The Philippine Online Chronicles

“Gulat nga ako, pinabibigat mo trabaho ko (I was surprised, you're making my work harder),” Fr. Roberto Reyes said Thursday last week, reacting to Pinoy rock idol Dong Abay's statement that he decided to name his new composition “Parokya ng Mundo (Parish of the World).”

In an interview on Thursday, Abay said that Reyes' new parish being online meant that his parish could be the whole world. Abay, who is best known as the band Yano's former lead vocalist, wrote the lyrics and arranged the music for Parokya sa Web's new theme song.

“Parokya ng Mundo” was recorded in  Vibal Publishing House, Inc. studio with Abay doing vocals. He was accompanied by e-Turo content specialist James Felizardo on guitar. The song was produced by Abay and supported by Vibal multimedia team.

On Friday, Abay left with Reyes for Hong Kong to prepare for Parokya sa Web's international launch, which took place on Sunday. Abay performed “Parokya sa Mundo” live in what Reyes dubbed a “mini-concert” for his Hong Kong parokyanos (parishioners).

Photo: “(L-R) Fr. Robert Reyes, Prof. Susan Magno and Dong Abay visit the Vibal Foundation offices,”. Image is free for distribution and use, as long as image is credited to the Philippine Online Chronicles.