Month: March 2015

Touringkitty Sings: Pitong Huling Wika ni Hesus (Tinnah M. dela Rosa)

Because it’s the last day of Women’s Month, and while we’re in the midst of Holy Week, I’d like to share this music which is a collaboration among three women.

As you know, I have been a contributing writer for PraySing Ministry for more than a year already. The ministry has been blessed with great talents–musicians and writers alike, and have been blessing church ministers and lay people through its fresh psalms composed every Sunday, as well as written reflections twice a week.

This music is a setting of the Filipino translation of the Seven Last Words. The music is written by Tinnah M. dela Rosa (the founder of PraySing Ministry), while the accompaniment was done by Ledda Vinzons. Here’s a sampling of the music, which I sang. If you’re interested with the music sheet, you may download and use for your own churches and families for free in this link.

Be blessed! Happy Women’s Month!

~ Touringkitty

#KoristaAko: Jennifer Lopez Gana

Choristories (1)

 

Before we close Women’s Month, I give you our second serving of #KoristaAko, a superwo-mom herself and a certified Korista.

Let’s all meet another Jenny from the block, Jennifer Lopez-Gana!

Jennifer is a government employee of the Home Development Mutual Fund, more popularly known as the Pag-ibig Fund. They have their own choral group, the Pag-Ibig Fund Chorale, which is currently conducted by Anthony Go Villanueva.

pagibig
Photo from the Pag-Ibig Fund Choral Facebook Page.

Name: JENNIFER LOPEZ – GANA
Current profession: GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE / PAG-IBIG FUND
Choir/s joined:

PAG-IBIG FUND CHORALE – 1999 to present
PUP BAGONG HIMIG – 1990 – 1994

Why did you join the choir? Is there anything/anyone who influenced you?

I love to sing. I used to sing solo for weddings and isa ring akong amateurista. I’ve joined a few amateur singing contests before and won a major title recently, Pag-ibig Fund Singing Idol 2009.

I also love to perform on stage. One time during our freshman orientation, I’ve seen the PUP Bagong Himig performed (the choral group of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines), then I told myself, I will be one of them. I auditioned and the rest is history.

I think my father influenced me. He is a member of our church choir and I’ve seen him practicing with his powerful tenor voice with vibrato. I remember him saying “lagyan mo ng alog-alog sa dulo.” (put some “wavy” sound in the end–something that resembles vibrato)

 What was the hardest piece you’ve studied?

Tangueando (Oscar Escalada)

Wonder how the song goes? Check out this Youtube Video uploaded by our Korista, sung during the Madz et al Festival in 2008, under conductor Fred de Santos.

Any choir/s or vocal ensembles you look up to and why?

Madz (Philippine Madrigal Singers), kailangan pa ba imememorize yan? Hahaha!

What is your most unforgettable moment in the choir?

The first time is really the most unforgettable, so it would be the time we won in a choral competition, the 2014  Civil Service Commission Chorale Competition.

 #KoristaAko dahil:
Gusto ko yung feeling pag kumakanta na kayo with harmony. (I like the feeling when you sing in harmony.)

 

Women power: the ladies of Pag-Ibig Fund Chorale. Jennifer is first from left, bottom row.
Women power: the ladies of Pag-Ibig Fund Chorale. Jennifer is first from left, bottom row.

Thanks for your wonderful responses, JLo! We look forward to your group’s next performances! Follow Pag-Ibig Fund Chorale on their Facebook Page.


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

TMA Homeschool Parents Conference: Set them up for success

About two years ago, my husband and I have started praying about homeschooling our daughter. We’ve done so, albeit unstructured, unplanned, and spontaneous (well, isn’t that what homeschooling is about? =)

A couple of days ago, we have finally decided it’s time for our daughter to enter Kinder. But we have also gotten the answer to our question: should we homeschool or not? The answer was a huge YES! We’ve gotten ourselves a provider (finally!) for our peace of mind, mainly. And since I will be the main teacher-parent, I should equip myself, such as attending seminars like this:

 

TMA Homeschool Parents Conference on March 12. Register and use TKEATMAHS_1 on the Referral Code and receive a surprise from Touringkitty!
TMA Homeschool Parents Conference on March 12. Register and use TKEATMAHS_1 on the Referral Code and receive a surprise from Touringkitty!

