The Singing Priests of Tagbilaran (SPOT)

Source: CD Liner and write up at Soundclick

The Singing Priests of Tagbilaran, or SPOT, is a group of Catholic priests from Bohol, Philippines, whose love of God goes beyond proclaiming His Word from the pulpit. Evangelization can also be carried out from the stage, not only in sermons but also in songs and performances. That is how Frs. Arnold Zamora, Edick Monreal, Loy Estoque, Jun Ligtas and Boy Espeleta understand their calling. Although they come from different graduating classes and age groups, they all received their musical training from the same seminary.

Yearning to share their talents along with their philosophy of joy, prayer and fun, they bonded together to form a singing group called SPOT (Singing Priests of Tagbilaran). The group is also named SPOTlight since they seek to bear the light of Christ to the world.

Back in the Philippines, SPOT has performed in many concerts. They were the main attraction in the diocesan production, HIUSATLO (three acting in unison). They staged a solo concert, Valentine's SPOTlight, at the Bohol Tropics Resort in February 1998.

In the summer of 1998, they came to the United States and gave concerts for religious causes. They peformed in many cities in California includingSan Francisco, South San Francisco, Sa Jose, Stockton, Los Angeles, Redwood City, Foster City, Santa Maria and Vallejo. They also performed in Seattle, WA and Las Vegas, NV.

This debut album captures their repertoire of religious and popular songs in English, Tagalog and Cebuano.

This album also highlights the works of Father Arnold Zamora, the group's musical arranger and accompanist.

This remarkable compilation of songs portrays the universal message of love and peace. The unique blending of their voices characterizes human emotions of joy, hope, sorrow and understanding.

The SPOT would like to thank Fr. Eugene Tungol, Pastor of Epiphany Church, who was a major catalyst in all the SPOT's concerts in the U.S.

Padayon, Paring Bol-anon! Onward, the Boholano Priest!

Msgr. Floro Arcamo

Source: CD Liner and write up at Soundclick

SONGS OF FAITH AND INSPIRATION

Go to the top of the hill and SHOUT! said the enthusiastic music director of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Bohol, Philippines to the 13-year-old Floro B. Arcamo. And as surely as he was called to the priesthood, he was also called to sing. At the San Carlos Major Seminary in Cebu (Philippines), Fr. Arcamo formed a quartet with three of his contemporary "buddies" calling themselves ABCD quartet. While they enjoyed singing in the seminary's choir, they were also drawn to the popular songs of the '50s and '60s, which they had to practice in secret since the seminary forbade singing of secular music.

By the early '60s, the quartet had graduated and, by sheer providence, three members of the group continued their ministries years later in the U.S.A. In 1987, Bishop Daniel Walsh, who was then Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, encouraged them to record their songs, and the priests agreed that it would be a great fundraising tool for their seminary in Bohol. The only thing lacked was a name. Without hesitation, Bishop Walsh suggested, "The Singing Priests of San Francisco!"

After accomplishing their fundraising mission, the group decided to disband in order to focus all their energies on their respective parish assignments. But their parishes, especially Fr. Arcamo's St. Mark's in Belmont, California were clamoring for more music! So it is with all of your support that Fr. Arcamo presents his solo debut album, Songs of Faith and Inspiration. Through songs such as "He," "Wings of a Dove," and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," he hopes to share with you a personal message about faith and the power of God in our everyday lives. God's grace and goodness can certainly be heard in the voice of Fr. Arcamo!

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS
Author: Sorlven - Converse
SonLife Music Co. Used by permission

THE SAVIOR I SING OF TODAY
Author: Cruthfield
MCA Champion Music Corp | Glitterfish Music Inc.
Used by permission