Nikko Oliver Villanueva
composer | conductor
a Filipino choral conductor, composer, and arranger known for his emotionally rich compositions and intricate choral textures. He is currently studying Choral Conducting at the University of the Philippines College of Music and holds an Architecture degree from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He studied songwriting and harmony under National Artist Ryan Cayabyab. A multi-awarded musician, he is the Resident Composer and Assistant Choirmaster of the Philippine Madrigal Singers and Musical Director of the St. John Bosco Parish Chorale.
Sa Ganitong Panahon Din
Written during the time of Covid-19 pandemic, this song is a reminder to us of how God manifested His love when He sent His Son, in a very similar time of darkness. May we continue to have faith in the midst of grief and gloom, remembering that stars do shine brightest when the night turns deepest. Text is written by Joey G. Vargas
In A Very Similar Time
by Joey Gianan Vargas
English Translation
Men yielded to inviting embraces of fears for death’s coming,
that they spent their hours on sources of joys that are merely fleeting.
In their minds, this life is just but one and there can be no other
that in due time will have to end, will pass, and will be forgotten.
Blinded to the truth, they opted to set their sights on the darkness
where they allowed their eyes to get accustomed and where they, there dwelled.
Their voices are no longer familiar with hymns and songs of praise;
every melody sings of misery, every breath sighs of tears.
In a very similar time, one similar gloomy evening,
there in the Eastern night skies shone this brilliant star of Bethlehem.
In a very similar time, one similar sleeping evening,
the heavens turned very bright, and a host of angels came to sing.
Let your hearts remain expecting, always waiting for His coming;
in the midst of grief and gloom, keep vigil, always remembering:
the stars do shine brightest when night becomes bleakest and turns deepest;
the Messiah came when mankind was covered, enslaved in darkness.
