Kumusta, mga kaibigan! In this special Marian episode of JOSh Friends, Joel Escaner, a church musician and keyboard instructor, reflects on the song that reignited his calling—“Maria, Bukang Liwayway” by Himig Heswita.
In between teaching students, leading choirs, and serving at Sunday Mass, Joel finds himself grounded once more through this beautiful hymn to Our Lady. More than melody and lyrics, the song becomes a companion for all who serve quietly and faithfully in the background—reminding us that, like Mary, we are called to say “yes” even in uncertainty.
As we celebrate the Month of the Holy Rosary, may this reflection inspire you to find light through music and service.
🎵 Stream Maria, Bukang Liwayway by Himig Heswita on Spotify, Apple Music, and all digital platforms.
📘 Official sheet music available now at jescom.ph/josh.
Let’s journey together in hope—one note, one song, one prayer at a time.
Behind every idea, project, and dream — there is grace.
In this episode of JOSh Friends, Joel Barquez, entrepreneur, coffee enthusiast, and owner of Space iO Coworking, reflects on “Place Me With Your Son” by Michael Delos Reyes — a book that explores how Jesuit devotion to Mary has shaped Filipino spirituality through the centuries.
For Joel, the line “Place me with your Son” is more than a prayer — it’s a call to presence. He shares how running a coworking space taught him that what truly makes a place come alive are the people who show up — and how faith, like work, thrives when we choose to be present.
Join us as we rediscover the beauty of Marian devotion — not just in history, but in the quiet, daily “yes” we give to God.
📖 Read more and get inspired by “Place Me With Your Son,” available now at jescom.ph/josh
October is the Month of the Holy Rosary — a time to honour Mary, our Mother, whose quiet “yes” continues to echo through our lives.
In this episode of JOSh Friends, Giancarlo Batac — a Data Quality Specialist, IT Consultant, and choir leader — reflects on the Bukas Palad classic “Awit ng Pagsuyo.”
By day, Gian works with systems and data, but when the choir sings, structure turns to song — precision becomes prayer.
He shares how the line “Bawat naming sambitin, bawat naming awitin, ay papuri’t parangal sa ’yo” reminds him that faith isn’t about perfection, but sincerity — that even our smallest efforts can be songs of love.
Join us as we celebrate this month of devotion through music, story, and prayer.
Discover Marian songs, books, and gifts that bring faith to life at jescom.ph/josh.
In this episode of JOSh Friends, Anne Heramia — Chief Information Officer and co-founder of Heroic Leadership PH — shares how her love for technology, leadership, and music has shaped her journey of faith.
She reflects on the song “Inay” by Himig Heswita — a piece that has brought her peace and grounding in the midst of life’s constant motion. Through the lyrics, Anne finds comfort in Mary’s embrace and inspiration in her unwavering “yes” to God’s call.
Join us as we listen to her story — one that reminds us that grace often appears in quiet moments, and that in surrender, we find strength.
Discover “Inay” and other Marian songs and books at jescom.ph/josh
Because faith, like music, keeps us company through every season.
Kumusta, mga kaibigan! In this special episode of JOSh Friends, we journey with Danikka Rose Macarandan Fabela, current Director of the College Campus Ministries Office of Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan, as she reflects on the newly launched 2026 Official Calendar of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus. More than just a way to mark time, this calendar celebrates faith in action—telling the stories of Jesuit ministries and mission-partners who embody compassion, courage, and community across the country.
Through Danikka’s lens as a campus minister, we are reminded that faith isn’t confined to prayers alone. It breathes in everyday acts of love, justice, and service—whether in classrooms, communities, or quiet encounters with others.
Celebrate the season of giving with a gift that inspires and grounds us in what truly matters. Discover the 2026 Jesuit Province Calendar and more at JesCom Exclusives on jescom.ph/josh.
