A new church rises

These days, the parish church of Nasugbu, Batangas is a sight to behold, especially at night when its facade is awash with light. What satisfies most about seeing the church is realizing that what had been a mere vision eight years ago is now nearing completion, thanks to the perseverance of the parishioners.

Whether it be in Nasugbu or some other parish, the church cannot thrive, and a church cannot be built, without concerted effort. If one hopes to do more as a Christian, one can begin by supporting the construction, renovation or continuing maintenance of one’s church. This is the challenge Nasugbueños have found themselves living up to.

If anything, Nasugbu’s new church is the product of the collective effort of parishioners, kind donors from beyond our hometown and the priests under whom its construction has taken place. Construction was initiated eight years ago by Rev. Fr. Ben Percano, then continued by Rev. Msgr. Alberto Boongaling and now Rev. Msgr. Alfredo Madlangbayan.

The varied ways in which Nasugbueños have contributed to build our church has been commendable – distributing envelopes during Mass for this purpose; soliciting donations at the cemeteries during All Saints’ Day; staging special events or programs for fundraising; requesting for financial support from our fellow-Nasugbueños who are now abroad; or simply giving quietly from their own wallet. All these have not been easy with one economic crisis after another, and with the soaring cost of construction materials.

Our new parish church, one notes with pride, is charity embodied – for every hollow block, every stained glass window, every detail one now appreciates, is the sum of the generosity of its benefactors.

Last month, the church was transformed into a concert hall showcasing the luminous talents of multi-awarded artists Dr. Raul Sunico (piano), the dean of the UST Conservatory of Music; Eastman School of Music (New York) Master of Music degree holder in Voice Performance and Literature Maria Rachelle Rivera Gerodias (soprano); Elisabeth University of Music (Hiroshima, Japan) Master of Music degree holder in Voice Performance Ronan Ferrer (tenor); and UST Conservatory of Music student Merjohn Lagaya (violinist).

The concert featured piano performances by Dr. Sunico of Chopin, Granados and Filipino classics as well as Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue; scintillating solos and romantic duets from Ronan Ferrer and Rachelle Gerodias; and also Filipino pieces from Merjohn Lagaya whose youthful verve elicited much cheer as his co-performers did.

The fund-raising event was organized by Monsignor Madlangbayan and the Church Construction Commitee led by former Mayor Charito Apacible upon the initiative of ENT specialist, tireless socio-civic worker and Nasugbu son, Dr. Alberto "Ino" Wonchai. "Through the concert," Dr. Wonchai said, "we would like more parishioners to be conscious, to be aware that there is still a need to support our church. Staging a musical concert such as this also helps uplift one’s cultural awareness."

Classical concerts are rarely staged in Nasugbu, which is why it is a testament to the outstanding musicianship of its artists that the concert entranced the appreciative audience. Those who came filled the church and clapped to their hearts’ delight after each musical performance. Production designer Rei Nicolas also did a great job, starting with the conceptualization of the show. He even brought a relic of St. Francis Xavier to Nasugbu which was featured during the blessing of the newly-renovated La Javierada, formerly the Bahay Kabataan.

Days and even weeks later, those who had watched the concert were still smiling when they talked about it, praising the musical artists who had taken time off from hectic schedules to perform in Nasugbu. Dr. Wonchai added that he hopes to initiate a similar event for the Sept. 4 enthronement or coronation of Nuestra Señora de la Escalera as Nasugbu’s patroness alongside St. Francis Xavier as patron.

For Dr. Wonchai – and other indefatigable albeit silent workers of the church – there is always much more one can do to serve and glorify God.