‘3 Tenors’ hold benefit show for Balanga cathedral

Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes, former DILG Secretary Jose Lina and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando, collectively known as the "Three Tenors," once again showed their vocal skills as they led a benefit dinner-musical for the restoration of the St. Joseph Cathedral in Balanga, Bataan.

The musical, "Salute to St. Joseph!" held at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel Tuesday night, aimed to raise additional funds for the ongoing restoration of the cathedral.

According to Balanga Bishop Socrates Villegas, the restoration of the centuries-old cathedral would cost at least P5 million.

"We want the cathedral to be restored to its original appearance when it was erected by the Dominicans in the 1700s," he said, adding that the restoration work is now being carefully done to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the cathedral’s foundation.

The Cathedral of St. Joseph in Balanga became an independent missionary center in 1739.

Rev. Benito Rivas, O.P., strengthened the church by fortifying its walls, while Rev. Juan Antonio Vicente, O.P., roofed it with galvanized iron and decorated the interior.

From 1838 to 1845, Rev. Mariano Ma. Minano, O.P., constructed the arch of the choir loft and made the baptismal font out of granite from Mariveles.

The parochial ministration of the church under the Filipino clergy started with Rev. Mariano Sarili on June 21, 1898.

The cathedral was the site from where Japanese artillery bombarded Mt. Samat where Filipino and American forces made their last stand during the Second World War.

Joining the "Three Tenors" in the benefit musical were Sen. Manuel Villar, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Michael Defensor, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Merceditas Gutierrez, Bataan Gov. Tet Garcia and Orani, Bataan Mayor Bondyong Pascual.

Also joining the show were Fathers Mario Perez, Perry Medina, Gerry Jorge, Rene de Leon, Donie Enero and Joel Jimenez, better known as "The Bataan Singing Priests."