When Davao-based singing seminarian Bonn Barretto signed up with music recording company RJA Productions, LLC, he didn’t see it as a “change in vocation” but rather an opportunity to share God’s message of love and compassion through music. The thought of giving up his plans of becoming a priest for a career in the music industry never crossed his mind. He believes instead that singing and religious vocation should never be in conflict with each other.
“I do not see these gifts of singing and vocation to priesthood as competing to each other. Others perceive my singing as ‘pag-aartista.’ I don’t see it that way. Singing is God’s gift to me, and I believe God has a reason for giving me such a gift. I can make singing as an instrument into which I can proclaim God’s plentiful redemption not just in the church but to a wider audience. I want that people will see that a seminarian like me has also gifts to be shared to the community and that seminarians are not confined in the four walls of the seminary to pray,” explained the ballad singer, who is set to release his debut single titled Susi Ay Pag-ibig on Aug. 23.
Bonn added that being a singing seminarian is “both a blessing and a challenge” and he receives varied reactions about it.
“Others are appreciative of this singing while others tag me as ‘showbiz type’ but I can’t blame them. We just can’t please everyone and we can’t force them to think the way we think. I am doing this for those who believe and support me. What is important is that I find meaning in what I do, and this is something I believe God is calling me where I can be his instrument.”
Bonn is a member of the Redemptorist Missionaries and is in his fifth and final year of Theological studies at St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute in Davao City. Bonn hopes to be ordained after finishing his studies and do more inspirational songs with RJA Productions.
“I was on a spiritual retreat when I received a call from someone and she said she heard my singing voice and then she asked if I could sing a new song,” said the singer whose performance of the John Farnham classic Please Don’t Ask Me led to his being discovered by RJA Productions lady boss Rosabella Jao-Arribas.
Bonn began to show an ability and passion for music at an early age, but it was only when he entered the seminary that he discovered his “gift of singing.” He then became the lead vocalist of the seminary band in Cotabato City for four years, and later went on to sing in churches and other events. He also casually showcases his talent through the social singing app Smule and posts his cover songs on his Facebook page.
As a balladeer, he loves to sing and listen to inspirational/religious and love songs and hopes to collaborate with his favorite artists such as Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, Lanie Misalucha, Basil Valdez, Gary Valenciano, George Benson and Josh Groban.
“I have been singing in churches and other events, but it never crossed my mind that I would be given an opportunity to do a recording. I was contented singing on Facebook and Smule. It was through a friend from Ireland, Nathaniel Cabanero, that I came to know about RJA Productions.
“Being part of this family is a great blessing to me. I never thought that I would be given this rare opportunity considering that I am a seminarian. I am truly grateful to Tita Rosabella for believing in me.”
Susi Ay Pag-ibig, an inspirational song composed by Marizen Yaneza who was also behind the ditty Iingatan Ka by Carol Banawa, speaks about love and its power.
“The song is timely and relevant, especially that this country is so divided and hate is everywhere, especially on social media. It challenges us to reflect that after all, what the world needs is love, a love that is translated into action. To love is a universal call,” said Bonn, encouraging everyone to pause and reflect in these trying times.
“Never be ashamed or afraid to ask for help when we need it, and to trust God no matter how hard life may seem. Our lives may be hard and unfair and that we may be sailing on stormy seas and all we feel is uncertainty, I believe God is sailing with us, never abandoning us. Hold on to our faith!”