In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos in the UAE and around the world have remained optimistic and have welcomed positivity in their lives trusting that things will improve for the better in the coming days.
Philippine Consul General for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, H.E. Paul Raymund Cortes together with several fellow alumni of the Ateneo de Manila College Glee Club joined their voices in a heartfelt rendition of Fr. Manoling Francisco’s “One More Gift”.
ConGen Cortes shares that this is the first time that he’s singing once again with after 30 long years. His favorite line in the song is: “Grant me serenity within for the confusion around are mere reflections of what’s within me,” as it signifies what each individual in the world needs right now – finding serenity and tranquility within their hearts.
“Inner peace. This is the only key. May our community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates be blanketed in peace. For us, for our dear Philippines, for the global community of peoples,” said ConGen Cortes.
Award-winning Filipino songwriter and record producer Trina Belamide, who’s also a fellow co-Ateneo Glee Club member, arranged the song for all the members as follows:
Mike Albano
Eloisa Albano-Chan
Dedette Alcantara
Vivian Balaris-Tica
Trina Belamide
Arlene Bigornia Chua
Jeff Burgos
Icar Castro
Owine Colayco Duran
Paul Cortes
Deo Fortunato Cruz
Niner de Pano
Dada de Pano Supnet
Stephen Egan
Robin Estrada
Dodjie Fabian
Maita Herce Siquijor
Eloi Francisco Rivera
Sr. Maria Rosario Gaite, RSM
Rolly Maiquez
Ella Ocubillo
Mark Sta. Maria
Wilson Santos
Jo-Ann Sto. Tomas-Reyes
Cecille Son Nazareno
Aleli Villanueva Salazar
Vincent Wongaiham-Petersen
Watch Ateneo de Manila College Glee Club Alumni’s rendition of the song “One More Gift” here:
