Inaugurating Holy Week, a Filipino choral group based in London brings together faith, culture, and community through music, offering a powerful witness of Filipino Catholic spirituality abroad.
By Fr. Mark Robin Destura RCJ “Our Sinag Himig Chorale London is deeply committed to using music as a way to connect people, uplift the spirits and make a meaningful difference in the community,” said conductor Jarom Pinlac in an interview. A Filipino choral group based in the United Kingdom is bringing together migrants, music, and mission through a series of sacred performances that celebrate faith and cultural identity. The Sinag Himig Chorale London, composed of singers from various Filipino communities across England, has emerged as a vibrant musical ministry dedicated to service, unity, and evangelization through song. Founded in 2021, the group was initially formed for a fundraising concert at St. Augustine’s Parish in Hammersmith, but quickly grew into a community bound not only by music but by shared purpose and faith. A ministry beyond performance More than a performing ensemble, the choir sees itself as a ministry rooted in service and evangelization. “The group has become a family bound not only by harmonies but also by purpose… our passion for singing goes far beyond performance,” Maestro Pinlac said. Its mission is to use music as a means of connecting people, uplifting spirits, and strengthening faith communities. The chorale regularly participates in liturgical celebrations, offering music that enhances the spiritual experience of the Mass, while also organizing concerts, tours, and outreach events to support charitable causes. Sharing Filipino faith and culture Through its music, the choir expresses the richness of Filipino spirituality and cultural heritage. Its recent concert, entitled “Woven: A Tapestry of Faith and Music,” was held on March 28, 2026, at the Basilica di Santa Pudenziana in Rome, bringing their mission to an international audience. The visit to Rome also carried a deeper purpose. “The reason why we came here to Rome is to launch the Mass of San Lorenzo Ruiz, a Mass in honour of Filipino migrants abroad,” said Chi De Dios, the manager of the choral group. The composition reflects the spiritual journey of Filipinos living far from home, integrating language, devotion, and cultural memory. “We believe that everywhere in the world where there are Filipinos, they should hear the Mass… because it speaks deeply to our roots as Filipino people,” she added. Music as a bridge for migrants For many overseas Filipino workers, music becomes a way of staying connected to their homeland and faith. “Distance can deepen our love from where we came from… we are bringing home to wherever there are Filipinos,” the group shared. Some of the performances, including songs such as Kaluluwa ni Kristo (a Tagalog version of Anima Christi), are meant to accompany migrants spiritually wherever they may be. Through these initiatives, the choir demonstrates how music can serve as a bridge between cultures, communities, and faith traditions. A message of faith and unity For Filipino migrants, the chorale represents more than artistic expression—it is a sign of belonging, faith, and hope. The group also shared a message for Filipinos living abroad, especially in Italy: “Keep on praying, keep on singing, keep on serving, and keep on being with the community… because our communities here abroad are an extension of our families back home.” Choir members emphasized that unity and faith sustain migrant life far from home. “Wherever we are, as long as we are with the community… we are home,” they said. In a world marked by migration and distance, their voices offer a reminder that faith can unite communities across borders.