College student conducts orchestra for WACOM4

Jan 29, 2017

By Carl Jamie Simple S. Bordeos
In an effort to interpret the official theme song of the 4th World Apostolic Congress on Mercy (WACOM4), Pamela Tarrayo, a 4th year college student from Christ the King College (CKC) in Calbayog City, Samar, will be leading her musical group’s performance of the official song during several WACOM4 events.

A BS Major in Music student, Tarrayo, 19, is a member of the CKC-Youth Symphony Orchestra (CKC-YSO), which performed on day 2 of WACOM4 at the University in Santo Tomas (UST) Quadricentennial Pavilion on Jan 17 and at the Divine Mercy Shrine in Batangas on Jan 19.

‘God’s gift of music’
A graduating student herself, she said she accepted the opportunity despite a hectic schedule, featuring an 8-hour day shift, orchestra rehearsals after, with remaining hours spent on making lesson plans.

Despite all these, Tarrayo is committed to lead the orchestra because for her, to do so “is one of the best ways to share God’s gift of music.”

The 60-80 members of CKCYSO are presently high school and college students of CKC in Samar, which is run by the Order of Friars Minor Franciscans in Southern Philippines.

‘Life is heard’

Franciscan priest Fr Marlowe A. Rosales CKC YSO initally mentored young people in 2007 to form the youth orchestra in Calbayog City, Samar.

“Beyond the music they play, life is heard, manifesting faith, proclaiming hope, and encouraging love,” said the priest. The international congress on mercy concluded on Jan 20 with a mission sending in Bataan.--CBCP News