The Dreamer and the Preacher
Fr. Jonas Mejares
Taking back all the glory to God, Iloilo's famous musician-priest, Fr. Jonas Mejares will once again stage an unforgettable concert-for-a-cause with Pinoy Dream Academy grand winner, Yeng Constantino on August 28, 2007 at the USA Gymnasium at 6:30 in the evening.
Fr. Jonas Mejares showed his outmost passion for music and discovered God's gift of singing when he was only five years old. The nurturing batons of his parents and the greeneries of his birthplace, Napo in Loon, Bohol, have indeed left their mark in the young boy who grew up to be a living melody of God's love.
Taking solace in his spiritual and relevant life like those chosen few who wanted to serve God selflessly, he embraced his fate not only as the Almighty's servant but continued to express his musical artistry. He took his formal trainings in various noted conservatories of Music such as the University of San Agustin, University of the Philippines and the University of Santo Thomas.
He joined the Order of St. Augustine in 1981 and was ordained as priest in 1990. He graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree both in Philosophy and Theology at the University of Santo Tomas.
He was assigned as Master of Seminarians at San Agustin Center of Studies, Quezon City and worked as Parish Priest of San Jose Parish, Iloilo City before he went to Rome for further studies.
He obtained his Licentiate and Doctoral Degree in Canon Law at Angelicum, Rome, Italy, both with a mark of Magna Cum Laude. While doing his studies in Italy, he extended his apostolate to the Filipino Communities and at the same time did four concerts together with some Filipino artists: two respectively in Rome and Milan. His passion further blessed him with a chance to record and release three successful albums in the 90's.
Presently, Fr. Jonas is the Dean of the Conservatory of Music at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City. He is also the former Dean of Theology.
Proving mainstream OPM music fused well with Fr. Mejares' undying lifelong devotion and musical inclination, local pop singers Luke Mejares and Tata Villaruel together with the University of San Agustin Performing Arts held a successful concert dubbed as the Singer and the Preacher in 2005.
This coming August 28, 6:30 in the evening, Fr. Jonas Mejares will once again fill the USA Gymnasium with his harmonious brand of music which he passionately shares with PDA pop sensation, Yeng Constantino. Dubbed as "The Dreamer and The Preacher", this worthwhile musical event, produced by the University of San Agustin, will benefit the timely renovation of the Urdaneta Hall (USA Auditorium).
Yeng Constantino considered as one of OPM's brightest talents has already proven her recognizable appeal to the youth of today through her successful solo album and smash hits, "Hawak Kamay" and "Salamat". Her infectious pop-ballad style will definitely fuse well with Fr. Mejares' cause to share the relevance of his musical craft in attracting concert lovers within and outside Iloilo City.
Indeed, The Dreamer and The Preacher are ready to leave a mark in the local concert scene.
Concert tickets are available at P200 and P100, respectively. For further inquiries on ticket reservations, you may call 337-48-41 local 9-251.