The Cebu Normal University (CNU) offered worship songs to Sto. Niño as his image passed in front of the CNU gate during the solemn procession last Saturday.
The university prepared a string ensemble composed of CNU alumni and members of the Cebu Symphony Orchestra, with the CNU children’s choir, CNU chorale, faculty and administration as the singers.
They positioned themselves outside the university to perform songs for the holy image.
Dr. Marcelo Lopez, CNU president, said the idea of offering songs to the Holy Child Jesus came after the success of their grand chorale Christmas program.
“All the groups sang Halleluiah by George Handel and I thought this is a universal song for a religious celebration,” he said.
It was through the efforts of music professor Naila Beltran that this performance was mounted. For the past several years, she has been showcasing music to honor the image, but this year is the biggest event yet.
About 70 performers and musicians played church songs such as George Handel’s Hallelujah, Gozos sa Sto. Niño and Ave Verum Corpus.
Marnel Pogoy was happy about being able to sing for this event.
“I have done something for Sto. Niño. This is a talent that has not gone to waste,” she said.
The student sang solo during the procession. High school alumni Charles Keith Cañete played violin. “Even if I was not able to walk on foot with the crowd, I was still able to offer something to the Sto. Niño.”
Lopez said it was their way of thanking Sto. Niño for the gift of music.
He described the celebration as a venue for unity.
“All the people are here, from students to faculty. Even the administrators and alumni are back giving their time and effort to the Lord,” he said.
CNU caught the crowd’s attention with its music. Devotees waved their hands in worship of the image and sang the university’s songs.
Both Beltran and Lopez plan another music offering for next year’s solemn procession. /UP Masscom student Annie Fe G. Perez