February 2015 - Touringkitty

25
Feb
2015

#KoristaAko: Jon Philippe Go

Another project came into mind last month: To feature chorister profiles on the blog, with the goal of inspiring and encouraging aspiring singers and choristers.

And so, #KoristaAko is born!

Are you one? Shoot me an email if you want to be featured!

In photo is my now Youth Choir, the Shrine of Jesus Children and Youth Choir, during the Madz et al performance last year.

There’s just too many already, you might think. But why not make the whole country sing? Philippine Madrigal Singers founder, Professor Andrea O. Veneracion had dreamed of a Singing Philippines, and now we see choirs blossoming everywhere–in the barangays, places of worship, schools, companies, even among friends. Isn’t it great to see everyone really singing? And it’s much more fun singing in a group!

For our first Korista (and since it’s the Finale Weekend already of The Voice of the Philippines, I’d like to introduce you to the Singing Chemist, Jon Philippe Go! (YES, he is a certified Korista!)

Credit: The Voice of the Philippines Facebook Page.

Name: Jon Philippe Go

Current profession: Chemist

Choir/s joined:
Philippine Vocal Ensemble (October 2012 – present)
UST College of Science Glee Club (June 2006 – March 2009)

Current projects:
This year will be an exciting year for PVE because we are gearing up for an upcoming tour. I can’t spill all details yet, but we will be part of various choral festivals and competitions to work our way towards it. In a nutshell, PVE will be ubiquitous for 2015!

Why did you join the choir? What was that something or someone that influenced you?

I started out as a member of our college choir in UST back in 2006, the College of Science Glee Club (CSGC). I always had a love for singing but what pushed me to join was when I heard them perform a playful rendition Maestro Ryan Cayabyab’s novelty hit, Da Coconut Nut, during our college orientation as freshmen. At that moment, I already knew I wanted to join CSGC.

After graduating from college, I left the choral scene for a while to pursue my career as a chemist but later on auditioned for the Philippine Vocal Ensemble (PVE) where I was introduced to many more facets of choral music. I wanted to learn more—that was my motivation—and words aren’t really enough to express how thankful I am for the amount of training both these groups have provided me. Proud korista here, 6 years and counting!

What is your favourite song arranged or composed for choir and why?
This is always a hard question to answer because it changes seasonally. Right now, it has to be Fr. Arnold Zamora’s arrangement of Anima Christi. The melody is very straightforward and the harmonies exude so much tranquility whenever I listen to it.

What was the hardest piece you’ve studied?
I’d say these two are equally difficult: Der Herr ist König by Johann Heinrich Rolle and Sinulog by Dyzon Pesquera. Both are so hard that it’s even harder to choose between them!

Any choir/s or vocal ensembles you look up to and why?
It has to be the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the Swingle Singers. The Madz because of their immense understanding of all the pieces they sing, and they always – ALWAYS – give everyone a great show once they step on the stage. I only wish to be even half as good as them!

The Swingles, on the other hand, simply oozes with so much creativity, musicality, and artistry! I first heard them perform with the Madz in CCP and I just had my jaw left in awe. Here, here! Let me pick it up first.

What is your most unforgettable moment—either a concert booboo or triumph—in the choir?
It was one of those days when we had to perform in a train station to promote the Busan Choral Competition in South Korea last 2013. I was to do the solo line for Man in the Mirror (arr. Annie Nepomuceno), which I’ve sung countless times, and we were all getting ready.

Everyone had their eyes locked in on our conductor, mine included. The first note, which was the soloist’s line, was given twice and I gave back a wee smirk that signaled I already got it. But I guess it was bound to happen sooner in my career—I started a half-step lower that would’ve thrown off the entire performance!

No sooner than I started singing the first syllable of the word “Gonna” had wild stares come piercing through me like a laser beam from our conductor. I understood then what had happened and by God’s angels I was able to salvage it by scooping up the note towards the second syllable, in a croon, leading to the right key! THAT will never be forgotten and was definitely a highlight of my tour with the PVE. Hahaha!!!

