Uplifting the spirit through songs

MANILA, Philippines - Just because modern, popular, rock and “new age” music dominate the airlanes these days, it doesn’t mean there is no more room for praise and worship albums in the music scene. Recently out in record stores is Bo Sanchez and Friends’ Heavenly Music under Ivory Music & Video, Inc. It is a three-disc compilation of original praise and inspirational songs that can indubitably uplift one’s spirit.

Although Bo is not new to composing and recording praise and worship songs, it is the first time for most of his original music pieces to be released under a recording company. But this is not to say that Bo is taking all the credit for coming up with Heavenly Music. His niece Chichi Crisanto-Barba, friends Ete Bolatete, Rinka Romero, Gigi de Jesus and Kerygma preachers — Arun Gogna, Alvin Barcelona, Adrian Panganiban, George Gabriel, Jon Escoto, Obet Cabrillas and Rissa Singson-Kawpeng shared their musical talent in the completion of the album.

 “We are honored that Ivory offered to do this for us,” Bo told The STAR via an e-mail interview. “Ivory got our materials and produced it (the album) in a couple of months.”

The title alone speaks clearly of the album’s purpose — to draw people closer to God. The soft acoustic sound in Disc 1 gently carries the listener to heaven’s embrace. “I believe that when we sing, we worship twice. We express our thoughts into words, and our words into song,” answered Bo when asked about the belief that singing is the highest form of worship.

Bo added Heavenly Music reflects his and his friends’ long spiritual journey. It contained musical compositions that were completed over many years. Some songs have “memories connected with them.” One of them is Miracles Are On The Way. “I composed it when I was still in my 20s and speaks hope for those who are going through darkness. I believe that miracles happen every day. Every person is a miracle. Every moment is a miracle. If only we can open our eyes, we’ll see God’s love everywhere.”

Most of Bo’s compositions are included in Disc 1 and 2. My Treasure in You moves the listener to the deeper insight of experiencing a wonderful relationship with Jesus through the course of various tracks. Lord of My Days opens with the lines from Psalm 139, depicting God’s complete knowledge and care for us. Highest Lord is a call for all of His creation to praise Him while To You Again recalls a promise.

For those not in the know, Bo is a Catholic lay preacher, author of best-selling inspirational books and publisher of seven magazines, among them is Kerygma. He hosts Kerygma TV on Channel 13 every Sunday morning at 8, anchors Gabay sa Biblia sa Radyo on Radio Veritas and frontlines daily on Internet TV via www.preacherinbluejeans.com. He also formed the Kerygma Family, a borderless international, virtual community where people from all over the world signed up as members.

That’s why, writing praise and worship songs seems to be an easy task for Bo. Asked if there is any difference in his musical style compare to other praise albums, Bo, who also knows how to play the piano and guitar, said his songs are more classic because “I’m an old man, ha,ha,ha,ha.”

Kidding aside, each song in the album deeply expresses faith and love for The Lord. Other songs included in Disc 1 and 2 are Break My Untrue Heart, Your Love is Set Upon Me, Teach Me to Rest, While I Have Breath, Because You are Real, Laman ng Aking Puso, Nakita Ko, The Last Place You Have Created Me, Build Your Throne, Gomer, Strong and Faithful, Healed and Mahal Ka ng Diyos and Bayan Ko.

Disc 3, on the other hand, contains Top 10 entries to the Kerygma Feast Songwriting Contest. They are Superblessed, Aking Hesus, With My Imperfect Heart, Forever in My Heart, I’m Yours, My God, Touch My Heart (For Today) My Heart Rejoices in You, You Have Created Me, My Song of Worship and Magpasalamat.

Given today’s music fads, still, Bo believes praise and worship songs sound equally appealing as Teach Me How to Dougie, Maroon 5’s Moves Like Jagger and PSY’s Gangnam Style to the young crowd.

“Absolutely. Our Feast gatherings, which has spread all over the world, is attended by young people – and they love to sing worship songs,” Bo shared.

(Bo Sanchez music will also soon be available on mobile phones and on-line at www.mymusicstore.com.ph.)