TRACK 11#: NO BETTER REST (Xavier's Theme)

Those who have made a spiritual connection with such songs as PILGRIM’S THEME, ALL SHALL BE WELL, EMPTY SPACE or FAR GREATER LOVE, may find themselves being touched once more by yet another collaboration from Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ and Fr. Johnny Go, SJ. Bukas Palad is soon to release through its album, HINDI KITA MALILIMUTAN, the song NO BETTER REST (XAVIER’S THEME) from the two Jesuits.

I believe this shall be the third version of NO BETTER REST. Maybe 10 years ago, I was approached by Fr. Mano to arrange the original version, which was going to be the soundtrack of a scene in a documentary Fr. Johnny was producing on the life of St. Francis Xavier. Cholo Mallillin was invited to interpret the track.

Even then, it was easy to be mesmerized by the song’s stirring melody and poignant story. I was directed to mimic through music, the sound of an epic voyage—a journey aboard a mighty vessel that would traverse the calm seas and weather the toughest storms. And why not? NO BETTER REST captures the thoughts and desires of Xavier as he crosses the globe and dares the waves to seek out the poor and sick and to spend his time in ministering to their needs. Yet while occupied all day with such incessant labors, he would spend the greater part of the night in prayer:
“Give a sign, what’s on your mind
And I’ll leave my world behind
If you bid me so, wherever I go
I’ll find you there I know
Always before me you go
Both near and far, there you are
My one bright shining star
Well here I am at your command
Lead be my your hand.”

Years after the documentary was produced, another version of the song was created, this time as arranged by good friend Gino Torres and interpreted by alumni of Xavier School in Greenhills, Marvin Ong and Carlo Tanseco. Once again, through new voices, the story of Xavier would be narrated—his travels to the East, and how despite the difficulties that beset him, he would leave behind him a flourishing church wherever he went, guided by the hand of God:

“For even through the darkest night you’ll be my light
And there upon the strangest tongue I know I’ll hear your song
In every stranger’s gaze I will see your face
And I’ll go on ‘til every race falls into your embrace.”

Another year, another version. Childhood friend and multi-awarded arranger Marvin Querido was chosen to lend his touch to NO BETTER REST, which Bukas Palad has recorded this year for our latest album. We were young boys still when Marvin and I learned to play the keyboards and were coached by our respective mentors to begin arranging music; even then, Marvin proved to be a far more talented musician. Late last year, I slipped him a note briefing him on the song, but in truth, the note carried the same brief handed to me 10 years ago. This time, however, we encouraged Marvin to push the big voyage feel with rich strings and brasses, and to make more pronounced the song’s ebb and tide, its crescendos and decrescendos. No less than BP tenor, Reggie Regala, was challenged to interpret the track.

On August 25, BP shall be performing NO BETTER REST during our album launch of HINDI KITA MALILIMUTAN. Again, we shall hear Fr. Manoling’s and Fr. Johnny’s moving song. But certainly, no matter how many times Xavier’s story is told and retold, its message of intense faith and consuming love for God remains forever relevant.

“For there’s no better rest in this restless world
Than to hear and do your word.”

NO BETTER REST (XAVIER’S THEME)
Disc: Inspirational
Music: Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ
Lyrics: Fr. Johnny Go, SJ
Instrumental arrangement: Marvin Querido
Vocal Arrangement: Palan Reyes
Featuring Reggie Regala on vocals with the Bukas Palad