This is the competition he was talking about--the Busan Choral Festival and Competition. Photo credit: Raul Supnet. — This is the competition he was talking about–the Busan Choral Festival and Competition. Photo credit: Raul Supnet.

#KoristaAko dahil:
Korista ako dahil naa-appreciate ko ang mga nagka-clash na harmonies!

—

And if you’re asking, YES, the PVE is having auditions, the last day is TOMORROW NIGHT. See post below:

From their Facebook Page: The Philippine Vocal Ensemble will be opening AUDITIONS this February 20 and 27, 8pm at the Pasig Capitol Community Church, 19 San Rafael St., Kapitolyo, Pasig city. Kindly prepare 2 songs of contrasting character sung a cappella. You may contact Joel Aquino – +63920-9229628 or Alexis Joven – +63906-3573202, or send an email at philippinevocalensemble(at)yahoo(dot)com(dot)ph or a private message at Facebook for any questions.

Post by Philippine Vocal Ensemble.

And yes, if you’re asking again, he’s generously shared his social media sites so we could continue following the Singing Chemist’s journey beyond The Voice of the Philippines:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JPhilippeGo
Instagram: @JPhilippeGo
Twitter: @JPhilippeGo

Thank you so much for your generous answers, Philippe! Wishing you well in your musical journey, and hope to see you in your next performance.

#KoristaAko is powered by Touringkitty. Tune in for the next post on the last Wednesday of March 2015. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.

12
Feb
2015

Aria’s 2014 Art Roundup

categories: Art and Culture, Education

Last year was indeed a milestone year for my daughter. I could never been any happier with her biggest achievement–being behaved inside a closed theater venue!

My husband and I try to make every experience as enjoyable and educational as possible. She definitely enjoys traveling, something she got from her parents, definitely, who used to be part of active touring choral groups. She calls every trip outside a “field trip,” and since that’s the peg of every trip outside, we make them homeschooling opportunities.

We make sure to choose activities that will introduce her to the seven arts. Luckily, we live in a place surrounded by theaters, museums, and other places of arts. Likewise, this blog has taken me and my daughter to different events we both have enjoyed and learned from. She loves listening and making music, so no wonder we take her to concerts of various musical forms.

Here’s a roundup of art-related activities we have done the past year.

January

We took her to her first orchestral concert– that of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in an outdoor venue–Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium. That concert was a tie-up with the Far Easter University and I blogged about it here. We also chanced upon the Chang Kai Shek Youth Choir at the SM Aura for the Chinese New Year celebrations on the last day of this month.

February

Aria got a taste of some jazz music through the Euro-Pinoy Jazz concerts at the Maestranza Park in Intramuros. We also asked our cousin, Joy of iBake to make a cake decorating activity for Aria, who loves doing art works. We also passed by a Marian exhibit at the Mall of Asia organized by Radyo Veritas. They do this at least twice a year.

Aria was THAT small exactly last year? I cannot believe my eyes! With my cousin Joy.

March

Not much activity this month, but we caught the PPO again at the CCP for the Children’s Concert.

April

We spent Easter Sunday at Movie Stars Cafe (click here to know how to get a 10% discount when you visit!) and Beauty and the Beast was showing! Good thing because this prepared her for the musical which she was able to watch last January. This month was also a milestone for her–her first full orchestral concert inside the CCP Main Theater! She also watched Mommy conduct her Children’s Choir for the Madz et al concert.

May

We supported Daddy and Leana, my niece, who performed in a concert of Ryan Cayabyab’s songs. She also watched Mommy and her choir again in San Sebastian Basilica for the Musica Sacra Festival.

She was on that phase of not wanting to have her photos taken, but she's past that now. — She was on that phase of not wanting to have her photos taken, but she’s past that now.

