Norman Agatep, Jandi Arboleda, and Rev Fr. Manoling Francisco SJ began writing liturgical songs as high school students.[2] Their songs were eventually popularised through use in Catholic Masses and other liturgical services nationwide.
After Francisco joined the Society of Jesus in 1986, Agatep and Arboleda gathered some friends to sing at a wedding. This group continued singing and soon recorded their first album of original songs, entitled "Bukas Palad", which also became the group's name.
Music
Bukas Palad has produced well over a hundred original liturgical and inspirational songs composed by Agatep, Arboleda, Francisco, and other members, as well as setting text to music like various Biblical passages and religious poems. Very few of Bukas Palad's members received formal musical training, yet over the years they have become a significant force in the Filipino music industry.
The group has also written hymns popular in the Philippines, such as "Hindî Kitá Malílimutan" ("I Will Not Forget You"), "Tanging Yaman" ("Only Treasure"), "Sa 'Yo Lamang" ("Only Yours"), "Anima Christi", "Humayo't Ihayág" ("Go Forth and Proclaim") and "I Will Sing Forever".[2] Many of their musical settings for portions of the Mass, such as the Gloria, the Lord's Prayer, and the Agnus Dei, are popular throughout the country. Popular Filipino artists like Lea Salonga, Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Basil Valdez, Jamie Rivera, Joey Albert, Cooky Chua, and Noel Cabangon have also covered and popularised the group's songs.
Bukas Palad has been featured in various media including radio, television, and film. Bukas Palad pieces have become theme songs and spawned films and television shows, such as the film Tanging Yaman and the 2010 series, and the 2010 film Sa 'Yo Lamang.
The group conducts liturgical music workshops for parish communities and choral groups, as well as outreach activities for the marginalised like the elderly, orphans, the sick, and the imprisoned.
Outside of liturgical use, Bukas Palad is also a highly acclaimed performing group, having staged concerts in churches, theatres, concert halls, convention centers, and shopping malls.
