Home Catholic Church & Asia Jesuit Music Ministry launches songwriting contest honoring ‘Father of Filipino Liturgical Music’ 

Jesuit Music Ministry launches songwriting contest honoring ‘Father of Filipino Liturgical Music’ 

The Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) has launched a landmark songwriting competition in the Philippines in honor of Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ, widely regarded as the “Father of Filipino Liturgical Music.” 

The competition, Purihit Pasalamatan: The Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ Liturgical Music Songwriting Competition, aims to inspire Filipino composers to create original liturgical music in the vernacular, strengthening the connection between faith and culture.

JMM, the music division of Jesuit Communications (JesCom), unveiled the competition on Jan. 28, 2025. JesCom, the media arm of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus, is also known for producing the acclaimed film Gomburza.



The competition builds on the success of Honti@100, a year-long tribute to Fr. Hontiveros, which culminated in the grand concert Luwalhati sa Dios. With this initiative, JMM seeks to continue Fr. Hontiveros’ legacy of using music as a tool for evangelization.

“We envision Purihit Pasalamatan as a platform for fostering creativity and collaboration while preserving the essence of Filipino worship,” said Lester Mendiola, JMM Director. “This is our way of encouraging composers and musicians to contribute to the rich tapestry of Filipino liturgical music while bringing fresh perspectives to sacred worship.”

The competition is open to all Filipino composers, with cash prizes awarded to the top three winners: Php 100,000 (US$1,700.00) for the first prize, Php 50,000 (US$856.00) for the second prize, and Php 30,000 (US$513) for the third prize. Finalists will each receive Php 10,000 (US$171).

Mendiola emphasized the significance of the competition in strengthening Filipino Catholic worship through sacred music. 

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“With this competition, we would like to encourage composers to create original liturgical songs in the vernacular, promote Filipino sacred music as a significant part of worship and cultural heritage, and foster collaboration among composers, musicians, and choirs to enrich the liturgical music community,” he said.

The deadline for submission of entries is April 19, 2025, with the announcement of finalists set for June 20, 2025. The competition will be held biennially, inviting Filipino composers, choirs, and music enthusiasts to participate.

“Through Purihit Pasalamatan, let us unite in faith and music—celebrating the enduring power of sacred song to uplift and inspire Filipino Catholics in the years to come. All for the greater glory of God!” Mendiola said.

For competition mechanics and updates, interested participants can follow JMM on social media (facebook.com/jesuitmusicministry) or visit the official JesCom website (jescom.ph).

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