Touringkitty

14
Nov
2013

The most forgettable wedding anniversary

Last Friday, November 8, 2013, my husband and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. It was a most special day for both of us. It was also the most unfortunate day for our kababayans in the southern part of the country.

My husband and I are already anticipating the super typhoon (or, in our words, super duper typhoon), and we are starting to get quite scared because his parents and youngest brother are in Iloilo, one of the provinces where the typhoon is heading to.

We are so thankful to the Lord that they all are fine. No damage to their house whatsoever. We monitored them through calls and texts.

However, damage and destruction were seen in other provinces. We opted not to watch any news that day. We did not want to spoil our anniversary.

We made plans of attending a Mass and having a simple dinner out, but we scrapped them for fear of the storm. Together with our little girl, the three of us stayed home, had some food delivered, and prayed the Rosary before we slept. Likewise, our city was spared from the threat of the typhoon. God is good, we exclaimed.

Through Facebook, we read updates and stories — looking for relatives, asking for food and water, wanting to leave the barren land. As the days passed, news got worse. The tragedy still has not sink in me, that is why I choose not to update my Facebook. All I did was forward directly messages to whoever can help, especially to my former colleagues in the military, who, I am aware, has an overwhelming task now. They can only do so much, and we can only pray for their safety and success.

But still, we are grateful for God’s faithfulness to our family, for giving me and my husband five years of strong marriage and 15 years of friendship. Likewise, He gave us a wonderful family and loving friends who are there for us.

It may be the most forgettable anniversary, but it is also the most meaningful.

So, please allow me some moments of cheeziness which I was not able to do last week.

Happy Anniversary, my darling Schatzi. I love you and Aria so very much. Thank you for being my best friend, worst critic, love of my life, and partner in crime (and rhyme!). Thank you for allowing me to be who I want to be, for inspiring me to make wonderful music through my singing and through our choir–our first labor of love. Thank you for being the head of this family, for being a good husband and father to Aria. I always pray for your good health. Here’s to more adventures, more music-making, more harangs, more travels, more babies (!), and more love. To God be all the glory!

~ Touringkitty

How can you help the Philippines:

Among other institutions, we always give to Philippine Red Cross, good or bad weather alike. List of where you can donate at www.rappler.com or www.cnn.com

07
Nov
2013

Mommy Marimbist in CCP debut concert

categories: Concerts, Uncategorized

Aimee Mina-Dela Cruz is one of the foremost percussionists and marimbists in the country today. Finally, she will be given a chance to step up the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino for a full repertoire in her debut concert on November 12, 7:30 PM.

Though she had previously performed in well-received short segments for the Pasinaya in the past years, her upcoming performance on November 12 will underscore her versatility and virtuosity, truly deserving to be featured in the CCP’s Special Concert Series.

Program: Sarasate’s Carmen, Bach’s Concerto in D minor for Two violins BWV1043 (Vivace), Levitas’ Concerto for Percussion, Cruz’ Sana’y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan, and Ewazen’s Concerto for Marimba.

Her assisting pianist is Fe Marsha V. Nicolas. Guest artists are young marimbist Mikaela Natasha Janelle Ley, percussionists Leodivino Roque and Gomer Giron, and violist Joy Allan De la Cruz, her husband and father to their cute little boy named Gioia.

Aside from the concert, she will give a percussion workshop for symphonic band and orchestra percussionists on Friday, November 15, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 12 noon and from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the CCP Main Theater Lobby.

For ticket inquiries, please call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or TIcketworld at 891-9999. For inquiries and reservations for the workshop, please call the CCP Artist Training Division at 832-1125 loc. 1604/1605 or email. ccp.artist.training@gmail.com

*The concert of award-winning trumpeter Raymond De Leon for the Special Concert Series has been moved to January 29, 2014 at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino at 7:30 PM. The trumpet workshop and masterclass will be held on January 30 & 31, 2014 at the Silangan Hall, Cultural Center of the Philippines.

19
Oct
2013

Rasa Sayang Trip Day 1: Sentosa Island, Singapura

categories: Travel

Date: September 25

Location: Sentosa Island, Singapura

Day one officially began September 25th. With only a couple hours of sleep (including the three year old), we all woke up to have breakfast at the nearby Kopitiam, which is like their local foodcourt, selling different cuisines at affordable prices. We had breakfast here everyday so we got to try almost all it had to offer! I never failed to order Teh-O and Kopi-O coupled with a Kaya Toast and two soft-boiled eggs, for only SG$2! That’s less than 70 Pesos, which is cheaper than the same combos sold here in the Philippines. Aria here had a blast with a sweet and savoury siopao — one is custard and the other is pork. Plus freshly made melon juice.

We had to find our way going to Universal Studios Singapore. With a map on hand, our stuff for the day, including a stroller, we reached USS at around 10am. We rode the MRT from Dhoby Ghout to Harbourfront Centre then took a Cable Car to Sentosa Island! Upon alighting the Cable Car, we found a cable car museum which we managed to check out when we got back. Then we rode the free bus which goes around Sentosa Island and takes you to the different attractions there.

Finally, we got to Universal Studios!

We rode only a few rides because it was also drizzling and we wanted to finish early to see more of Sentosa.

We were lucky to have photos with Shrek and Fiona!

891569_10151701108648297_1753418108_o — Shrek and Fiona with the bakasyonistas: Ton, Aria, Em, Myk, Raffy

Not to be missed of course are The Revenge of the Mummy and Transformers 3D. Aria rode Treasure Hunters! She almost did not finish the ride haha but am glad she did!

We chanced upon the Sesame Street show. Perfect timing.

My mom's backdrop is the New York Public Library mock-up where the Sesame Street shows are staged. — My mom’s backdrop is the New York Public Library mock-up where the Sesame Street shows are staged.

