Serviam: The Catholic Church is alive — and lively!

Three days before Cardinal Sin turned 75 last month, all roads led to the Araneta Coliseum. This event may not have received as much media attention as the attempted coup by rebel soldiers or even previous huge concerts of big stars like Martin Nievera and Sharon Cuneta in the same venue. But on this particular day, it was obvious God’s flock had converged for a special reason: to give tribute to His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin’s birthday in a concert called Serviam.

The concert‘s title was taken from the Cardinal’s motto, "I will serve." Judging from the turnout of his flock which consisted not only of religious performers (priests, nuns and seminarians), the Catholic schools and laity from various ministries of the Archdiocese of Manila, the concert proved that the Cardinal’s life, works and words have touched millions and that his flock wanted to imitate and praise his life through songs, music and an entertaining program. Robert Seña, Dessa, RJ Rosales, Jamie Rivera, Karylle, Anna Fegi, Joe Mari Chan, Bituin Escalante, and Cocoy Laurel added glitter to the birthday tribute.

There were two earlier shows that day. I only watched the evening performance, which was also attended by former President Corazon Aquino, Senate President Frank Drilon and other key supporters of the Catholic church. PLDT was a major sponsor.

The show started on time as soon as the honoree was ushered in by Bishop Soc Villegas to his place in the front row. Cardinal Sin was welcomed by warm applause and cheers from the crowd which filled up the coliseum.

The opening number saw close to a hundred priests and nuns mounting the stage in subdued light, with Robert Seña leading in the singing of Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring. As soon as the audience had taken their place on the risers, the stage was flooded by rays of light. It was "almost like heaven", someone commented, because the priests and nuns broke out into a jubilant Joy to the World, setting the mood of the concert – one of celebration and a clear statement that this Church under its pastor is truly dynamic and talented.

For one blessed evening, the religious sang and danced to popular music with only one goal: to thank their pastor for his work and example. To a layman like me, they also proved that despite recent attacks against their institution, they came in full force for the Church and for God.

I expected a somewhat spiritual program with a repertoire consisting of Don Moen songs, or some Mass songs and perhaps religious compositions. There was a little of those but definitely, the "surprise" performances of the clergy with the professional entertainers was what delighted the audience and made the two hours seem amazingly short.

If regular churchgoers enjoy homilies, this was a rare opportunity to watch seven bishops doing not their regular homilies but a medley of songs together with Dessa. Bishops Arturo Bastes, Carlito Cenzon, Julito Cortes, Jesse Mercado, Maximiano Cruz, Luis Antonio Tagle and Joel Baylon sang Impossible Dream and I Believe. Then, they sang Happy Birthday to the Cardinal who gamely went on stage and waved to the audience.

Contributing to the easy pace of the program were co-emcees Nova Villa and Fr. Erick Santos, parish priest of Tondo known for his original, rib-tickling homilies. They were a fun couple on stage and kept the audience laughing, especially when Nova called him Fr. "Roderick" Santos (because he does have a resemblance to the comedian) or when she said he looked really young. ("Mukha ka pang.. fetus").

Fr. Erick proved he could give professional comedians a run for their money when he recounted how he dreamed of becoming a priest. "Una, gusto kong maging action star.. tapos, gusto kong maging mayor... tapos maging pari na.. pero ayaw maniwala ni Nanay. Sabi niya, ‘Anak, addict ka ba?’ Bakit pati seminaryo, pinagtritripan mo?"

Leo Rialp did a wonderful job of combining the religious performers’ numbers with that of the celebrities’. But my favorites were the young clergy – newly-ordained priests dressed in F4 outfits complete with wigs, berets and scarves. They sang the current F4 song which they turned into "O pare, pare, my pare pare" instead of "Oh baby baby..."

The audience also applauded the Six Priests in the City who danced and sang VST songs in their bright Hawaiian shirts and shades. Watching them, one could not help but think that Filipinos really have musical talent, and even if these men have chosen a life with God, they could certainly reach out to their faithful by showing their "lighter" shade.

I must also mention that it was inspiring to watch two singing icons of the ‘60s and ‘70s – Joe Mari Chan and Cocoy Laurel, who have kept their unique singing appeal despite the onslaught of boy bands and modern-day sensations. Despite a bad cold, Joe Mari sang Remember When to the Cardinal to remind him that their families knew each other back when they were both young.

Cocoy has not been heard of since his Miss Saigon days, but his refreshing rendition of On Eagle’s Wings blended perfectly with the CEU White Shadow performing ensemble stark white images of symbols like the cross, the church, birds, and words like love, peace and God, moving against a black stage.

The finale was reminiscent of Whoopi Goldberg’s Sister Act as Anna Fegi sang Joyful, Joyful with a stage full of nuns in white, dancing, singing and simply exuding joy!

To say it was "touching" is an understatement. I saw how the good Cardinal himself was visibly touched by the monumental show of talent, love and support for his work and the Church. I only wish more people had seen Serviam. Paging PLDT for a repeat performance.