We all think of them as holy; a little closer to heaven than the rest of us. But, really they are human too, just like us.

On April 9, six priests from the different dioceses in Metro Manila will stage their fourth major concert at the Aliw Theater, Roxas Boulevard. From obscurity, these six priests embarked on an evangelization mission through song and dance by coming together and staging concerts that featured not only spiritual but contemporary songs. By doing so, they believe that they can show a Church that is not condescending but more open and accessible.

Fr. Erick Santos strongly denies that he is a singer. He confesses that he is more of a performer. He always ends up being the darling of the audience because of his antics and wit. Some say it is also because he is a dead ringer for Roderick Paulate. He was brave enough to risk life and limb when he sang “I Believe I Can Fly” from a moving harness at the Aliw Theater while throwing feathers to an amazed audience. Don’t be fooled by his funny exterior though. This priest has a degree in Comparative Religion, Ecclesiastical Studies and masters in Educational Management. Fr. Erick takes his pastoral mission very seriously as parish priest of Santo Niño de Tondo Parish. He is also one of Ai Ai delas Alas’s best friends.

The “bunso” (youngest) of the group is Fr. Daniel Allan Samonte, parish priest of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Novaliches. His fellow priests say that he is the most emotional of the group. Audiences simply love his rendition of Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano hits like “Kahit Isang Saglit” and “The Warrior is a Child.” He is a favorite among the young because of his artista looks and rebonded hair.

At first glance, Fr. Joel Jason is one serious priest. But give him a guitar and play some tunes and you will discover a romantic who also has above average dancing skills. He has the gift of discernment when selecting young men who want to be priests as head of the Admissions Board of the San Carlos Seminary.

Fr. Ray Pascual’s rendition of the ballroom hit “Sway” has become very popular among the six priests’ audiences. Amiable and soft-spoken, he was instrumental in forming the group when he was chaplain of the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord in SM Megamall. Today, he is director of formation at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Institute. He prefers to sing standards and plays the keyboard and guitar.

Fr. James Nitollama is the parish priest of Lord of Divine Mercy parish in Novaliches, the concert’s primary beneficiary. He was formerly with the Sampari singing group that launched a self-titled album in 1999.

Fr. Steven Zabala is best remembered for his “shocking” rock ‘n roll performances. He shocked the audience with his rendition of “Laklak” while wearing a wig. He also brought the house down when he sang “Crazy Little Thing called Love,” “Twist and Shout” and “Mr. Suave.” This priest is also an author and songwriter. He graduated Magna cum Laude from the San Jose Seminary at the Ateneo de Manila University. Perhaps it is Fr. Steve’s rapport with the young that inspired him to come up with a book entitled Paglaki Ko Gusto Kong Maging Pari. Recently he also came up with a book of homilies entitled, Parables of Jesus. He currently heads the Diocesan Formation Ministry of the Diocese of Cubao and is the parish priest of Our Lady of Pentecost Parish in Loyola Heights Quezon City.

Known together as the 6 Priests in the City, the brotherhood of fathers will perform hits of the ’70s and ’80s for the True Confessions concert. They solemnly vow that they will divulge their own “true confessions” during the show. Yes, the tables will turn!

And because priests shouldn’t lie, expect one highly interesting and enjoyable performance from the reverend fathers.