A night of gratitude and celebration at St. James the Great Parish

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January 8, 2026 | 12:00am

In a heartwarming blend of music, community, and festive cheer, the parish of St. James the Great recently hosted its much-anticipated Thanksgiving Christmas Concert titled “An Evening of Gratitude for 35 Joyful Years.” The evening, a fitting tribute to the parish’s 35 years of unwavering faith and service, was an unforgettable celebration, filled with music and merrymaking.

The highlight of the evening was the performance by the renowned Kammerchor Manila (2023 Choir of The World) and the St. James the Great Parish Prex Choir. With their masterful harmonies and exceptional vocal talent, the choir filled the church with a divine ambiance that left the audience in awe. Their repertoire, carefully chosen with their choir master, Anthony Go Villanueva, which sought to reflect both the joy of the Christmas season and the spirit of gratitude, included timeless classics and contemporary pieces, each rendered with precision and passion. Their performance was truly the perfect accompaniment to the evening’s theme of thanksgiving and celebration.

Also gracing the joyous event was the solo performance of Kris Gonzales, resident baritone of the parish, and the most recent National Champion of the Senior Voice Category of the National Music Competitions For Young Artists (NAMCYA).

As the parish celebrated its milestone of 35 years, the evening also included a surprise birthday tribute to Tanini de Leon, a beloved member of the St. James community, and head of Prex Choir.  Her dedication to the parish and its members has made her a cherished figure, and her surprise celebration was a heartfelt gesture of appreciation for her unwavering support and commitment. Family, friends, and fellow parishioners gathered around to honor De Leon, and the joy on her face was a testament to the deep bonds that define the St. James parish family.

The event was a beautiful reminder of the power of  parish community and the importance of gratitude, particularly during the holiday season. With the harmonious music of the Prex Choir, wearing John Guarmes creations, Kammerchor Choir and the warmth of heartfelt tributes, An “Evening of Gratitude” was a resounding success — one that will be remembered by all who attended for years to come. Special mention also goes to the organizing committee, whose hard work and dedication made the evening a seamless and memorable celebration.

As the parish of St. James the Great looks to the future, the joy and unity experienced that evening will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift the community in the years to come. Here’s to another 35 years of faith, music, and community spirit.