My Journey as a Christian Songwriter

PHILCARLO

ABOUT ME

About Me

I’m a Christian songwriter and a member of the Apostolic Jesus Name Church, holding firmly to the Oneness Apostolic faith. Though I never had formal training or studied music in school, I believe that you don’t need to be a professional artist to be used by God. I’m not a professional Christian songwriter like those you hear on the radio or see on big stages—I’m simply someone with a heart for worship and a desire to serve.

I see myself as God’s instrument, called to inspire others through music in whatever way I can. As a church musician, I’ve developed a deep passion for composing songs that uplift, encourage, and reflect real moments of faith. My songwriting journey began in 2009, and every composition I create is drawn from personal experiences or inspired by stories and situations that move me to write.

Listen

Annual Spotify Listeners

Annual Spotify Streams

YouTube Subscribers

YouTube Lifetime Views

My Journey with Music

My musical journey began in 2004 when I joined our church’s Music Ministry not as a church musician. At that time, I had no knowledge of playing any musical instruments, nor did I have a talent for singing. It was simply the encouragement of my friends in the church that led me to join our music department.

During my first sit-in, one of our Senior musicians asked me why I joined and what I could do since I didn’t know how to play an instrument or sing. I jokingly answered that I could clean the cords, cables, and mics after our practice, but I was serious about it.

As the weeks went by and I attended many choir practices, our Music Leader at that time tried to involve me in the choir so I could participate in singing. However, it never really worked out because I lacked talent in singing. At least I tried.

Then, my interest in learning how to play musical instruments grew. One day, when I visited my Lola’s house where my older sister lived, I saw her playing the acoustic guitar borrowed from my Tito Bhong. That moment sparked an urge in me to learn the guitar too.

I stayed at my Lola’s house for a straight week, and every morning, I did my best to study how to play the guitar using the practice chord chart. From there, I fell in love with playing an acoustic guitar. Over the years, I started learning how to play other musical instruments with the help of my friends who were senior church musicians at that time.

One Saturday, after our choir practice, I asked our bass guitar player how he played the bass guitar. I was curious why it is only one note finger at a time compared to the acoustic guitar where I have to have many hand formations to complete a chord. He then taught me the notes on the bass guitar fretboard. I was amazed that it was easy to remember and fret the chords, unlike the acoustic guitar. From that moment, I switched my focus to learning how to play the bass guitar.

Many Saturdays and choir practices passed, and I used to look at the church musician songbook we had in our music room, trying to play the chords on the bass guitar.

One December, we had an event called Sunday School Culmination. Our Sunday School children were going to have a song offering, and one of the songs they were going to sing was ‘Shout to the Lord’ by Darlene Zschech. I had practiced that song many times, so I thought, why not try it? I took the bass guitar and tried to play along with the MP3 and the other church musicians. That’s where my journey in music, as a church musician, began.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR STREAMING

My song compositions are now available for live streaming. Stay tuned for more songs coming soon! Follow me on the streaming platforms below.

Why I Compose Songs

Music, to me, is more than just notes and rhythms; it is a form of worship and expression of my faith. Each composition is a prayer, a way to connect with God and share His message of love and hope with others.

I was amazed to learn that some of the songs we sing in our church services are composed by some of the members of our music department. I am equally inspired by our former music ministry leader, Rev. Reinaldo Reveral, and his story of how he was able to write some of his song compositions. Similarly, Bro. Shem, our church guitarist, impresses me with his song compositions. I started to develop an interest. I began to wonder if I could do it too.

I must acknowledge the significant impact Bro. Mark Belosa, composer of “Awit Kay Ina ,” has had on my song composition journey. He has helped me many times, encouraged me to keep going, and emphasized the importance of an incubation period for some compositions to develop fully, just like my composition “Ang Buhay,” written in the year 2009 but with music produced just this year, 2024.

Most of all, after all these inspirations, I compose songs as my way of glorifying the God who makes everything possible. I want to be an instrument of God to bless others through music. I will continue writing to spread the Word of God and make a connection between Him and the people He loves to be with.

My Vision as a Church Musician

Through my music, I hope to touch the hearts of listeners and bring them to praise and worship God. Whether it’s a simple melody or a heartfelt lyric, my goal is to create songs that inspire and uplift, drawing people into a deeper relationship with the Lord.

I also want to preserve meaningful stories through my songs, ensuring that they are remembered and cherished. Simultaneously, I aim to help people connect with God through music, allowing them to experience His presence in a profound way.