The late Jesuit priest Eduardo P. Hontiveros SJ, widely regarded as the Father of Filipino Liturgical Music, has been nominated as National Artist for Music, by his colleagues at the Ateneo de Manila University, recognizing his contributions to Catholic religious music.
During the media conference for the launch of the inaugural PURIHI’T PASALAMATAN: The Father Eduardo Hontiveros SJ Music Festival, his colleagues and fellow musicians came together to celebrate his life and work, and to express their support for his nomination as National Artist.
Father Hontiveros was a renowned composer, singer, and musician who dedicated his life to creating music that inspired and uplifted the Filipino people. His compositions, which include masses, hymns, and other liturgical music, are still widely performed and sung today in churches and communities all over the country.
His nomination as National Artist is a testament to his enduring legacy and his significant contributions to Philippine music and culture. The National Artist Award is the highest honor given to Filipino artists who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts and culture.
The PURIHI’T PASALAMATAN music festival, which was launched to celebrate Father Hontiveros’ life and work, will feature a series of concerts, workshops, and other musical events that will showcase his compositions and other Filipino liturgical music. The festival aims to promote Filipino music and culture, and to inspire a new generation of musicians and composers to follow in Father Hontiveros’ footsteps.
The nomination of Father Hontiveros as National Artist for Music is a significant milestone in the recognition of his contributions to Philippine music and culture. It is a tribute to his legacy and a celebration of his life’s work, and it is hoped that it will inspire others to continue his mission of creating music that uplifts and inspires the Filipino people.