MANDAUE CITY — The Arise to the Realms of the King of Kings (ARK2 Chorus), hailed as the longest-existing singing group in the Central Cebu District, marked its 19th anniversary of music and service with a special Sabbath program and a community outreach in the afternoon.
The milestone celebration, held July 18, took place at its home church, the Mandaue City Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Barangay Maguikay. As part of its anniversary tradition of community engagement, the group conducted a special singing ministry at the Mandaue District Hospital and distributed food packs to the patients.
On Sabbath morning, Pastor Methu Flores, Adventist Hospital-Cebu chaplain, delivered the sermon for the Divine Hour. He focused on the human fear of mortality and the wisdom of accepting life’s limits. However, as he said, acknowledging this reality frees us from trivial stress and encourages us to live with intentionality by focusing on what truly matters.
“The question is not how long we live, but how we live,” Pastor Flores said, highlighting the value of being fully present, finding meaning in each day, and expressing gratitude by cherishing life’s everyday blessings.
A Legacy of Faith and Music
Established in 2007 under the leadership of then-head elder Guiwendolin Jayme, ARK2 Chorus began with more than 20 founding members and Allan Laguna serving as its original music director.
Reflecting on the group’s journey, a pioneering member recalled the early days of fellowship and dedication,
“I still can’t forget that we used to do rehearsals at Ate Gwen’s house, sometimes. She was very supportive of the group and always intervened in every conflict that arose. She knit us well together.”
Throughout its nearly two decades of ministry, the group has been shaped under the musical guidance of four primary trainers: Laguna, Cherry Mae Patricio, George Dy, and Uriel Wenceslao.
Over the years, the group’s melodic reach has expanded far beyond its home church. ARK2 Chorus has shared its gift of song in countless homes and churches across the Central Philippines, bringing spiritual inspiration to various educational and medical institutions, charity houses, government platforms, and hotel establishments, cementing its reputation as a prominent ambassador of faith-based choral music in the region.
Sustaining the Tradition
While the group has encountered numerous challenges over the past 19 years—including shifts in membership as pioneers relocated for work—leadership noted that younger generations have consistently stepped forward to maintain the chorus’s vibrant presence in the district.
With nearly two decades of harmonious service, ARK2 Chorus continues to blend spiritual ministry with active community outreach across Mandaue City.
Herald Dae Jayme, son of the late Jayme who founded the group, shared a message. “For 19 years, God has been faithful through every rehearsal, every performance, every challenge, and every victory. We have learned that our greatest calling is not simply to sing beautifully, but to worship sincerely and lead others closer to Christ. As we celebrate this milestone, our prayer remains the same: Above all else, may His name be praised.”
Malou Jayme, daughter-in-law of Gwen Jayme, expressed how overwhelmed she was by the achievements the group has fostered through diligence and persistence. She noted that since 2007, they have raised generous funds for the church building project primarily through three major concerts, caroling activities, singing contests, and minor concerts held in neighboring and distant churches, calling the group a true blessing to the Mandaue City Central Church.
Reflecting on their journey, she credited their resilience to their former music director, sharing, “All of this was made possible by our choir director, then Kuya Allan Laguna, whose resilient patience served us well in teaching Ark2 Chorus during our time.”
Addressing the current members, she offered an encouraging reminder: “To the current Ark2 Chorus, continue singing for the Lord and always keep in your heart the purpose this group was built for and the values this group was built upon.” She concluded with a heartfelt prayer, stating that it was her earnest yearning for everyone to remain in strong faith and ready to face Jesus until His return, before closing with, “God Bless Ark2 Chorus!”
Lyn Lucero | East Central Philippine Union Conference Communications