By: Maurilio Cruz
Photo Provided By: Maurilio Cruz
The Student Engagement Center at UIW became a space of celebration and reflection as the Bukidnon singing priests performed before a packed audience. Dressed in ceremonial white robes, the priests shared songs of praise and tradition, blending Filipino heritage with spiritual harmony.
Throughout the night, the priests switched between robes and formal attire, adding a lighthearted touch to the heartfelt evening.
The event, Paring Bukidnon, was more than a concert. It served as a fundraiser for retired and ailing priests in the diocese of Malaybalay (muh-lie-buh-lie) and supported UIW’s annual medical mission to the Philippines, a long-standing initiative led by the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership & Sustainability.
The evening began with a warm welcome from organizers and community leaders, followed by performances that moved the audience with moments of joy and reverence.
Among those in attendance was San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, who noted the event’s impact on the community.
“It’s really important when we can show the ties between our many, many cultures. I’m a proud Filipino American. I am also a proud Catholic. And so, to be able to host them here and strengthen the ties between our communities and our countries is so important. And I’m thankful we are able to do it,” said Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones.
The concert also drew support from the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller shared a message of compassion and connection.
“It doesn’t have to mean just one faith. If you have God in your life, you will be more prompted to connect with someone else and start building community. So what we’re doing tonight is precisely that,” said Archbishop García-Siller.
The collaboration between UIW and the San Antonio Filipino American Chamber of Commerce was central to making the event possible. Chona Day, representing SAFACC, reflected on its purpose.
“That collaboration really will take us to places. And this is a testament to working together. Because like I always say, together we can always do bigger and better things for our community,” said Chona Day.
From the music to the mission, Paring Bukidnon was a celebration of faith, service, and Filipino identity, reminding all who attended that community can be built through song and strengthened through compassion.
As the night came to a close, the crowd joined together in one final message of gratitude.
Hear more about the Bukidnon Priests on the UIWTV Newscast!
https://youtu.be/0ja6zyf0iym?si=lbutkllkgbsovy_y