 

If you’re also wondering what this homeschooling thing is, then YOU should attend! More details at this link:

http://manilaworkshops.com/events/2015-tma-homeschool-parents-conference-set-them-up-for-success

Decided to attend? Why not attend for FREE by joining this raffle?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Will announce the winner on the 11th of March. Join now!

~ Touringkitty

Lemon Kiss: Pretty apparel for your little girl

It’s fun to have a girl for a firstborn. I seem to only replicate how my parents would dress me up as a young girl.

Even my husband loves prepping up our little one, especially for church. On Sundays, he would sometimes be the one to choose a dress for Aria.

I found out this apparel line for just what we needed for the next shopping trip: more pretty dresses!

Cute designs for the cute little ones.
Cute designs for the cute little ones.

Lemon Kiss is the hippest girls’ wear since it was launched in SM Department Stores in 2003. With its trendy styles in a reasonable price, you’d find just what you need, when you need them.

If I were to choose a dress for my little one, it would be this:

Cute dress for my cutie!
Cute dress for my cutie!

She will definitely like the burst of her favourite colours on this one.

So, whether it be for your tots or pre-teens, Lemon Kiss has designs and sizes that will fit them and suit their personality. Aside from dresses, they also carry blouses, pants, skirts, shorts, pedals, overalls, jackets, among others.

Lemon Kiss is available at most The SM Store outlets. Follow them on Facebook. They recently uploaded their Sweet Sun Kissed Fashion event, perfect outfits for the summer.

 

~ Touringkitty

 

DATE NIGHT: Into the Woods

My husband and I, in another rare moment, had our date night watching a fun (and funny) musical last month.

And we have proof! Thanks for taking this photo of us. (Courtesy: Into the Woods-Preview Night)
And we have proof! Thanks for taking this photo of us. (Courtesy: Into the Woods-Preview Night)

 

It was the Press Preview of Into the Woods, a musical by Stephen Sondheim, last February 20.

The setting was a giveaway, an outdoor venue called the Kasalikasan Garden. It got a bit cloudy in the afternoon, and we were hoping it won’t rain. Good thing it didn’t. The shawl was of help. It got a little chilly later in the evening. WARNING: Bring anti-mosquito lotions or patches, and don’t wear shorts. Seriously. =)

Given that it was outdoors, the challenge I thought of was the microphones, and that single keyboard to accompany the singers. It went well, nevertheless.

It was really great to see familiar faces in the cast (and in the crowd, too). My friends from the UP College of Music and former choirmates of my husband, were part of the cast. Awesome to see friends take part in productions I cover for this blog.

Here are some photos of the Press Preview last February 20. Credits: Upstart Productions.

Onyl Torres, my husband's former choirmate at the Ateneo, played the Steward...and then some, such as being propsman.
Onyl Torres, my husband’s former choirmate at the Ateneo, played the Steward…and then some, such as being propsman.
Kay Balajadia-Liggayu played the Stepmother of Cinderella. The funny trio here is comprised of Kay and real life sisters. Justine and Jill Pena, who play stepsisters of Cinderella.
Kay Balajadia-Liggayu played the Stepmother of Cinderella. The funny trio here is comprised of Kay and real life sisters. Justine and Jill Pena, who play stepsisters of Cinderella.
These two are plain funny! Juliene Mendoza (Cinderella’s Prince), and George Schulze (Rapunzel’s Prince).
These two are plain funny! Juliene Mendoza (Cinderella’s Prince), and George Schulze (Rapunzel’s Prince).
Charley Magalit played Rapunzel, and her high notes soared as high as Rapunzel's tower! We worked together in San Andres B in 2013 and she's also a Bechie Baby like I am (it's our collective name for students of our dear voice professor, Ma. Cecilia "Bechie" Valena).
Charley Magalit played Rapunzel, and her high notes soared as high as Rapunzel’s tower! We worked together in San Andres B in 2013. We’re both Bechie Babies (our collective name for students of our dear voice professor, Ma. Cecilia “Bechie” Valena).
The general plot of the story went around these three characters. The Witch, ably played by Rachel Alejandro, Lorenz Martinez (Baker), and Gemini Quintos (Baker’s Wife).
The general plot of the story went around these three characters. The Witch, ably played by Rachel Alejandro, Lorenz Martinez (Baker), and Gemini Quintos (Baker’s Wife).

Can’t get enough of the photos? Then you should watch the production. They’re extending the run until March 22!

