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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!

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