In Boracay, Aklan—a world-renowned tourist destination admired for its powdery white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and radiant sunsets— a children’s choir is giving new meaning to local community life and faith.
Jewels Voice, an independent children’s choir composed mostly of Seventh-day Adventist children who are active members of churches under the Northwestern Panay Mission (NPM), has become an uplifting presence in the island’s hotels, churches, and public events. It stands as a living testimony that even in the heart of global tourism, God can be glorified through the innocence and dedication of children.
Founded by a local resident concerned about the secular trend in youth music, which has become overly secular and often devoid of values suitable for young hearts and minds, Jewels Voice began as small vocal coaching sessions aimed at nurturing talent and character.
Over time, those sessions grew into a full children’s choir, now regularly invited to sing in well-known hotel establishments such as Discovery Shores, Red Coconut, Boracay Uptown, Mandarin Resort, Nigi Nigi Nu Noos, Boracay Sensi, and La Carmela de Boracay, as well as in churches, community programs, and outreach events. In these venues, where people from different cultures and nations converge, Jewels Voice has become an unexpected yet deeply moving presence.
At the heart of Jewels Voice is the conviction that every child is a jewel—precious in God’s sight and entrusted with gifts meant for His service. This belief is firmly grounded in both Scripture and inspired counsel. Ellen G. White reminds us that “in every human being, however fallen, there are capabilities which, if rightly directed, may become a blessing to the world” (Education, p. 29), and that true education aims to prepare the youth for “service in this world and for the higher service in the world to come” (Education, pp. 13–14).
She further emphasises the importance of early training, stating that “children are to be trained for usefulness and service; they are to be taught that they have a part to act in the work of God” (Child Guidance, p. 498).
Speaking directly to young people, she adds a stirring vision: “With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour might be carried to the whole world!” (Messages to Young People, p. 196). Jewels Voice reflects this counsel in living colour—children discovering that their voices are not merely for singing, but for witnessing.
One of the group’s most meaningful expressions of ministry is their thanksgiving serenade, aptly titled “Songs of Gratitude and Hope.” Usually held during the holiday season, these serenades serve both as community outreach and fundraising activities, helping sustain the choir’s needs for musical equipment, uniforms, transportation, and rehearsal expenses for the coming year.
Yet beyond these practical goals, the deeper purpose is clear—to bring joy, peace, and spiritual encouragement to all who listen. As the children sing in hotel lobbies and event spaces, local residents pause in quiet appreciation, while foreign tourists—many hearing faith-based children’s music in such a setting for the first time—stand visibly moved.
Some listen with smiles, others with misty eyes; many express gratitude, saying the serenades brought them calm, reflection, and unexpected warmth during their stay. In those moments, cultural boundaries fade, and hearts are united by hope.
Each serenade follows a gentle, intentional flow: an uplifting opening song, a short introduction to the group, sets of inspiring, gratitude-themed, or faith-based songs, a brief Bible verse explained in simple, child-friendly terms, and a closing piece—often their signature song—that lingers long after the final note. What begins as a performance often becomes a quiet ministry, transforming ordinary spaces into moments of sacred encounter.
As Psalm 8:2 declares, “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength.” In Boracay, that strength is unmistakably heard.
Amid the island’s global acclaim and constant motion, Jewels Voice reminds the world that the most enduring beauty is not found in destinations, but in devotion. And as these young voices rise in harmony, they proclaim a truth impossible to ignore: when little jewels sing for God, even paradise pauses—and heaven listens.
Geric Von De La Cruz /Head Writer/ West Visayan Conference