A choir of Filipino teachers and their families is spreading holiday cheer across Grants and Gallup, New Mexico, with the firstever Filipino Christmas caroling event. From November 30 to December 19, 2024, the choir is set to bring joyful melodies straight to the doorsteps of excited families. Their repertoire showcases popular Filipino carols along with holiday classics—harmonizing a unique blend of cultural heritage and Christmas charm.
Choir members include Agnes Mercado, Michael Delim, Jayson Hernandez, John Edward Marcelino, Reymundo Cahiyang, Shem Verlee Cabotaje, Ruthlianne Cabotaje, Joysel Pasamonte, Edna Paras, Maria Lourdes Gaddi, Gamaliel Gaddi, Oyij Boy Alipio, Roxanne Vilar, and Roxy Vilar. Helping with logistics are Wendell Pasamonte and Nathaniel Gaddi. Most of the choir members are also regular vocalists at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church every Sunday.
Mercado and Cabotaje share, “Christmas caroling is a Filipino tradition that has been one of the most awaited activities every Christmas season. This time is extra special since the proceeds of our caroling will be given to an organization that caters to the needs of indigent cancer patients.”
The group hopes that this caroling event becomes an annual tradition—bringing families together and being present for one another with simple joys in meaningful ways.