EVANGELIZING  MUSIC
By Omar Reyes
When I first started to initiate a secular-religious band, I knew God inspired me. I thought that since I have a complete set of instruments (Reyes Rehearsal Studio), this is an edge. The band was intended to serve God through music evangelization, and at the same time the group will grow and be closer to the Lord through service as well.

       My first step to forming the group was to look for members or group of people who had a passion for music, a heart for service and who understand and relate to the Tukod mission which is “Renew the person, sustain through BEC and transform the Church and Society”.
        John Fernandez (Lead Vocals/Guitarist) was my first   recruit. He was my friend in college, and was passionately and musically inclined. I explained to him the purpose of the band and he loved the idea. He introduced me to Carlo Ellezo (Keyboardist), and was also with the same interest. I had a lot of prospect for the drummer. In my own opinion choosing a drummer for the band is crucial. The role of the drummer will determine the liveliness of the music. Emmanuel Tancongco   was one of them. He was exceptionally skilled. Fortunately, he too finds the band enticing.
        I had a lot of options for lead guitarist. Most of them were not interested, and some had other priorities. I invited Carlo Velasco. He was a good friend of mine. Initially he hesitated to join. But eventually changed his mind. Playing music is tempting to him. He too understood the mission of the group. Dan Cyrus Macapayag (Guitarist/Back-up Vocals) a full-time Tukod volunteer was automatically part of the group.
        Finally, I reported and seek counsel with Tito Benie (Tukod Network Founder/Alpha Regional Director), and I was overwhelmed with happiness because he fully supported the idea of the band. He advised me then that the band should be given a special Alpha Course.
        The Course was held at Reyes Rehearsal Studio. Before the band rehearsal, we had compressed talks on Alpha. Tito Benie was our first speaker. In our discussion, we already shared deep expression of our insights and experiences. It was a good sign of their responses. Then, we scheduled informally the succeeding sessions depending on the group’s availability.
        We had our “Weekend Away” or the empowerment of the Holy Spirit at the Alpha Office.  They had the most unexpected experiences, a very good and exciting one. After the empowerment, they shared what happened.
        “I felt that God was really present and showed his loved to me. After the praying-over I felt peace and I felt light. I didn’t even know that I’m slain in the Spirit”,  Em-Em