Quorista: A choir that touches souls

My ex-girlfriend is now actively involved in a chorale group, in addition to her regular service at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish near our home. Allow me to share with you this piece about Quorista written by my now-wife, Lyn Barba.

Quorista came into existence in 2016 after its founder, Ronnie Abarquez, heard a whisper (out of nowhere) that said: “Magtayo ka ng choir dito” (Put up a choir here) while passing by the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish church in Alabang while it was still under construction.

Bewildered by the message because he was a fitness junkie at the time who hardly attended Sunday Mass, he found himself doing exactly what the voice had instructed him.

From 16 members at its founding, the choir has grown to 56 singers, a pianist (Reimond Reyes), and a conductor (Abarquez). There are 18 sopranos, 15 altos, 12 tenors, and 11 basses.

Their ages range from 12 to 60, lending a unique family character to the choir, not to mention their diverse professions, occupations, and whatnot. There are students, medical practitioners, corporate individuals, business owners, music teachers, moms, and dads.

What makes the members click considering the diversity of personalities, family backgrounds, and generational quirks? First, we all love music. Second, we all have that unmistakable childlike trait that even during the most intense, stressful rehearsals, we all burst out in fits of laughter after being scolded or yelled at.

Of course, love of food is on top of the list. One should be swift enough to squeeze through the mob whenever pizza and/or Amber pancit or spaghetti are served, among other goodies.

While it is a privilege to be part of something as formidable as Quorista, it takes a musical gift, strength of character, discipline, resilience, humility, and a willingness to learn new music at the speed of light (pun intended) to be able to fit in.

Whenever one attends a rehearsal, he or she is expected to have studied the music in advance and can already sing by sight-reading, or the entire section will be asked to leave the room and study the piece outside.

If there is one thing that sets Quorista apart from other choirs, it is its distinctive sound and the songs, whether sacred or secular. They find their way into listeners’ hearts and touch a chord in the deepest part of their souls that listeners find themselves silently weeping because they felt something divine had touched them.

The choir has a growing social media following on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram and has competed and won an international competition in Macau. Some of Quorista’s notable performances include the Symphony at the Terrace with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and it was the front act for major artists such as Gary Valenciano, Jed Madela, Bituin Escalante, and Louie Ocampo.

Quorista sings at 10 a.m. Sunday mass at the Sacred Heart Alabang main church, except on the first Sundays of the month when the choir sings at the 11 a.m. mass in the small chapel inside Hillsborough Alabang Village. Quorista may be reached through our official Facebook page.

Also, please watch out for Fides et Musica 7 with Gary Valenciano on 2 October 2025 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. For tickets, call the parish office at 8777-3443.