9-Year-Old Boys Discover Voices in FILCA Choir Through Faith

Finding Their Voices: Jacob and Scion’s Journey Through Faith and Friendship

For 9-year-olds Jacob Reynes and Scion Ticzon, singing in church is much more than just learning hymns; it’s a heartfelt playdate filled with laughter, basketball, video games, and trips to McDonald’s. These young boys are the shining stars of the newly formed FILCA Youth Choir (FYC), a vibrant community bringing Filipino children and families together through the power of music and faith.

The Ones Who Sing Together

Despite living in different boroughs—Jacob in Staten Island and Scion in Brooklyn—their families have forged a deep bond. They stood side by side, a little nervous yet excited, as they prepared to sing at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz on September 13. But as soon as their voices filled the air, those butterflies fluttered away, replaced by sheer joy from sharing the moment with their friends.

Jacob: The Passionate Performer

Jacob, a fourth grader at PS 329 in Brooklyn, has a natural talent for music. With his sweet, high voice, he joins the choir as a soprano. His determination to sing comes not just from a love of music, but also from wanting to perform alongside his friends and older brother, Joseph, who is a tenor.

“I wanted to sing with my friends and my Kuya,” Jacob shared, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

His connection to the choir began with his dad, Jojo, who teaches students with autism in Coney Island. The Reynes family is part of a lively Filipino community in Staten Island, united under the Missionary Families of Christ (MFC). This group has links to Father Rhey Garcia, the first Filipino pastor in Staten Island.

Growing Together Through Music

What started with about 15 families has blossomed into a flourishing youth choir with around 50 members, ranging from younger children to teenagers. They primarily perform Filipino religious music, bringing to life songs familiar to their parents and grandparents, like “Ama Namin,” with plans to sing during Simbang Gabi later this year.

Jacob, who dreams of also playing the piano, juggles his love for music with interests like taekwondo, sports, and video games, even sharing his thoughts on his favorite, Roblox. But there’s a limit to his screen time, ensuring he finds balance in all aspects of life.

Scion: The Soulful Singer

Meanwhile, Scion, who attends PS 253 (The Magnet School of Multicultural Humanities), brings a different sound to the choir with his rich, deep voice. Hailing from a family rooted in Cebu and Iloilo, Scion joined the choir just three months ago.

“I want to sing for God, Jesus, and Mother Mary,” he said simply, illuminating his mind and heart. He finds great joy in learning songs like “Maawa Ka” and “Panginoon.” Just like Jacob, Scion has an older brother, Sean, who is also part of the choir.

When he isn’t singing, Scion thrives on sports—volleyball, basketball, and soccer—alongside creative hobbies like drawing and crafting with Lego. Interestingly, while his musical talents shine, Scion has aspirations of becoming an architect.

Embracing Their Heritage

For these boys, choir practice isn’t just about hitting the right notes; it’s a celebration of their Filipino roots. The FILCA Youth Choir, part of a broader initiative to keep Filipino culture alive among younger generations, allows the kids to cultivate their identity through music.

Families from various boroughs—Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island—come together for rehearsals, united by a shared purpose and passion.

For Jacob and Scion, it all boils down to something beautifully simple—friendship, family, and the joy of singing together. Through their voices, they not only share their faith but also nurture a bond that will last a lifetime.

In the end, it’s not just about the music; it’s about building memories that resonate in their hearts forever.