MANILA, Philippines – The music did not stop after a Theology student sang the Psalms at Pope Francis’ Mass at Manila Cathedral last year. It found its way to a classroom, and to a recording studio.

These days, Kenneth Rey Parsad, 23, divides time between teaching, finishing a recording album of inspirational songs, and occasional basketball games. In between, there is the decision whether or not to enter priesthood.

It has been a year since Kenn, as he's better known, had a rare and nerve-wracking opportunity to serve in a Eucharistic celebration led by Pope Francis during a five-day apostolic visit to the Philippines.

The 23-year-old Bangued, Abra native, who was then a student of Theology at the UST Central Seminary, was a psalmist in the Pope’s Mass. Covered live by media nationwide, Parsad's angelic voice and good looks sent the Internet abuzz. He became one of the most talked-about persons in social media during the papal visit news coverage.

A year hence, Parsad can only exclaim, "The year 2015 has been a great year for me and what a better way to start it than with Pope Francis' visit."

Almost a priest

Parsad finished his Theology degree four months after the visit of the Vicar of Christ. He completed all the academic requirements for ordination, and was close to joining the clergy.

But he was hired to teach Salvation History and Christian Ethics at his alma mater under the Institute of Religion. He was unable to get his ordination.

He said he is under the “guided regency stage,” where one is given a chance to take more time in deciding whether or not to pursue priesthood.

Asked if he is ready to be called 'Father', he humbly said ‘no.’

"To decide to be a priest is a very, very tough decision. Wala pa akong 100 percent na decision about that. But what I hope is I will follow whatever God's will is for me. So if He wills for me to be a priest, I will be.”

He explained that there are more things he has to learn in life before committing to serve the Lord. "Kasi ang pagpapari parang pag-aasawa 'yan. You really need to be equipped with all necessary things para maging mabuti kang pari. As of now, I cannot say kung kaya ko na. Pero if I will evaluate myself, hindi pa ako handa maging pari."

Parsad admitted he has been in four romantic relationships in the past. He described the last as having inspired him to pursue priesthood. Yet, he could not even think about the possibility of entering the usual married life should he not become a priest.

"Hindi pa nga ako ready. You cannot give what you do not have. If you do not have God's love with you, what love will you give to your spouse? Ako, it's about nurturing my relationship with God muna bago sa mga relationship," he said.

Recording artist

With such charisma that captured the attention of netizens and a delightfully angelic voice, the music industry gave Parsad a shot at becoming a recording artist a few months after the papal visit.

He was offered a recording contract by Universal Records, which handles artists such as Gary Valenciano, Elmo Magalona, Noel Cabangon, and Jose Mari Chan.

"I have a project with Universal Records. Nag-sign ako ng contract. Gagawa ako ng isang album, inspirational," he revealed.

He said the record label approached him to make an inspirational album for the youth as there are few Catholic inspirational singers in the country.

The album was supposed to have been out in the market December 2015 but they ran out of time. He had already recorded five songs and assured the album will be out within this year.

"Gusto ko kasi I know the feeling of the youth kasi they seek for attention na hindi nabibigay minsan."

Teaching the Word of God

Parsad said he wanted to seek a career in the academe, and had prepared himself for a master's degree in Belgium, which he had been aiming for.

However, family concerns and lack of time to study a required foreign language sidetracked him on his way to Europe. Thus, continuing his teaching career in the Philippines became more viable for him, for now.

There's a sudden glow in his face as he described his first year as a teacher. Parsad said most of his students knew him even before he introduced himself to the class, owing to his participation in the papal Mass.

Inspired by Pope Francis' way of preaching to the Catholic faithful, Parsad said he tries to make theology simple to understand and applicable to daily activities.

"I always see to it na binababa ko 'yung theology. What's the use of theology kung hindi mo isinasabuhay? That's actually what Pope Francis does. He is applying theology in real life," he quipped.

Social media phenomenon

Parsad said one of his blessings in 2015 was gaining new friends. "I have so many friends. I have met amazing people with amazing experiences. And I have been enriched by their stories."

He credits this to his sudden fame on social media. He narrates that within hours after the papal Mass his social media accounts were flooded by requests and messages. "Nagulat ako nang bongga. Pagka-open ko ang daming messages, ang daming friend requests."

Amid tons of ‘friend’ requests, congratulations, and even a few indecent proposals, one struck Parsad's attention – a touching note from someone of Islamic faith. This one message, he said, defined the true essence of spirituality despite differences in religions.

"When it comes to God, religion is one way of going towards Him. Imagine, 'yung isang Muslim na na-inspire. He was able to experience [the message of] God, delivered by Pope Francis, through my voice. It was just amazing," Parsad said.

Although flattered with comments about his good looks, Parsad encourages people to look beyond the physical appearance, placing emphasis on the message he wants to convey. In the same way social media allowed him to connect to people, he thinks so should it be used to evangelize.

He said social media should not be used as an end but rather as a means to achieve the goals of the Pope of spreading love and peace.

This is a throwback to the line he sang a year ago in the papal Mass, "Forever, I will sing of the goodness of the Lord." Parsad seems bent on pursuing this through teaching and through his music.

Watch Parsad's rendition of Ed Sheeran's 'Lego House'

Watch Parsad sings the Psalm from the Pope's Mass