June

Aria was brought by Daddy for the culminating concert of the Madz’ 50th Anniversary. We caught the PPO as wellat the CCP and chanced upon a cool exhibit in the gallery outside the Little Theater.

July

Some friends from the classical music world, Ervin Lumauag, Krystl Buesa, and Alejandro Consolacion had a recital-concert at the Rizal Park. No rain stopped this concert of theirs. Then we also watched the concert of the famed Time Ensemble at the PICC Meeting Room. An intimate concert featuring varied repertoire. I was surprised Aria sat and listened well to each song, she was even dancing along the front act performers, the Voce Fich.

August

We went to two kids’ expositions, or expos– first was the Smartkids Asia expo where my blog won an award. Another is the Toy Expo of Toy Kingdom. Both events were held at the SMX Convention Center. Seeing new toys and stuff for kids is just a delight for the family.

September

I had the privilege of performing as woodsprite in the UP-produced Rusalka, an opera by Antonin Dvorak. According to my family, Aria was cheering from her seat every time I appear on stage. Thank God for daughters! Aria also attended the Manila International Book Fair, where we also sang for a book launch. Once again, there was a Marian exhibit called Mary and the Popes at SM Mall of Asia. We also visited Exploreum at MOA for the first time.

A blurry photo of the woodsprite, Aria, and Rusalka.

October

October was a busy month for Mommy, so Aria had the chance to tag along Mommy everywhere! First was in a choral conducting recital in a church in faraway Quezon City. She was well behaved throughout the recital! Proud of my little girl. Also, I took her to the culminating activity of the CCP Hands-on Choral Workshop, where members and alumni of the Philippine Madrigal Singers served as conductors. Through this blog, I also got to bring her to Kids Workshop in Greenhills, San Juan City, a great place for kids to play, learn, and have fun. They intersperse storytelling and art activities while kids play in their big play area.

November

November was jampacked with activities for this blog. We watched the fashion show and launch of P.S. from Aeropostale. We also watched the Dancing Lights at Ayala Triangle and the concert of the PPO and the Ateneo Chamber Singers at Salcedo Park, both in Makati.

CIMG0142 — Trying out the catwalk herself, before the show. Her DJ cousins at the back.

December

This month was a month of firsts for my little one. It was her first time to perform in public officially. First in the Christmas Party in Mathemagis, a Singapore Maths program she is enrolled in. Apparently, she volunteered herself to sing for the party. Then she also sang and danced as Youth animator at our church on Christmas Day. Went back to Movie Stars Cafe for their Frozen show. We were also fortunate to watch Cinderella by Ballet Philippines and the Madz’ Christmas concert.

February is National Arts Month. It is also the Month of Hearts. It is never too early or too late to introduce arts to everyone. As the Cultural Center of the Philippines puts it, “O ‘di ba, mas maganda kung may arts sa buhay mo?” (Isn’t is more beautiful if you have arts in your life?).

Happy heARTS Month!

~ Touringkitty

11
Feb
2015

Achieve a WAHMderful Life through this Workshop Series

categories: Career, Press Releases, Working Mama

I realized I have been working at home since college. Teaching voice and piano at our home gave me that confidence to be a teacher (and that extra school baon, too!).

In the past years, I have dabbled in various work at home jobs: teaching music, writing, editing, social media management, choral arranging, blogging. Last year alone, I got short-lived gigs, big one-time gigs, and prestigious ones. I got published in a magazine and in Yahoo.com.ph, too! Amazing I get to do work in the comforts of my home, while looking after my preschooler. I got to squeeze this in between working out of home, as a voice professor in college.

Impossible? You can, too!

WAHMderful-life workshop series for the new (and old) WAHMmie.

Know the ABCs of WAHMming through this power trio of speakers and veteran work at home professionals, Marge Aberasturi, Fitz Villafuerte, and Martine de Luna. Sign up here and don’t forget to input the Referral Code, TKEAWAHM2 so they would know you got the info from Touringkitty.

