Jamie Rivera: Singing is praying twice
Singing is praying twice
Jamie Rivera says her faith has never wavered in these unprecedented pandemic times. In fact, she adds, it has even gotten stronger.
The Filipino inspirational singer has recorded ‘We Give Our Yes’ — the official mission song for the celebration of 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines
“Definitely it got stronger,” the inspirational singer tells media at a recent video conference. “I recognized my role. When we first went into quarantine, I felt the camaraderie among celebrities and singers — helping our unfortunate brothers and sisters who were most affected — not only the victims of Covid-19 but also those who lost their livelihood.” Jamie says it felt like God was telling her to do something, no matter if most artists, including herself, have likewise been hit hard by the health crisis.
Her last gig was with Basil Valdez in “Love and Light: A Valentine’s Dinner Concert” at Dusit Thani in February 2020, just before the government placed Luzon under lockdown.
‘I recognized my role. When we first went into quarantine, I felt the camaraderie among celebrities and singers.’
Instead of despairing over the gloomy situation, she went on a mission to help others. She believes it is “divine providence” or God’s plan for her to use her songs to proclaim the gospels — not only to Filipinos but people around the world “who have yet to know Jesus.”
Last 6 February, she performed the song at the Manila Cathedral during the Archdiocese of Manila’s launch of the quincentennial celebrations.
After the “Jubilee Song,” “Only Selfless Love,” “Heal Our Land,” and many other spiritually uplifting odes, Jamie has recorded “We Give Our Yes” — the official mission song for the celebration of 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines.
Instead of despairing over the gloomy situation, she went on a mission to help others.
Last 6 February, she performed the song at the Manila Cathedral during the Archdiocese of Manila’s launch of the quincentennial celebrations.
The song was written by Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo and produced by ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo.
Its music video, directed by Frank Lloyd Mamaril, has so far drawn 76,000 views. She says: “My mission was to let people hear a prayer that they could sing. As St. Augustine said, ‘Singing is praying twice.’ That’s where it started, and I hope that this is not where it ends.”