CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Clarita Village Seventh-day Adventist Church in Labangon, Cebu City, hosted Aug. 28, 2026, a special evening of music evangelism, themed ‘Chains Broken, Voices Raised.”
The idea for this evangelism initiative started when Nestro Pilapil, youth president of Cebu City District, noticed that many young people were using their singing talents outside the church. Some were winning barangay fiesta competitions and gaining attention on social media for performing secular songs.
Pilapil said he believed these talents belonged to the Lord, so he proposed forming a district singing group.
The youth leaders reached out to Clarissa Chavez, unsure if she would join. To their delight, she not only agreed promptly but was enthusiastic about offering her musical gifts to the youth at no cost.
Afterward, they sent a memo to all churches in the Cebu City district, inviting the youth of all ages to join the youth department’s new singing group.
With district officers’ approval in March 2026, the vision became reality. Twenty-four young voices formed the CCD youth choir, training under the expert guidance of Chavez and Gemmar Gunida, both known for their remarkable musical talents.
Reflecting on the mission of the training, trainer Chavez shared: “It was love that motivates me to train. We don’t train singers just to sound good. We train them to serve well, last long, and point to Jesus. Excellence in singing is excellence in stewardship of the gift that God gives.”
Supported by the youth department, the group faced and conquered a host of challenges before their debut. From finding funds for meals and uniforms to arranging rides for members from distant churches and securing parents’ blessings for late-night rehearsals, their journey tested their teamwork and determination.
Addressing financial needs, Nestor Pilapil, the youth president of the Cebu City District and a nurse assigned to the hemodialysis unit, explained how God provides for them.
“I have an agreement with the Lord that whenever patients from our hemodialysis unit offer me money—because they are fond of giving tips to those who administer their treatments—I use that money exclusively for the ministry. I never use it for personal matters. I use it to cover meals, snacks, and sometimes transportation fare for the singers who live quite far away.”
The music evangelism event marked the choir’s much-anticipated debut. Families, friends, and fellow believers gathered for an evening brimming with worship, praise, and the transformative message of Jesus Christ, all woven together through song.
“We all know well that not everyone will be touched by spoken messages. Since time immemorial, God has worked on human hearts through music,” Pilapil said.
They opened the event with a song of praise titled “Majesty Medley,” a collection of worship songs woven together to proclaim the greatness, glory, and reign of our God. Moreover, just as they opened the program with an adoration song, they also closed it with another song collection titled “Rejoice Medley.”
“From tears to triumph, from silence to singing —this is our ‘Rejoice Medley,’ Gunida said. “Because God turns our mourning into dancing.”
Following the success at Clarita Village, youth leaders have set a target to tour churches throughout the entire district for future music evangelism programs, anticipating that many non-believers will come to know the love, mercy, and grace of Christ through the power of message-driven songs.
Lyn Lucero ⎸ East Central Philippine Union Conference Communications