Because wherever there is compassion, courage, and community, the Spirit is truly alive. ✨
Kumusta, mga kaibigan! In this special episode of JOSh Friends, we’re joined by Silke Hipolito, a lead customer service coordinator at Prototype IT and violin teacher at Yamaha in Texas Amps and Access. Silke shares with us her heartfelt reflections inspired by Fr. Daniel Patrick Huang’s Serving the Joy of the Gospel, particularly from his baccalaureate homily Gratitude, Responsibility, Faith.
Silke opens up about her life in customer service and teaching music, and how Fr. Danny’s words on gratitude and responsibility remind her to see each challenge, big or small, as a gift. From guiding frustrated violin students to supporting her mom in her cancer journey, Silke shows us how faith grounds us in moments of uncertainty.
Fr. Danny’s message—that our gifts are meant to serve others—shines through Silke’s story. She reminds us that even in the daily grind, every act of patience, kindness, and creativity can be a way of living the joy of the Gospel.
📚✨ Journey with us through books and songs that inspire. Discover more from Serving the Joy of the Gospel at JesCom Exclusives on jescom.ph/josh.
“To love is to desire. To be human is to desire.”In this episode of JOSh Friends, Ann Manhit — teacher, writer, formator — reflects on the true purpose of our desires, guided by the award-winning book Schooled by the Spirit: A Prayer Companion to Ignatian Spirituality by Fr. Ramon Maria Luza Bautista, SJ, recipient of Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards 2010 Best Book in Spirituality. Ann talks about the feeling of shame that comes with wanting more, and how the chapter on “A Spirituality of Desires” has redirected her to embrace these desires instead, recognizing them as what they are: a guide towards God’s own desires for us as His beloved. She also talks about the challenges that come with it. With the noises and distractions that surround us — family concerns, personal wants, flood control issues, corruption — there is a heightened call for slow discernment: which desires lead us astray and which ones really lead us closer to God? Journey with us with books and songs—get your copy of Schooled by the Spirit at JesCom Exclusives on jescom.ph/josh
Kumusta, mga kaibigan! In this special episode of JOSh Friends, we celebrate 39 years of Bukas Palad Music Ministry and the launch of their latest album, Bless Our Darkness. Yumi Wada shares a heartfelt reflection on the classic song Humayo’t Ihayag, weaving in her own experiences as a psychospiritual formator and the quiet but powerful ways young people discover how to share God’s love.
Be reminded that proclaiming the Good News doesn’t demand perfection—it begins with authenticity, presence, and the courage to tell our stories.
👉 Stream Bless Our Darkness at found.ee/bless-our-darkness and explore more inspiring songs and books at jescom.ph/josh.
In this heartfelt episode of JOSh Friends, Pedro Renato Jr. Tumulto shares his journey of moving from Pangasinan to Calgary, Canada, and finding a sense of belonging through the Bukas Palad song We Are Yours. As a construction Project Admin Officer and member of the Bukas Palad Online Community Choir, Pedro reflects on how music becomes both a foundation and a home when life feels uncertain.
Through stories of faith, work, and choir life across borders, Pedro reminds us that our true identity and worth are not rooted in place or title, but in God who calls us His own.
Kumusta, mga kaibigan! In this special episode of JOSh Friends I.n this episode of JOSh Friends, Dr. Persia bridges the worlds of science and spirituality through the song Your Heart Today by Bukas Palad. Drawing from her work in materials science — from turning agricultural waste into glowing carbon quantum dots to designing disaster relief solutions — she reflects on how the transformation of raw materials mirrors the transformation of the human heart.
Through stories from the lab, mentorship, and quiet moments of reflection, Dr. Persia invites us to see resilience not just as a scientific property, but as a spiritual calling: to be a heart that endures for the sake of others.
Kumusta, mga kaibigan! In this episode of JOSh Friends, Marius Villaroman — a longtime church organist, theology graduate, and freelance musician — invites us to discover the quiet power of everyday holiness. Drawing from his life in music and faith, Marius reflects on how Sacred Space: The Prayerbook 2026 helped him see God not just in the grand performances, but in the “bits and pieces” of life — in the silent measures, the daily walk, the simple act of teaching a chord.
