Fresh from their victory at the 4th Asia Choral Grand Prix (ACGP) 2025, one of the most prestigious chorale competitions in Asia held in Singapore, the Sola Gratia Chorale brought their inspiring music and testimony to the South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC) Church during the Hour of Worship on August 9, 2025.
Founded in 2019 and led by conductor and founder Cyril Ortizano Punay, the Sola Gratia Chorale hails from the northern part of the Philippines. Their visit to Mindanao from August 8-9 was a meaningful opportunity to connect with their Adventist community in the southern region, sharing not only their musical excellence but also their faith journey. The group’s name, Sola Gratia, is Latin for “By Grace Alone,” a reminder that every gift, talent, and victory is made possible through God’s grace.
The worship service began with a reverent atmosphere set by an instrumental clarinet rendition by one of the chorale members. This was followed by a sequence of hymns and praise songs, opening with Leaning on the Everlasting Arms and Nearer, Still Nearer.
The declaration portion featured powerful arrangements of The Church Has One Foundation, Petrus, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, and He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands. In the covenant part of the program, the chorale led the congregation in I Have Decided to Follow Jesus and I Choose Jesus, inviting brethren to reflect and renew their commitment to Christ.
Interwoven throughout the program were heartfelt testimonies from chorale members, sharing personal stories of faith, perseverance, and the life-changing power of music. These were followed by inspiring renditions of Your Grace Still Amazes Me, The Battle of Jericho, and A New Jerusalem Arise.
The worship service concluded with a grand finale as the Sola Gratia Chorale joined voices with SPAC’s Animo Vocés (AV) and My Redeemer’s Symphony (MRS) to perform All Praise Rising. The combined choirs filled the church with harmonious praise, leaving the congregation uplifted and inspired.
SPAC’s hosting of the Sola Gratia Chorale reflects its commitment to nurturing spiritual growth through music and the arts. By welcoming these accomplished musicians, the college not only celebrated their recent international achievement but also reinforced its mission of inspiring faith, fostering community, and using every talent for God’s glory.