, and spiritual journeys that define Filipino worship.

In partnership with the Manila Bulletin, Himig Panalangin invites viewers to rediscover the role of sacred music in everyday life—from the quiet corners of parish choirs to the grand harmonies of Filipino liturgical history.

Music in the midst of struggle

At its heart, Himig Panalangin tells the powerful stories of three individuals whose lives were transformed through music and faith.

The documentary features:

  • A convict-turned-composer who found redemption in the prison music ministry,
  • A devoted choir member battling chronic illness while continuing to serve the Church,
  • And a Filipina OFW in Hong Kong, leading her parish choir while drawing spiritual strength far from home.

Through these deeply human narratives, Himig Panalangin reflects on how music becomes a prayer, a refuge, and a calling—especially in times of difficulty.

Honoring musical pillars of faith

For the first time in Philippine media, Himig Panalangin also honors two prominent figures in Filipino liturgical music: Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ, widely regarded as the Father of Filipino Liturgical Music, and National Artist Lucio San Pedro.

Fr. Hontiveros, an esteemed Jesuit priest from Molo, Iloilo, composed over 400 hymns—Papuri sa Diyos, Pananagutan, and Luwalhati, among many others—despite having no formal musical education. His legacy is illuminated through reflections from his notable mentees: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, and Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ.

Likewise, Himig Panalangin retraces the spiritual influence of Lucio San Pedro, whose compositions continue to enrich church celebrations in his hometown of Angono, Rizal, and beyond.

A symphony of worship

Musical performances by some of the country’s finest ensembles, including the Bukas Palad Music Ministry, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Banda Uno, and the Pansol Choir, bring these stories to life. Their renditions serve as both tribute and testimony to the enduring beauty of Filipino liturgical music.

A tradition of faith-driven storytelling

Following the success of Visita Iglesia, JesCom’s 2023 Lenten special and a finalist at the 45th Catholic Mass Media Awards, Himig Panalangin continues the humble mission of the official media arm of the Society of Jesus’ Philippine Province of evangelizing through compelling and creative programming. 

With multiple CMMA wins for “Best TV Special” over the years, JesCom’s Holy Week programs have become a cherished tradition for Filipino viewers seeking spiritual nourishment.

This Black Saturday, let Himig Panalangin accompany your journey of reflection and faith.

Tune in to Himig Panalangin, April 19 at 7:30 AM on GMA-7.

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