Si Hesus na Poong Sinta - Ferdinand M. Bautista (arranged by Gabriel Marie P. Casuga)

Ferdinand M. Bautista - Si Hesus Na Poong Sinta Choral Arrangement by Gabriel Marie P. Casuga (World Premiere) Programme 6 of 8 Gabriel Marie P. Casuga in a Graduation Recital May 8, 2026 University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila PROGRAMME NOTES: Ferdinand M. Bautista (born in 1978) is a distinguished Filipino composer, conductor, and liturgical music specialist who currently serves as the Music Minister of the National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Loreto, in Sampaloc, Manila. Currently a graduate student of Master of Arts, Major in Choral Conducting at the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School and Conservatory of Music, and a diplomate of the Ecole de Choeur Gregorien de Paris, his academic profile is further informed by comprehensive studies in liturgy and philosophy. Bautista’s professional legacy includes his former tenure as Music Minister of the Manila Cathedral and his appointment as the lay coordinator and conductor for the 2015 Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to Manila. As an active member of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Liturgy and conductor of the CBCP Cantors, he has been a pivotal figure in shaping contemporary liturgical music, notably composing the 2018 Catholic Song of the Year, "Stay with Me, Lord". Currently, he directs several specialized ensembles, including the Musicam Sacram Singers and the Joseph Ratzinger Choir, while continuing to contribute to the field through published research on Filipino musical and cultural heritage of the Catholic Church. “Si Hesus na Poong Sinta,” a revered liturgical hymn composed by Bautista, draws its inspiration from the traditional Filipino antiphon sung during the Washing of the Feet liturgy on Maundy Thursday, as part of the Mass of the Lord's Supper. This poignant ritual, symbolic of humble service, embodies Jesus Christ's exemplary demonstration of love and humility. In crafting this choral arrangement, the arranger sought to underline the solemn essence of this sacred work. To achieve a dramatic narrative effect, the arranger featured two male soloists portraying 'Peter' and 'Jesus,' juxtaposed against a rich choral backdrop. Through Jesus' monologues, set in hymn-style, and the choir's block-chord harmonies, the aim is conveying the profound message and teachings of Christ to the faithful. Matthew Christian M. Españo, tenor Zio C. Vela, baritone Mapúa University Cardinal Singers, choir Recorded on location by Mr. Holland Lou Buela - Classical Recordist DISCLAIMER: This performance is in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Music in Performance, Major in Choral Conducting. No copyright infringement intended.