There are bands built for the spotlight. And there are groups built for a different kind of stage—the kind where the goal isn’t to impress, but to lead.
From Quezon Province, United By Grace is a worship-centered collective formed in 2023, made up of musicians coming from different churches but moving with one heartbeat: serve, collaborate, and point everything back to God. Their name isn’t branding—it’s a testimony.
“Our group is called United by Grace because we come from different churches, yet we are united through God’s grace.”
A Name That Explains the Mission
United By Grace carries a simple message: they’re not united by convenience, talent, or personal plans—only by grace.
“Ang meaning ng aming banda, United by Grace, ay kami ay grupo ng mga musicians mula sa iba’t ibang churches, na pinag-isa hindi dahil sa amin, kundi dahil lamang sa grace ng Lord.”
That one idea shapes everything: how they show up, how they rehearse, how they serve on stage, and how they stay grounded even as the lineup grows.
Where It All Started: One Invite, One Beginning
Like many meaningful stories, theirs began with a single invitation—one moment that pulled different people into the same room, for the same purpose.
“May friend si Benjie Kalalo na naginvite na mag perform sa Arise Shine, so doon lahat nag simula. ☺️”
From that point, the collective took form—built through friendships, church connections, and a shared willingness to say yes when the call came.
The People Behind the Sound
United By Grace moves like a team—each member bringing a role, a strength, and often, more than one instrument when the moment demands it.
Members & Roles
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Benjie Kalalo — Arranger, Lead Guitarist, Bassist
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Meo Velacruz — Lead Guitarist
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Benjie Lorenzana — Guitarist
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Ganie — Drummer
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Hazel Reyes — Vocals
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Nicole Enriquez — Vocals
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Pangga — Vocals
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Roi Ruedas — Guitarist
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Jem Ruedas — Bassist
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Joshua Alferos — Arranger, Keyboardist
Their chemistry comes from real relationships—some already connected long before the band name existed, others pulled in through church circles and friendships.
A Collaborative Style Built for Worship
Their sound is designed with one priority: worship first—accessible for the congregation, while still honoring musical excellence.
“Ang style namin at worship-centered, collaborative and accessible… halo ng contemporary worship at gospel, may simple at minsan may mahirap pero kahit mahirap sa part ng musicians ay dapat nasasabayan ng mga manonood.”
They understand a truth many musicians learn the hard way: in worship, complexity means nothing if people can’t follow. So they aim for balance—musical depth with a heart that stays for the room.
Influences That Shaped Their Discipline
Their influences reveal both sound and mindset—classic worship foundations, modern faith-driven rock, and high-energy gospel joy:
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Early Hillsong Music
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Casting Crowns
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Israel Houghton
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MUSIKATHA
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Switchfoot
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Skillet
But what truly carried over wasn’t just tone—it was the culture of preparation.
“Malaki epekto kasi nakita namin kahalagahan ng tamang preparation o tamang pagaaral ng kanta… natututo kami kung paano maging responsible sa mga task namin para pag dating ng rehearsals ay di ganun kabigat.”
When a group has people who are detailed and responsible, rehearsals become less stressful—and more worshipful. For them, that’s a blessing in itself.
Multi-Instrumental, All-Hands, Real Ministry
One of the strengths of United By Grace is how they cover for each other—because most of them can play more than one instrument, and the team naturally supports gaps when they happen.
“Yes halos lahat marunong tumugtug ng iba’t ibang instruments… like bigla nawalan kami ng bassist ay sya ang sumalo…”
And when it comes to arrangement and direction, they have clear anchors who guide the overall flow.
“Sa production at arrangement ay si Benjie Kalalo at Joshua Alferos ang nanguguna dito at halos nag guguide sa bawat isa.”
Live Moments: When Things Go Sideways (and You Learn Grace)
Every band has a story that reminds them they’re human. United By Grace remembers one moment that turned into an instant lesson in teamwork.
“Ang pinaka tumatak ay yung isang singer na nasobra sa bilang ng kanta kaya medyo naguluhan ang musicians so ayun. Hehehe”
But instead of blame, they walked away with something better—unity under pressure.
“Naging espesyal ito dahil natutunan mo saluhin ang bawat isa at walang sisihan”
Challenges: Commitment, Schedules, and Staying Complete
Like any collective—especially one made up of busy people—commitment and availability can be a real test. The question isn’t talent. It’s: makakabuo ba?
“Bilang isa sa mga nagdedesisyon for band siguro yung commitment if tutuloy ba sila pag may invitation na mag perform kami.”
And yet, they keep showing up—still complete, still moving, still covered.
“Pero sa biyaya ni Lord ay natutuloy kami na buo pa din.”
Biggest Milestone So Far: Recording at Fatherly Echoes
Not every worship group gets to document their sound in a real studio setting. For United By Grace, being able to record at Fatherly Echoes became a meaningful marker.
“Yung nakapag record kami sa Fatherly Echoes. ☺️🙏”
Originals Coming Soon
For now, they’re still doing cover songs—but the heart is already leaning toward writing originals.
“Cover songs pa din pero looking forward sa sariling songs namin. Coming soon.”
And yes—songwriting is on the horizon.
“Papunta palang kami dyan sa pagsulat ng sariling kanta. Soon. ☺️”
Dream Collaborations and the Christian Scene
They’ve got names on their wish list—artists in the same environment, pushing faith-based music forward.
“Yes, sa Christian environment ay Musikatha, His Life and madami pang iba”
The Message: Love, Grace, and Belief
If United By Grace has one message for anyone who listens—whether inside church walls or outside them—it’s this:
“Maniwala ka na mahal tayo ng Diyos.”
Five Years From Now
In the next five years, they see themselves stepping into bigger stages—standing alongside the influences that shaped them.
“Big stages with our musical influences.”
If Not Music, Then Life Roles They’re Proud Of
One of the most wholesome things about this collective is how they talk about who they are outside music—family, work, calling.
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Benjie Kalalo — “Hacker/Programmer”
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Meo — “best dad”
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Benjie Lorenzana — “Graphic Artist”
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Ganie — “best dad”
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Roi — “still architect”
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Jem — “PE Teacher”
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Joshua — “Best Husband”
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Hazel — “Best Mommy”
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Nicole — “IT”
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Pangga — “MIT Student”
Final Echo
United By Grace is proof that worship isn’t confined to one church, one room, or one background. It can be a collective—built from different places, brought together by one grace, and carried by a shared decision to serve with excellence.
And as they move toward original songs, bigger stages, and deeper unity—one thing stays clear:
They’re not trying to build a fanbase.
They’re building a sound that helps people believe again.
“Wala kaming fans. Hehe”
(But the messages they receive say otherwise—and the impact is already real.)