Cebu Clergy Performing Artists: 20 years of music, fun, fellowship

FUN FATHERS. Meet the four-piece known as the Cebu Clergy Performing Artists (from left): Fathers Rudy Ibale, Zachary Zacarias, Kipling Agravante and Jun “Batitoy” Gutierrez. (Contributed photos)
FUN FATHERS. Meet the four-piece known as the Cebu Clergy Performing Artists (from left): Fathers Rudy Ibale, Zachary Zacarias, Kipling Agravante and Jun “Batitoy” Gutierrez. (Contributed photos)

It all started with “Angelina,” that hit dance track released sometime in 2001. During a musical presentation for the Christmas party of the Cebu clergy in 2002, 15 priests belonging to District 1 agreed to dance to Lou Vega’s popular song out of sheer fun.

They called themselves Angelina Boys. Fellow priests enjoyed their number so much that eventually, Reverend Fathers Jun “Batitoy” Gutierrez, Kipling Agravante, Zachary Zacarias and Rudy Ibale, MSC, plus former member Fr. Carlo Aguilar, came up with the idea of forming a singing and dancing group.

Twenty years later, the group—collectively called Cebu Clergy Performing Artists (CCPA)—has performed in more than 300 concerts here and abroad, helped parishes raise funds for their various projects and entertained numerous supporters with their brand of music and humorous banter.

To celebrate the milestone, they will be holding a thanksgiving dinner concert titled “Matsalam: CCPA at 20” at the SPFY Covered Court located at the Archbishop’s Palace on D. Jakosalem St. in Cebu City, May 20 at 6 p.m.

The four talented priests took us down memory lane and shared some highlights of their two decades of shared love for the ministry and music.

SunStar LIVE! (LIVE!): Who are your musical influences?

Fr. Jun: “I was influenced by my father, who was a band master at the Cebu Institute of Technology. And foreign bands such as Toto and Earth, Wind & Fire. I also have friends who are members of different bands here in Cebu. And for liturgical music, nothing beats Msgr. Rudy Villanueva.”

Fr. Kipling: “Growing up, I was more into dancing because we would be asked to perform during big events in our town. I discovered my love for singing only when I became part of the group.”

Fr. Zachary: “I was also not much into singing as a child but I did become a member of a choral group in elementary and we competed with other schools. In high school, I would do videoke at home. When I joined the group, I learned to polish my singing talent.”

Fr. Rudy: “I started singing in high school through the encouragement of my teachers. At the seminary, I did the solo parts then started to sing during special occasions such as weddings, debut parties and even wakes. My musical influences are mostly OPM, such as Martin Nievera, Ariel Rivera and Basil Valdez.”

LIVE!: What’s your most unforgettable show?

Fr. Jun: “Our US tour in the years 2014, 2015 and 2017 because I never thought that we would go to America to perform. Another one was our 15th anniversary concert at the Mariner’s Court in 2017 because the flow of the show was really nice and we were very much prepared for it. Our guest performer was Anna Fegi.”

Fr. Kipling: “The most memorable show for me was our very first one, which was held at the Mandaue Sports Complex. It was my first time performing for a big crowd. I was also excited about our concert in Canada because I got to be with my sisters there. Another memorable one for me was our concert in New Zealand.”

Fr. Zachary: “Our shows abroad, like the ones we did in the US and Canada. Those were very exciting because we were performing in a different place for a different set of audience.”

Fr. Rudy: “The 15th anniversary concert because it was an upgraded show. But the most memorable one for me was the one we did at the Langub Shrine in Guadalupe. I chose it because the tickets were so affordable so there were more people who saw us perform. That has always been my dream, that we would be able to get more sponsors so that we could lower our ticket prices and provide entertainment to a wider audience.”

LIVE!: What have you discovered about yourselves as performers?

Fr. Jun: “It has become so easy for us to gel together. We have also learned to do voicing whereas before, we would just sing in unison. Personally, I have grown musically because I am always on the lookout for new songs that we can incorporate in our repertoire. We have also been able to adapt the kind of songs we prepared with the kind of audience we will be performing them for. We are grateful for the opportunity of sharing our brand of entertainment especially to Filipinos living abroad who miss watching Pinoy performers.”

Fr. Kipling: “Regarding the flow of our concerts, our banter and ad libs on stage have become so natural and free-flowing. On a personal note, my vocal classification has always been bass but I had to do first tenor. I struggled initially but was able to adjust.”

Fr. Zachary: “I was forced into joining the group because Fr. Carlo wouldn’t join without me. So, for 12 years, I really didn’t have confidence in my singing. It was only when we had to leave for the US and get a vocal coach that I gained the confidence to sing. And since we as priests have very hectic schedules in our respective parishes, singing has been my way of unwinding in a healthy and wholesome manner. Being part of the CCPA has also made me see the good qualities of the other members of our group.”

Fr. Rudy: “I have observed that they have matured as performers. They don’t get easily rattled anymore. I have been inspired by their joy in sharing what they know and how much our bond has strengthened. I always look forward to our bonding before and after the show, when we eat together or rib one another like a family. Being part of the group has also made me close to more priests from the diocese.”

LIVE!: What can the audience expect from the 20th anniversary concert?

Fr. Zachary: “New costumes and new songs because this is our comeback after being inactive because of the pandemic. We want to offer something new to our suki audience. We have prepared some surprises, as well.”

LIVE!: How do you see CCPA five or 10 years from now?

Fr. Rudy: “I want the group to still be around even if the time comes when I will no longer be with them. I will be transferring to Surigao so I hope we can do a Surigao tour.”

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