Sacred Music Unites Choirs of Different Faiths at First-Ever Easter Interfaith Choral Festival in Negros Occidental

An atmosphere of reverence and musical excellence filled the Bacolod North Philippines Stake Center as eight choral ensembles from schools, universities, and faith communities across Negros Occidental joined voices for the first-ever Easter Interfaith Choral Festival, hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The festival brought together choirs representing a broad cross-section of the region's educational and religious communities: the Sum-ag National High School Choir, Lopez Jaena National High School Choir, VMA Chorale of the Visayan Maritime Academy, STI WNU Glee Club, LCCB Chorale and Chorus of La Consolacion College Bacolod, TUP Visayas Chorale of the Technological University of the Philippines, the Schola Cantorum Sancti Sebastiani of the Bacolod San Sebastian Cathedral, and the Bacolod Philippines Tri-Stakes Choir.

Each ensemble performed sacred repertoire befitting the spirit of Easter, offering music that spoke of hope, renewal, and devotion in a setting that transcended individual traditions and institutions.

A Celebration That Crossed Boundaries

The festival was marked not only by the quality of its performances, but by what they represented: a gathering of voices from different backgrounds, united in their expression of faith through music.

Distinguished musicians and artists contributed to the program's depth and artistry. Among them were Maestro Winner Silvestre and pianist Rhoea Silvestre, Maestro Jet Estefani, vocalist Kyla Faye Pille, Dr. Alexander Endrina with Jaha Ziel Lex Endrina and Hannah Axel Endrina, Maestro Ralph Kalvin Dajao, and Maestro Ricky Malunes. Their performances elevated the occasion, lending a sense of excellence and solemnity fitting for the sacred season.

A highlight of the afternoon was the performance of the Bacolod Philippines Tri-Stakes Choir, accompanied by pianist Ronwell Imperial. Their presentation was marked by musical sensitivity and a spiritual depth that left a lasting impression on those in attendance.

The program concluded with a moment that captured the spirit of the entire event: all participating choirs came together for a combined performance of the "Hallelujah Chorus" from George Frideric Handel's Messiah. The majestic unified rendition served as a fitting close, a declaration of shared devotion that resonated long after the final note.

Leadership and Community Support

Stake presidents from across the Bacolod area were present in strong support, including President Marc Barredo, President Joaquin Montero, and President Antonio Jayme. Their attendance reflected the importance the Church places on interfaith collaboration and community unity.

Former Stake President Bon Escobar, who played a key role in initiating the festival, was also in attendance.

Behind the program stood a community of dedicated leaders and volunteers whose collective service made the event possible. Among those recognized were Sister Corazon Villanueva, Sister Bitar Belasa, Sister Charrie Santillan, Sister Merced Jugos, and Sister Sheena Mae De Guzman. Communications directors and numerous other volunteers contributed to the seamless execution of the festival from preparation through performance.

Music Director, Prof. Alexander Magno Romero expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who participated, noting that the success of the festival was the result of collective faith, dedication, and a shared love for sacred music

More Than Music

The Easter Interfaith Choral Festival was, at its heart, a celebration of what communities can accomplish when they choose to come together in a spirit of faith and goodwill. Organizers noted that the event was not conceived as a competition or a showcase, but as an act of worship, an offering of music that honored Heavenly Father and celebrated the life and mission of Jesus Christ during the Easter season.

For the members of the Church in Negros Occidental and for the institutions and faith traditions that joined them, the festival marks a beginning. The harmony achieved that afternoon, across different stages, schools, and sanctuaries, carried a message that will continue to echo: that unity is possible, that love and reverence to God can be shared, and that music, at its most sacred, has no borders.

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