Skip to main content

The Singer in Me

I've been singing almost all my life.  I've been part of the Glee Club ever since I can remember.  The only times I spent away from singing were times when work didn't allow me to attend rehearsals and when I was pregnant with my first-born, Johann.

Though I didn't make a career out of singing, it consumed most of my time.  It was my 2nd highest priority, right next to my family.  I belong to a group of friends who would give up our jobs for singing.  That's how important this craft is to us.  We plan our lives around our singing engagements.  Yes, minsan sagabal ang pag-aaral at trabaho sa pagkanta.

Being a chorister gave me an exposure to the world that I couldn't get anywhere else.  I've been lucky to be part of a singing group that had good conductors.  It helped me hone my craft.

Just recently, singing took me away from my loved ones. It whisked me to Europe once again, to see how our musicality fared against the greatest from all over the world.  Some may think that this was a liesure trip.  Yes, there were great sights to absorb, delicious food to taste, experiences to remember and relationships to build and re-visit.


At Stephansplatz

At the lovely park beside the Vienna Rathaus

the Viena Rathaus

the Harbor at Torrevieja

the park in Old Town Riga

during the Parade of Nations in Riga, Latvia

With our hosts from Puig-Reig

With friends since college

prepping our faces for competition

with THE Venezuelans

It was hard work, an experience where I fought with my inner demons and exercised extreme will power and self-control.  Above all, it was a pilgrimage.

Inside the church of Maria Brun Pfarre in Vienna

the altar at the Crypt of the Sagrade Familia in Barcelona

The Nativity Scene on the facade of the Sagrada Familia

At the Monteserrat Basilica

the altar at the Montserrat Basilica

At the Church of St. Ignatius in Manresa

the altar at the Cova San Ignasi in Manresa

Our group, the Ateneo Chamber Singers, is 50% working parents.  Our daily demands, responsibilities and commitments have changed from when we started.  But, we still find time for music-making.  We are fortunate to have a supportive spouses and family who understand our dedication to our craft. I could sense that our victory is theirs too.

*photos grabbed from friends' albums.  Thank you, friends!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Excited

That is how I felt when I got up from bed this morning. There are just so many things to do and to look forward to this week. I'd have to... ... get hold of CCP to discuss a possible tie-up for the next Three Festival. I may need to get some contacts from Tito Bal. ... get the space application form from Ayala Malls. ... visit the furniture fair at SMX this weekend. ... get a new copy of our marriage certificate for Vic's Visa renewal. ... obtain franchise terms from my top two food chains. ... interview the new househelp prospect. ...see if we can finally sell our SUV to make room for a bigger one. I hope I can get started soon. I hope Javi's yaya gets well right away so I can slip and get some of these done.

Luxury Bags in Japan

Since almost everyone I know visited Japan this summer, I would like re-live my visit this year through this post.  This time, I will focus on luxury bags. We've heard about the usual reseller shops that house these luxury brands.  The one I can remember now is Daikokuya. I must've visited almost all reseller shops I've seen on the road.  I've noticed that these shops carry the top 3 popular ones:  Hermes, Chanel and Louis Vuitton.  There still are several pieces of Balenciaga, Valentino, Tory Burch, Celine, Gucci and Michael Kors but not as abundant as the top 3.  I guess what carries the most value are the three popular ones. If you are looking for cheap designer bags, I suggest checking out Don Quixote.  You will usually find on the topmost floors on Donki.  I think this is the one in Shinjuku. I am not so sure. You find them arranged like this or inside locked glass cabinets.  I'm sure the artisans who made these bags will turn in their graves seein

Life Lately

For several months now, my husband and I have been juggling the EV importing business and this ambulatory center we are putting up.  In August, we hosted a grand birthday party for FIL, received balikbayans then sent them off.  The kids started school in August too.  Did I say that their schools are quite far from each other? It has been a busy past few months.  I am not used to waking up early every morning to bring the kids to school then head off to work.  I am starting to feel tired.   It is an adjustment.  At first, I was enjoying being an "empty nester" when all kids are in school.  But now that work is piling up, I miss those quiet times at home.   I am so looking forward to having a vacation soon. I need to recharge.