Sanghimig Choir, one of Melbourne’s premier Filipino Parish-based choirs, celebrated its 13th year singing for St. Simon’s Parish church in Rowville. In April 2002, the group was formed by Jun Belisario, Gil Barcial and Ver Umipig and sang their first mass on Mother’s Day in 2002. With their different Pinoy sound and non-traditional mass songs , parishioners started to notice and has admired this new group. Where do you see a church where people clap their hands after the final hymn? It has become a habit at this parish ever since. As Gil and Jun put it, “We want the parishioners to be in a joyous mood when they leave the church, and that’s the reason why we play fast and bouncy songs at the end and it worked.” In time, Sanghimig added to their repertoire by adopting songs from Hillsong Church.
Sanghimig, from the blend word “Isang” (one) and “Himig” (voice) meaning “One Voice,” is a name truly reflective of the group, bringing out the positive spiritual experience of gospel music that continuously captivated and inspire the audience with their joyful tone and melody. This Choir has also coloured the celebrations of many wedding ceremonies with lovely selections.
“We have come a long way since our humble beginnings,” says Umipig, the choir master and leader of the group. Umipig has the qualities of an able liturgist and an accomplished mentor. With his mischievous eyes and graceful movements, he conducts each performance with passion and has led the group to new heights.
In the 13 years, Sanghimig has performed at almost every type of event be it for charity events, community concerts, special occasions, weddings and even funerals. The members just love being together and playing music. “We are just like a big typical Filipino family, really, and when we are together, there is always much fun and laughter, dancing, good-natured teasing and lots of food,” said Barcial.
Parishioners in Rowville and from other suburbs commented that there is something likeable in the way the group performs that captivates the hearts of the churchgoers. “We give glory to the Lord with every song we sing and hopefully, the churchgoers will feel this too,” added Barcial.
Sanghimig choir sings every Sunday 11:00 AM at St. Simon’s Parish Church in Rowville.
The group is composed of the following: Rani Alvarez, Deo and Ela Banac, Gil and Margie Barcial, Jun and Aireen Belisario, Cesar and Anna Causing, Josh Cinco, Terry and Pilar Danlag, Eva Davey, Luvy Esquejo, Josie Fanti, Cedric and Anne Gomez, George and Ingrid Kertesi, Emma Marcelino, Rosemary Marinucci, Amie Mckinnon, Joseph and Freda Olalia, Bong and Aida Padua, Linda Robalino, Francis and Claire Roque, Sonia Rueda, Tony and Cory Santos, Oliver and Fides Santeco, Carina and Roger Ubay, Ver and Evelyn Umipig, Peter and Marivic Vela, and Audwin and Daniela Wibrata.