Congratulations to the cast, staff, and crew of the production!

GOOD NEWS! Hear ye, hear ye.

By popular demand, Upstart Production’s INTO THE WOODS will be extending their run for one more weekend! Make sure to catch them under the stars at BGC’s Kasalikasan Gardens! A special discount of 20% will be given to early bird reservations, bulk buyers, senior citizens and students for the MARCH 22 show! Offer is until March 15, 2015 only.

You may call/ text the following number for inquiries.

Charley Magalit 0977- 210 6113
Zarina Anne De Asis 0917-579 9828
Kay Balajadia-Liggayu 0917- 417 2362

 

INTO THE WOODS. February 21, 22, 28, March 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22. 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

The Nelly Miricioiu experience: Prelude

Excitement, trepidation, humbled. These three feelings rule over me right now, maybe until after all of this is done.

Who would have thought that I would be part of this?

Super excited to sing for Nelly Miricioiu!
Yep, that’s my (full) name right there!

BUT, before that, is her much-awaited one-night only Manila concert, which I hope you could all watch, too.

Now, on to the lowdown of how and why I felt this way, and how this whole experience will impact my career.

Excitement.

When I got the news of Nelly Miricioiu’s arrival in Manila sometime last year, it got me so excited, as I know another great international soprano is singing in Manila. I felt  the same way when Sumi Jo had her one-night concert early last year. Back then, I didn’t even know if there will be a masterclass or none, though I was really wishing there will be, and said to myself that I will try to join just in case there will be a call for one. I was eventually surprised that there will be one, and found out it was a competitive masterclass as one would have to submit a video and our profile. So I did, and prayed for a positive outcome.

When 2015 ushered in, I was greeted with the good news of my acceptance to the masterclass. And not just a one-day masterclass, it’s three days! AND not only that, there will be culminating performances of not one, but two concerts!

Which leads to the next feeling.

Trepidation.

And of course, as all sorts of bubble thoughts run in my head. But the more I think about trepidation, the more I am determined to do my best.

Upon knowing the result of the auditions, the organizing group gathered us for a meeting to discuss about our pieces for the masterclass. Those with me are the active young classical singers in Manila.

Questions run in my thoughts. What was I doing there? Given that I have not been singing actively lately (my last was Rusalka), is my voice prepared? Will I be able to pull through my chosen pieces? The questions led me to the next feeling.

Humbled.

The masterclass is an opportunity for me to come back to the craft I really want to pursue. With the many hats I have worn the past five years, I know I will still go back to singing. I asked my mentor in college, Prof. Bechie Valeña, to have a session with her, just so I could have another ear listening while preparing for the masterclass. My teacher is one of the persons who kept pushing my spirits up especially when I somewhat forget that I trained as a classical singer. She told me my voice is (still) there, and that I should keep on singing.

What’s even humbling is that the masterclasses were given to us as a scholarship, thanks to the generous sponsors. That is why we really encourage you to support Ms. Miricioiu’s concert on March 6, to further the cause of supporting local classical artists.

I should focus on this gift that God so generously gave me (I only had voice lessons in college, but have been playing the piano since I was four).

It’s only days before the Masterclass. Madame Nelly has arrived in Manila the other day to prepare for her concert on Friday. Which makes me all the more excited (and nervous!). I am looking forward to watch her on Friday, to sing and learn from Ms. Nelly and the other singers on the Masterclass sessions, and to the culminating concert in the next two weekends. Yes, it’s such a blessing that we get to present what we will be learning from the Masterclass:

Hope you could watch our performances, too!
Hope you could watch our performances, too!

 

I hope you could also join us and complete the Nelly Miricioiu experience!

 

Nelly Miricioiu in concert
March 6, 2015, Friday, 8:00 PM, Meralco Theater
For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or CAEO at 997-9483, 7827164, 0918-347-3027 or 0920-954-0053. Limited discounted tickets for students available via CAEO. You may also purchase online through Ticketworld at this link: https://www.ticketworld.com.ph/Online/NellyMiricioiu.

Nelly Miricioiu Voice Masterclass
March 9-11, 2015, 11:00AM-6:00PM
Ayala Museum, Makati
Free Admission (you may drop by anytime to observe)

Opera Gala
March 14 and 21, 2015, 7:00 PM
Ayala Museum, Makati
For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or CAEO at 997-9483, 7827164, 0918-347-3027 or 0920-954-0053.