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Cousins in Music with DYEC Officers. My sister Killian Emperado (Soprano 2) and cousins Darice Infante (Alto), and Bighani Bayawa (Soprano 1) with me as director, with the special participation of Kuya Donald Quio, YIFI DINOS President and Roi Ponce,YIFI DINOS Vice-President sang for the Fiesta Mass of Dumaguete back in November 2009.
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Even Jesus was tempted by the devil
but ignored the three temptations which were almost convincing (Matthew 4:11). The
devil hides and lives on those people whose faith is not genuine. These are the
ones you see in church oftentimes but do not live what their mouth says. Relating
to the Parable of the Sower and the Seed (Matthew 13:1-23), these people are
likened to the seeds which fell upon the thorns. In short, their faith is just
a complete show-off to other people and there are a lot of personal interests
which dwell deep within their subconscious.
But human as we are, sometimes we let
the devil overpower our love for God. It is our love for God which causes us to
serve Him without any reservation. Yet as we go deeper and contemplate, we are
reminded that gold is tested on fire in order to prove its worth. Another
anecdote which could be associated with tests is that of the teabag. A teabag
cannot be extracted of its true flavor unless put into hot water.
The hardest part of serving God is
when people look down, step on your rights, and at times, underestimate your
capacity. But in the end, you will realize that the Spirit is present in your
life as you would not do anything bad against these people who mistreat you. You
are silenced, humbled and thus allow yourself to be given some destructive remarks
which are seemingly thoughtless and unnecessary. Being silent would mean complete
humility and like Jesus you may say:” Father, forgive them for they do not
know what they are doing (Luke 23:34).”
In serving God, you would need to
swallow all the hurts and pains and do continue with what you do for His
greater glory. For if you quit, the devil will laugh at you for he has won on
the test he has given. Pride is of the human instinct but when you think of the
fact that you are more of a spiritual being, you just need to learn the art of
swallowing your own pride and mind not of your ego.
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The Hosanna Choir of IFI-Ayungon, my other choir aside from the
IFI Choristers (IFI-Tayasan)and the Tayasan Central School Children's Choir (school-based choir). |
In my five years of a choir director
and almost two decades as a church
worker, I have encountered so many people who have insulted me, gave reckless
comments and some even showed rude acts but after all those, I realized that I
had to be firm in my faith. I normally lift everything up to God for I know He
is a God of Justice.
But on the part of forgiving these
people, I have to confess that it would take a long time for me to do such act.
I pray that God will soon grant me the gift to forgive those who have caused me
some pain.
As I continue serving God, I will not
mind those intimidating factors which surround lest, I will be like a horse always
looking upfront. It is God’s guidance and loving presence which keeps me going
and helps me to persevere in working for His Greater Glory.
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The Risen Lord Chorale, my one year choir here in IFI-Davao.These talented young people are the chosen ones who would later take the music mission on their own soon.
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With the music mission I am now into, I am happy to hear people who have been inspired through our songs and music. I will keep the fire of service burning and unwavering throughout all the years of my life as God’s chosen court musician.
I am superbly thankful to the people
and groups did not only prepare me for the music mission, but also these
individuals and circles of people have given me the enough supply of faith and
courage as I journey the path of service - “road less taken.”
From the Saint Louis School – Don Bosco
Music Ministry, to the Ave Maria Guild (Dumaguete Redemptorist Parish), to the
Mary Immaculate Choristers (Mary Immaculate Parish), and lastly to the world
renowned Silliman University Campus Choristers (now Silliman University Gratitude
and Goodwill Ambassadors), these training groups were heaven sent and did
prepare me for the great mission God has called me to do.
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The Silliman University Campus Choristers, the official choir of
Silliman University, taking a pose with our Director, Dr. Susan Vista-Suarez after a performance. |
Mentors like Stanley Asignar, a former
Salesian brother who filled me with his encouragements, Carl Jason Villegas, my
high school classmate and pianist, Fr. Rae Enecio, SDB (my piano teacher), Absalon
Boladola, my high school music teacher, Melanie Boladola-Galera, my friend and
choir teacher, and lastly to Dr. Susan Vista-Suarez of the Silliman University
College of Performing and Visual Arts, who was my great inspiration and in
forming groups and in playing the music from the workings of the Spirit.
As I recall, I can say that the Great God
and my ever-artistic Director has prepared me to take on a mission of spreading
His Word through Music. But along with those preparations, are a full pack of
lessons and encouraging words which I would need during the journey.
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This picture shows the members of the Ave Maria Guild at the
background and me playing the organ at the Redemptorist Parish
in Dumaguete. Here is where I grew up to be a church musician.
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