Good news! Anyone who is interested in working at home can attend. You read it right, you need not be a mom to attend this!

Start a career in the comforts of your home. You can do it!

~ Touringkitty

07
Feb
2015

REVIEW: 7 Things Every Wife Should Know (Viviene Bigornia)

categories: Books, Reviews

For newlyweds and almost weds. — For newlyweds and almost weds: a manual of sorts.

In life, there are things that are not really learned in school. Like entering married life. We read books about marriage, and there are just so many.

This book came my way just in time for our seventh anniversary which we celebrate this November. The perpetual learner that I am, I needed a refresher.

I can’t believe it’s been seven years already of being married. It seemed like only yesterday! My husband and I know each other for half of my life, been married to him for more than a quarter of it, and now taking care of our little angel who is turning five this year.

What a ride, a bumpy but happy one so far. And this book served as a great reminder of the vows we’ve made for each other on that most wonderful day of our lives.

The author, Viviene Bigornia takes us on her own journey as a wife and how she has nurtured it through the Lord. I liked that the book is Bible-based and God-centered, two important things in our married and family life.

The book is simple, easy to read, and informative. A lot of good-to-know information are written. Scriptures help you reflect on what God wants a wife to be to her husband. I also like that it had reflection pages at the end of each chapter, and that it encourages you to reflect and express yourself.

Whether you are single and preparing for marriage, a newlywed, or “veteran” wife, this book is a great read and a great reminder that we, wives, are God’s gift, and to be a perfect gift to our husbands, we must also prepare ourselves in all aspects.

Want to get your own copy? Touringkitty readers are being treated to a 15% off! From P395 to P335. Send teacher_viviene@yahoo.com an email with the subject line 15%OFF. This will be up until the end of February. And it’s free shipping! Perfect Valentines Day gift.

It is also available via Amazon or the author’s website.

N.B.: I received an e-book of 7 Things Every Wife Should Know for review.

~ Touringkitty

06
Feb
2015

Upstart Productions takes us Into the Woods

categories: Art and Culture, Concerts, Press Releases

For its fifth production year, Upstart Productions takes us into the woods, literally.

Into the Woods takes us in a journey ever after... in the woods! — Into the Woods takes us in a journey ever after… in the woods!

Why so? Because the venue of their next production will be on the lush greens of Kasalikasan Garden in Bonifacion Global City. This would be the second time the production is using this venue, following its successful run of “Forbidden Broadway” last year. PCDA Board of Director, Upstart Managing Director and the production’s Vocal Coach Onyl Torres shares, “We’ve always loved the musical, so why not do it in the actual woods?”

Written by James Lapine (Sunday In The Park With George, Falsettos) and living legend Stephen Sondheim (West Side Story, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd), Into The Woods intertwines the stories of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, and a host of other fairy tale characters into a lush, extravagant musical that, according to Time Magazine, “affords non-stop pleasure.”

Onyl also mentioned that while this is a fairy tale-based work, kids who will watch should be guided by the grown-ups.

