Filipino choir to sing on Pope John Paul II beatification

A Filipino choir will have the distinction of being one of only two groups that will be singing during Pope John Paul II's beatification on Sunday, May 1. The Karilagan Singers is a choir composed of Filipino migrants in Rome, Italy. They sing regularly at the Basilica of Santa Pudenziana in Rome, home of the Sentro Filipino Chaplaincy. "Majority of our members are working as domestic [helpers]," said choir master Noel Parin in an interview aired over GMA News' "24 Oras" Tuesday night.

The group considers the opportunity to perform at the event as a blessing, according to the "24 Oras" report. Many of the members had seen Pope John Paul II in 2002 when he arranged a special audience with Vatican-based Filipinos. "Nung makita ko talaga namang napaiyak ako sa tuwa. Nung makita ko siya iba yung pakiramdam ko," said choir member Laida Estrada in the same "24 Oras" report. The other choir that will perform on Sunday is from Poland, where Pope John Paul II, who died on April 2, 2005, came from. - Bea Cupin/KBK, GMA News