UST ALUMNA and “inspirational diva” Jamie Rivera interpreted the Archdiocese of Manila’s official mission song for the celebration of the 500th year of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines, titled “We Give Our Yes.”
The song was launched on Jan. 29. The Quincentennial festivities will be launched in April, with the theme of “Gifted to Give.”
Rivera, who studied economics in the University, interpreted theme songs for previous Church celebrations and hit inspirational songs, such as “We Are all God’s Children,” “Heal Our Land” and the “Jubilee Song.”
Rivera received the Hall of Fame for Inspirational Music at the 42nd Catholic Mass Media Awards on Dec. 19, 2020.
The song was composed by Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo, who also wrote the music for “The Jubilee Song” from the Jubilee Year 2000 celebrations, “Awit sa Ina ng Sto. Rosario” from the Year of the Rosary in 2002, and “Only Selfless Love,” theme song of the World Meeting of Families in 2003.
“Even if our yes is unfaithful at times, [we must not be afraid] because the forefront of our yes is Mary, who is the morning star,” Marcelo said in an interview. “You have to acknowledge your gifts that you receive and you have to pass it on [to others],” he added.
The song has a Tagalog version titled “Awit ng Misyon (Naririto, Handa Kami, Panginoon)” with lyrics written by Msgr. Hernando Coronel of Quiapo Church.
Translations in Bikol and Cebuano have also been made available for the song. Larissa Mae C. Tan