Kung ikaw man ay nasa ministry, nagtatrabaho sa opisina, o nasa creative field — this is a reminder that your life is already sacred ground. Tune in and be inspired to find the Divine in your daily rhythm.
✨ Available now for pre-order at jescom.ph/josh.
Kumusta, mga kaibigan! In this heartfelt episode of JOSh Friends, Kriselda Dionisio opens up about her evolving prayer life — from praise and worship in her youth, to Holy Hours in silence, and now, to everyday conversations with God.
Kris shares how moments of drifting away were always met with God's gentle invitations to return — through music, through service, through friends who dragged her (literally) back to prayer. With honesty and humor, she reflects on how God showed up even in UP chapels, piano keys, fast-food drive-thrus, and the Sacred Space app.
If you’ve ever struggled to pray, felt far from God, or simply wondered how to begin again, this episode is a gentle reminder that God meets us where we are — in the ordinary, in the messy, in the honest moments of our lives.
📖 Discover Sacred Space 2026, now available for pre-order at jescom.ph/josh — a simple daily companion for prayer and reflection.
Kumusta, mga kaibigan! In this episode of JOSh Friends, drummer and cruise ship performer Bryan Gonzaga shares a heartfelt reflection inspired by “Life is (Not) a Tale” by Fr. Augustine Thomas, SJ. Through the chapter “The Connectedness,” Bryan opens up about finding God in rhythm, silence, and even the pauses between each beat.
From crowded theaters to the open sea, Bryan tells us how music became more than performance—it became an anchor to his true self. Guided by Fr. Gus’s reflection on holding his father’s hand during childhood fiestas, we’re invited to explore how connection grounds us, especially in a noisy world.
Join us as we reflect on how sacred silence, spiritual anchors, and the Examen practice of St. Ignatius can help us listen more closely—not just to music, but to the God who orchestrates our lives.
Journey with us with books and songs. Discover more about Life is (Not) a Tale at jescom.ph/josh.
Kumusta, mga kaibigan! In this special episode of JOSh Friends, we take a quiet, reflective walk into the world of Ignatian spirituality through the beautiful book “Schooled by the Spirit” by Fr. Ramon Maria Luza Bautista, SJ.
Rooted in St. Ignatius’s call to “find God in all things,” this reflection reminds us that holiness isn’t reserved for extraordinary moments. It’s found in everyday encounters—in the people we meet, the challenges we face, even the beauty of an ordinary day.
One line that lingers is from Peter Faber, one of Ignatius’s earliest companions: “Remove anything which separates me from you.” That’s what this book is really about—learning to see, feel, and live in God’s presence, even in a noisy, distracted world.
The story of Vincent Caraffa, the 7th Superior General of the Jesuits, brings this message to life. Despite his high position, he chose to personally care for plague victims in Rome, eventually dying from the disease himself. For him, finding God meant serving the least, the lost, and the suffering—not from a distance, but up close and with deep compassion.
As we celebrate Ignatian Month, our focus this week is Imaginative Prayer—a transformative gift from the Spiritual Exercises. This week’s prompt invites you to place yourself inside a Gospel story. What do you see? Hear? Feel? Don’t just think about Jesus—be with Him.
Let us journey together in hope. Journey with us with books and songs—get inspired by Schooled by the Spirit at JesCom Exclusives, available at jescom.ph/josh.
Kumusta, mga kaibigan! In this special episode of JOSh Friends, we’re joined by Jason Dela Cruz, a hotel reservation executive based in Thailand. His story reminds us that sometimes, the most profound spiritual truths reveal themselves in the everyday choices we make—even in spreadsheets, schedules, and guest reviews.
Today, Jason reflects on “The Foolishness of Love,” a homily from Fr. Daniel Patrick Huang, SJ in the book Serving the Joy of the Gospel. Inspired by the Gospel story of the poor widow who gave her last two coins, Jason was struck by Fr. Danny’s bold statement: “Finally, it isn’t a matter of reason; finally, it’s a matter of love.”
