It may not be a big surprise to know that a seminarian can sing. But for one to have turned himself into a recording artist at this point in time in history, and shared a strong message through the power of his voice, say so much about talent being a true gift and destiny happening by faith.
Bonn Barretto, a Davao-based seminarian who is in the final stretch of his journey towards priesthood, found himself at the right place and time to become a singer, and definitely on proper key. A good friend, Nathaniel Cabanero, led him to a crucial phone call.
“I was on a spiritual retreat when I received a call from someone who said she heard my singing voice,” shared the grateful soon-to-be priest, “She asked if I could record a new song.”
The woman turned out to be a US-based talent manager behind the rising RJA Productions that specializes in discovering Filipino talents here and abroad. The new song, released in digital stores just last Saturday, is “Susi Ay Pag-ibig,” written by seasoned songwriter Marizen Yaneza.
Listening to the song is proof that Bonn is a big voice just waiting to be discovered. The key lines are tailor-fit for his timbre and delivery. “Ang susi ay pag-ibig/ Ang lagi kong dasal para sa daigdig/ Ang susi ay ligaya/ Sagot sa pusong nagdurusa/ Ang pag-ibig ang nais niyang ipabatid/ Manahan na sana sa puso ang tunay na ligaya.”
Bonn belongs to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as Redemptorist Missionaries. He gladly offered his first professional recording to the will of God and extended gratitude to his seminary director Fr. Glenn Tito Pascual (C.Ss.R) who allowed him to record a special song blessed with the sound and words embracing the Lord’s resolve.
That it all materialized at a time when the whole world found itself in the midst of an Earth-shaking pandemic meant there’s more meaning to it than just another found talent’s big break. The uido musician who casually shares his gift through the social singing app Smule, noted, “This is a big blessing especially during this time. The song is an invitation to pause and reflect.”
RJA Prod is delighted to have tapped Bonn for this project. “Despite the limitations in our resources due to the pandemic, you managed to record the song with excellence.”
Bonn sees this development as an avenue to share his voice to as many people. He believes that “Susi Ay Pag-ibig” will touch hearts in a current reality beset by hatred, sickness, and death. Often, people would say PM is the key. His debut single is a personal message of love for everyone in this new normal. All we need is the key. And the key is love.
