28/05/2021
MEET THE VOICES
Meet Joel, a musical genius, multi-talented instrumentalist and sound engineer rolled into one. Voices’ resident maestro whose passion in serving the Lord is remarkable and inspiring.
Name: Joel Japlit
Nickname: Joel
Year Joined: 2008
Voice: Bass/Instrumentalist (keyboard)
Five Things (and more!) About Joel
1. What motivated you to join Voices?
Prior to joining Voices I was heavily involved in church and community music service elsewhere. I was part of many groups but later on had that desire to serve once more in my home parish, Christ the Ling in Project 7. It was a blessing that later on there was an opportunity to be part of Voices which I wholeheartedly accepted.
2. What sustains your faith?
God's faithfulness sustains my faith. Over the years I have learned to trust the Lord more and more. It is always comforting to know He is always present looking after me. I would always go back to this Bible verse whenever my faith needs uplifting: Jeremiah 29:11 (“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”)
3. Personal Favorite Choir/Church Song
My all-time favorite is Munting Sanggol (very Christmassy 😂). As with any Christmas song, it uplifts my spirit as it brings that joyful vibe and meaningful message. On the technical side, the song was exceptionally made... with lyrics and music coming from no less than Maestro Ryan Cayabyab (I'm a fan of anything that he lays his hand on). I'm just happy that we are able to sing and play this beautifully during Christmas season with the hope that we are able to radiate the song's exact joyful vibe and message to everyone.
4. Personal Favorite Singer / Music Group:
I have great admiration for Bukas Palad - I believe they were able to live up to their group's name. For 35 years they have been generous in sharing their songs to us and it has reshaped liturgical music, breathing new life in the songs used in mass. I too dream that Voices may one day cross borders, spreading God's message through our songs, much like the way Bukas Palad did.
5. Personal Advocacy: What would you like to use your voice/talent for?
I just open myself to how the Lord wishes to use my talent... hoping I can be present whenever I am needed.
Some extras about Joel:
• Favorite musical instrument to play
Piano/Keyboard
• Who do you consider as the greatest musician/instrumentalist?
I do have 2 people in mind and it's because I look up to them in the same level (for me they're the greatest). Ryan Cayabyab and Jay Durias. Both are musical geniuses. I admire them not just for how they play, but more on how their mind works in harmonizing voices and instruments, making excellent arrangements that has resulted to timeless classic hits.
• Aside from music, what other hobbies do you have?
Nothing else other than music...oh wait...food :D
• How did you develop your passion for music?
I've had this fascination for music at a very young age, although I didn't get formal lessons until I was 10 years old since that was the time when my parents bought the piano that we have at home. Prior to that, the strong interest has always been there. I listen to songs differently compared to other people as I don't pay too much attention to lyrics but more on the tune, the song structure, the progressions, etc. So whenever I listen to a song, if I hear a part that I like, there would always be that question in mind "how did he do that", then followed by "I want to do it too". That drives me to learn the song and ultimately has fueled my passion in music. Even at my age now, the same question pops up and continues to drive me to learn.
Joel Speaks:
I just wish to express the joy that I have in serving the Lord through music. As I serve with Voices or any other group that I'm part of, I hope we're able to bring God's message closer to people, and that we might inspire others to do the same – to be part of a group, to build up and improve their skills, and use their talents so that they may experience the same joy that we have in giving glory to our Lord!
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‘Meet the Voices’ is a series of featured posts introducing the ‘voices behind Voices’. Get to know the members, and be inspired as they share tidbits about their ministry and some factoids about their personal journey in service through choral music. In this way, it is our hope that you can be one of the Voices, too! Send us a message today!