As someone who lives and works in a fast-paced, numbers-driven industry, Jason sees this kind of self-giving love daily—in Thai colleagues who go above and beyond, in his own efforts to train and care for his team, and in small joys like playing music or exploring art on his days off. Not because it’s logical, but because it’s love.
Jason also reflects on how discernment—this week’s Ignatian theme—helps him recognize what draws him closer to God. “In life, love doesn’t always make sense,” he shares, “but maybe that’s the point. Maybe we’re called to give not what’s reasonable, but what’s everything.”
Let us journey together in hope. 💛 Discover more reflections like this in Serving the Joy of the Gospel by Fr. Danny Huang, SJ—available now at JesCom Exclusives via jescom.ph/josh.
Kumusta, mga kaibigan! In this special episode of JOSh Friends, we’re joined by Ernest John—videographer, choir director, and creative soul who finds the sacred in everyday beauty.
When he’s not capturing moments through a lens or harmonizing with the choir at the Shrine of St. Joseph Parish, Ernest is exploring how creativity becomes prayer. And today, he reflects on a quiet but powerful collection: JesCom’s Keep the Faith Greeting Cards Series, inspired by the floral arrangements of Fr. Jason Dy, SJ.
These aren’t just cards—they’re visual prayers. Based on the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Fr. Jason’s creations combine nature, liturgy, and Philippine life to invite us into stillness and presence. As Ernest shares, “It’s like God whispering through every stem, leaf, and bloom.”
In one card, fiery lilies meet Christ’s words, “I have come to set the earth on fire”—a reminder of passionate faith expressed in tender ways. In another, orchids and anthurium reflect the Gospel’s healing call: “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”
For Ernest, these moments behind the camera and at choir rehearsals are no different from arranging flowers for Mass. They’re ways of encountering the Divine. “God isn’t just found in grand compositions,” he says, “but in the quiet beauty we choose to create each day.”
And this month, as we celebrate Ignatian Month, we’re invited into deeper awareness. This week’s theme is Emotional Awareness in Faith, inspired by St. Ignatius's recovery at Pamplona—a moment of stillness that led to lasting conversion. Ernest reflects: “Like Ignatius, I’ve learned that in pauses—between gigs, between projects—we hear God more clearly.”
So, what are your recovery moments? What beauty is God inviting you to create or notice today?
Let us journey together in hope. 💐 Discover Keep the Faith—a collection that turns floral art into visual theology. Visit JesCom Exclusives at jescom.ph/josh and bring beauty into your daily prayer.
Kumusta, mga kaibigan! In this episode of JOSh Friends, we’re joined by Fr. Bros Flores, SJ—Jesuit missionary, former superior of the Bukidnon Mission District, and one of the shepherds of the Fr. Leoni Mission Foundation and Malaybalay Jesuit Retreat House.
As he prepares to pass the torch after years of service, Fr. Bros reflects on a deeply personal connection with the diary entries of Fr. Mateo Sanchez, SJ, found in the moving book Balik Lantaw: Diary of a Jesuit Missionary.
Fr. Mat’s honest writings—his struggles with language, his quiet victories, his moments of doubt and grace—mirror the lived reality of anyone who has walked the long road of mission. Even decades into his own Jesuit life, Fr. Bros finds comfort and clarity in the simple, humble words written in Cabanglasan many years ago: that we are never alone in the work God entrusts to us.
Fr. Mat's vulnerability—his admission of limitations, his dedication to the Umayamnon people despite the odds—reminds us that mission is not about perfection. It’s about presence. About crossing rivers, both literal and spiritual, to meet people where they are.
In a world where it's easy to feel lost in the noise of social media, Balik Lantaw brings us back to the heart of service: a ministry of accompaniment, listening, and transformation. And as Fr. Bros reminds us, even in transition, even in letting go, the mission continues—one step, one community, one diary entry at a time.
Let us journey together in hope. 📖 Discover the powerful reflections of a Jesuit who walked with the Lumad in Bukidnon for 14 years. Read Balik Lantaw and allow Fr. Mat’s legacy to inspire your own path of service and discovery. Visit JesCom Exclusives at jescom.ph/josh and be moved by the everyday grace of mission life.
