LEARN TO LIVE, LIVE TO LEARN
“To know much and taste nothing-of what use is that?” ―St. Bonaventure of Bagnoregio
"And with Mary, our Mother, we sing our song!"Faced with absence of leadership and membership decline in 2014, remnant members of New Life Children's Choir and Our Lady of Fatima Youth Choir continued to provide musical leadership and support for the weekend liturgical services in the Our Lady of Fatima community chapel in Mauban Street, Manresa, Quezon City. During its forming stage, the group had nine members namely, Angielo Gargante, Ace Gutierrez Nini Labagril, Charina Leona, Lulu Baclayo, Marriane Gacuma, Evelyn Salagubang and siblings Princess and Rench Ladrillo. In the following year, vissionary youth leader Angielo Gargante assumed leaderhip of the group and sought seeking assistance from different mentors for the group's spiritual formation and various conductors for its choral training. In 2016, the choir adopted the name "Theotokos Singers". The name was chosen in remembrance of Our Lady of Fatima, the patroness of the community chapel. From antiquity, Mary has been called "Theotokos" which literally means “God-bearer.” By adopting the name, the group aims to participate with Mary in also being God Bearers in the world by sharing their gift or using ther god-given talents in humble service. In 2018, the female-dominated choir welcomed male members making the group mixed chorus of male and female voices. From simple beginnings the choir has increasingly become much-requested body of singers capable of both choral and solo duties. In 2022, the group adopted a Marian spirituality based on our Blessed Mother’s life – “Fiat,” “Magnificat,” “Conservabat,” and “Stabat,”. Mary’s life can be summed up with four words that are found in the Gospels: ‘Fiat,’ in her response to the angel Gabriel; ‘Magnificat,’ as her response to God’s grace at work in her life; ‘Conservabat,’ as she cherished all these memories and events in her heart; and ‘Stabat,’ as she stood faithfully at the foot of the cross watching her Son die for humanity. These attitudes of Mary also give shape to to their lives as Catholics and to discern their path in following the Lord. With 33 active members, Theotokos Singers brims with the enthusiasm that filled its founding members. They continue their commitment of bringing talented youth coming from the underprivileged of Manresa suburb, Quezon City and their love for music, service and Mama Mary together. At present, the choristers provide regular musical leadership on Sundays 7AM at Our Lady of Fatima Chapel, on First Fridays 6PM at Sta Perpetua Parish and on Third Sundays 11AM at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao. SOPRANOS First row, L-R: Rench M. Ladrillo, Lady Princess M. Ladrillo, Daniela E. Salagubang 2nd row, L-R: Evelyn E. Salagubang, Wendy G. Amora, Ashley Rachelle M. Bodegas 3rd row, L-R: Lyka Macasio, Rose Ann S. Baclayo., Ann Charisse Z. dela Cruz 4th row: Edna A. Barruga, Juliene Charmel Celajes CONTRALTOS First row, L-R: Juliana Chen D. Dañosos, Khrisler Rhose B. Guansing., Shanne Avril D. Barrantes 2nd row, L-R: Jannah Mae R. Labagril, Marriane Angel D. Gacuma, Charina E. Leona 3rd row, L-R: Jesscel Mary G. Savares, Chinee Leah P. Paronable, Lean Heart P. Paronable 4th row: Mariel M. Sabulao TENORS AND BARITONES
First row, L-R: Angielo L. Gargante, Paul Vincent S. Macasio, Hyun Rae D. Dañosos 2nd row, L-R: Christian Kim M. Tusiap, Nicky Castante, Allen Andrei S. Ramirez 3rd row, L-R: Dustine C. Gonzales, Cedric Q. Warquez, Roy Anthony A. Relos 4th row, L-R: Justine L. Lopez, Ace Marwin B. Gutierrez
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About JeffJeff Jacinto, PhD, DHum Archives
October 2024
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