The cast: From L-R: The full cast of Upstart Production Inc.’s “Into the Woods” - Chino Veguillas (Wolf), Kay Balajadia-Liggayu (Cinderella's Stepmother), Jill Peña (Florinda), Justine Peña (Lucinda), Reb Atadero (Jack), Jillian Ita-as (Little Red Riding Hood), Rachel Alejandro (Witch), Teenee Chan (Jack's Mother), Noel Rayos (Baker [at certain performances]), Noel Trinidad (Narrator), Mica Pineda (Cinderella), Robie Zialcita (Cinderella's Father), Charley Magalit (Rapunzel), Nicky Triviño (Ghost of Cinderella's Mother/ Red's Grandmother). Not in the picture: Rachel Alejandro (Witch), Shiela Valderrama-Martinez (Baker's Wife), Lorenz Martinez (Baker), Gemini Quintos (Baker's Wife [at certain performances]), Juliene Mendoza (Cinderella's Prince), George Schulze (Rapunzel's Prince), and Onyl Torres (Steward). — The cast: From L-R: The full cast of Upstart Production Inc.’s “Into the Woods” – Chino Veguillas (Wolf), Kay Balajadia-Liggayu (Cinderella’s Stepmother), Jill Peña (Florinda), Justine Peña (Lucinda), Reb Atadero (Jack), Jillian Ita-as (Little Red Riding Hood), Rachel Alejandro (Witch), Teenee Chan (Jack’s Mother), Noel Rayos (Baker [at certain performances]), Noel Trinidad (Narrator), Mica Pineda (Cinderella), Robie Zialcita (Cinderella’s Father), Charley Magalit (Rapunzel), Nicky Triviño (Ghost of Cinderella’s Mother/ Red’s Grandmother). Not in photo: Shiela Valderrama-Martinez (Baker’s Wife), Lorenz Martinez (Baker), Gemini Quintos (Baker’s Wife [at certain performances]), Juliene Mendoza (Cinderella’s Prince), George Schulze (Rapunzel’s Prince), and Onyl Torres (Steward).

During the Press Conference held at Picasso Boutique Residences. — During the intimate Press Conference held at Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences.

The cast did a sampling of the musical’s Act I Finale, Ever After. Almost everyone remarked that the music was difficult to learn, but I’m pretty sure it will sound great given that it is a Sondheim masterpiece. One more notable thing on this production is that the music will only be provided by a piano. Dingdong Fiel, the production’s musical director, will carry out the arduous task of accompanying the ensemble on piano.

Have you seen the movie yet that’s showing on theaters now? Because I haven’t. Looking forward to see this as National Arts Month comes to a close. If you had a fairy tale-filled childhood, you should watch this.

INTO THE WOODS. February 21, 22, 28, March 1, 7, 8, 14, 15. All shows start 6:00 PM. Tickets available at Ticketworld (891-9999).

Presented by Bonifacio Global City, AVIVA Global Marine Corporation, and OLX Philippines. In cooperation with The Picasso Boutique Residences and Plana Forma. Also brought to you by Interaksyon.com, Image Nation Photography, Mac Cosmetics, Lulu Swing Shoes, Citrusnap, Chalk, Metro Magazine, and Stanley Ong Photography.

~ Touringkitty

04
Feb
2015

CCP PASINAYA: A One-day Arts Fiesta

categories: Art and Culture, Concerts

For the past eleven years, the Cultural Center of the Philippines opened its doors for one whole day in this annual festival of arts.

I have been in all sides of this festival — first as performer with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, as a production staff for two festivals when I was working for the center, and now as spectator and supporter of this wonderful activity.

For arts enthusiasts, we can only wish this would not just be one day. With so many things to watch and so many activities happening simultaneously, one cannot watch everything in one day! For families, this has been a great bonding activity for them to celebrate the arts. For the performers, I am sure they are as excited as us to present their craft. And for its production, my friends in the field of cultural work, they have tirelessly prepared for this. Logistically impossible as it may seem, they have successfully carried out this gargantuan task of bringing together this once-a-year remarkable event.

Some information are made available here. Tune in the CCP’s website, Facebook, and Twitter for more details in the coming days.

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Pasinaya: CCP Open House Festival. Biggest multi-arts festival in the country. Pay what you can, see all you can. Dance, theater, music, literature, film, visual arts.

Performances, workshops, arts market, museum visits, food booths, arts and crafts market, photo competition, discounted tickets to selected CCP shows for the whole year, international and local performers. Makes the CCP the happiest place on earth on that day.

February 15. 7am to 7pm. SAVE THE DATE! Pre-register online by visiting this link: http://pasinaya.culturalcenter.gov.ph/.

Details will soon be out at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Facebook page, Twitter @ccp_gov and CCP website, www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.

‪#‎Pasinaya2015‬ ‪#‎PasinayaGoesASEAN‬

Month: February 2015

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