Kumusta, mga kaibigan! In this heartfelt episode of JOSh Friends, we’re joined by Fr. Erwin “Bok” Arandia, SJ—a former lawyer turned Jesuit priest, longtime member of Bukas Palad Music Ministry, and now Assistant Chaplain of the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service.
From choir rehearsals to prison liturgies, Fr. Bok has seen how music can move the soul and break down even the hardest walls. Today, he shares his personal journey of faith, vocation, and the profound power of liturgical music—through the lens of the newest Himig Heswita songbook, Place Me With Your Son.
Written in honor of Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ, this collection is more than just a tribute. It’s a living legacy of prayer in song—crafted by Fr. Bok, Fr. Arnel Aquino, and Bro. Dom Bulan—offering new music for choirs and worshippers alike. Whether you're a music minister, a choir newbie, or someone seeking comfort and connection through song, this episode will remind you why we sing: not for performance, but for praise.
🎵 Place Me With Your Son is a prayerful songbook born of deep reflection and service—created by Himig Heswita in honor of Fr. Honti’s 100th birth anniversary. From the hearts of Jesuit composers to your own ministry, these songs are gifts of healing, hope, and encounter.
Let us journey together in hope. 📖✨ Visit jescom.ph/josh to learn more about this songbook and explore our other JesCom Exclusives. Let the music lead you—and those you serve—closer to Christ.
Kumusta, mga kaibigan! In this eye-opening episode of JOSh Friends, we’re joined by Areson Cuevas, a fintech professional whose journey spans from Marikina to UP, Spain, and the global world of tech innovation. But today, Areson takes us beyond algorithms and borderless transactions, sharing a personal reflection inspired by Fr. Daniel Patrick Huang SJ’s book, Serving the Joy of the Gospel.
Through Fr. Danny’s homily on “Wisdom and Foolishness,” Areson invites us to reimagine what it truly means to be wise—not just smart. From lessons passed down by his grandfather, to the quiet challenge of choosing people over profit, this reflection leads us to the heart of discernment, integrity, and grace. For anyone navigating a fast-paced world, this episode is a powerful reminder that true intelligence isn't just about solutions—it’s about service, humility, and living with reverence.
📚 Serving the Joy of the Gospel is a collection of homilies and insights drawn from Fr. Danny’s 36 years of Jesuit ministry—as priest, teacher, and companion in faith. Whether you're working in tech, teaching in classrooms, or leading communities, this book will meet you where you are and guide you toward a deeper kind of wisdom—one grounded in love and service.
Let us journey together in hope. 📖✨ Visit jescom.ph/josh to read more about this inspiring book. Let Fr. Danny’s words help you rediscover what truly matters in life, work, and faith..
Kumusta, mga kaibigan! In this heartfelt episode of JOSh Friends, we’re joined by Annie Oclarit, a guidance counselor, campus minister, and formator from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan. With over 16 years of journeying with students and educators, Annie shares how the liturgical album Place Me with Your Son has become a quiet companion in her ministry and daily life.
For Annie—whose rhythm of service flows through recollections, liturgies, and sacred listening—the songs in this collection offer more than melody. They are prayers in harmony, filled with the kind of strength that uplifts those who serve behind the scenes. Whether accompanying students in discernment or holding space for others to reflect, these songs remind her to also rest, renew, and be ministered to.
Composed by Fr. Arnel Aquino SJ, Fr. Erwin Jose Sandoval SJ, and Bro. Dom Nilo SJ, Place Me with Your Son invites us to create moments of stillness and soulfulness, wherever we are. For music ministers and choirs, it’s a gift that nurtures not just worship, but the heart of the one who leads it.
Journey with us in service and song. While our online stores at jescom.ph/josh and Lazada are temporarily offline until May 31, you can still order your copy of Place Me with Your Son through these channels:
💬 Facebook Messenger
📧 sales@jescom.ph
📱 Viber: 0929.864.9010
Let the music lead you closer to Jesus—one message, one note, one prayer at a time. Thank you for your continued support and understanding!