We had time so we went around Sentosa. Checked out the tall Merlion and passed by other attractions before we headed back to the hotel. It was quite a day of walking, eating, riding, and being plain happy! We loved it.

Watch out for Day Two (which I hope to post soonest!).

~ Touringkitty

P.S.: I am changing the title of my trip blogs into Rasa Sayang, which means loving feeling. Incidentally, it is also a popular folk song in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Check out the Madz singing it here.

12
Oct
2013

Rasa Sayang Trip: The Departure aka My Birthday!

categories: Travel

Date: 24 September 2013

Location: Pasay City

I woke up not being twentysomething anymore this day. But I am happy. Very!

Woke up to a beautiful Tuesday morning with my loves! With thoughts of last minute packing, leaving home for the next five days, whipping up my birthday cake, and actually making it on time at the airport, I began the day with a Holy Mass in the nearest church, at six in the morning.

The Homily was about the importance of two Holy Sacraments — Baptism and Confirmation, both of which our own Shrine is giving importance through the upcoming “Binyagang Bayan” and “Kumpilang Bayan this month. The priest stressed the importance of godparents (will thank these wonderful people who came blessing our lives in another post). It was a great Mass, but I attended alone, as my daughter was still sleeping then.

The hours went fast. I was able to bake this cake, though:

Yummy healthy whole wheat carrot cake with cream cheese and brown sugar, anyone? :) — Yummy healthy whole wheat carrot cake with cream cheese and brown sugar, anyone? 🙂

Which, of course, this little marionette blew the candles out a gazillion times before we got to actually eat it!

Then, we’re headed to the airport! After paying the travel tax, getting instructions from the travel agent who booked our hotel and Universal Studios Tour, we had dinner then off we boarded in the plane!

All in one row: Sister's boyfie, my sister, my mom, on the other side, and me, my daughter, with my hubby taking this photo on our side. — All in one row: Sister’s boyfie, my sister, my mom, on the other side, and me, my daughter, with my hubby taking this photo on our side.

And the vacation begins! We arrived Singapore at a little before midnight. We kind of settled down at about two in the morning, and had to wake up at six. Aria had a crying fest because she got homesick. We had a tough hour putting her to sleep again cos she was already asleep in the plane!

Next post: Sentosa Day! This day was fun. Until the next. Sleep, I must!

~ Touringkitty

P.S. Before I forget, even if it was super duper late already, thank YOU for all the prayers, greetings via text and Facebook for my birthday and the safe travel of our family. We prayed for all of you as well! <3

02
Oct
2013

The Great Singapore and Malaysia Tour–upcoming posts

categories: Uncategorized

Mission: SUCCESSFUL!

Four days, two countries, nonstop MRT transfers, nonstop walking, and nonstop eating (for me, haha!), I can say that we really enjoyed the trip (despite the stress, which I will try not to talk about here. Blog = happy space, remember?).

Touringkitty survived Singapore and Malaysia with a preschooler and her dad, first-time out of the country travelers (my mom, sister and her boyfie), along with a trolley bag, handcarried bag, a backpack, and a stroller (and those luggage were just for my family!). My mom, sister, and the boyfie had just one trolley, and two backpacks, reason to carry so much stuff when they were headed home, haha!

I have prepared so many stories and tips for you travelers out there. I do hope to post it in the coming days, though. So stay tuned!

Meanwhile, I’m off to work (at home) so I could save up for the next trip. Conquer the Great Singapore sale in 2014, perhaps? 🙂

~ Touringkitty

23
Sep
2013

Twentysomething no more

categories: Uncategorized

Tomorrow, I will turn 30. I am quite happy about it, contrary to what people imply that “mawawala na ang edad ko sa kalendaryo,” or simply put, I am not getting any younger.

Why would I not be happy? At 30, I am raising a lovely family of three, sleeping in our own home, working from home while taking care of it, still actively serving the church. And I get to sing and teach again! Happy dance! And my family supports me all the way in whatever endeavor I take. Blessing upon blessing.

I made a life list back when I was in high school. Nope, I am not gonna share them to you, cos I have not ticked some of the items yet. Still praying for some things and I hope to reach them before I turn 40.

Tomorrow also, we’ll be having our first family trip abroad. Will tell about it soon. So may I ask for a simple prayer for this trip, that all of us will be safe, and more importantly, enjoy the experience of God’s creation in another country. Likewise, please pray for our dear country, the Philippines, and let’s lift it up again to the Blessed Mother.

I am so excited to ride the plane and live in a suitcase again, after all, it has been my life some years ago.

Forgive the birthday pause, too, as I might not be online in the next days. Will try to post in Instagram and Twitter (follow @touringkitty).

I shall say a prayer tonight for all my friends and family and everyone who gets to read this. May God bless you and your families.

~ Touringkitty

09
Sep
2013

I got “Swinglified!”

categories: Concerts

Who didn’t, after watching that fabulous concert featuring two fabulous choirs who both celebrate 50 fabulous years this 2013?

The Madz first “teased” us with this poster:

222teaser — I first thought it was some black, er, yellow, prop of sort. Teehee.

And soon after, we found out what it really meant:

swingleposter — Two for the Gold. Two Legends, Two Nights. Got it?:)

I could not miss this concert! What’s not to miss: The Madz. The Swingles. Pure vocal awesomeness. I really got “Swinglified” last Saturday night!

It was also a date night for me and my husband. I convinced him to get orchestra seats, and I am so glad we did! So after dinner at the Harbour Square, we went to the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater to claim our pre-ordered tickets. I was so happy to see so many people in the lobby before the show started!

The program started with the Madz singing several songs for the first part, a combination of the old and new Madz repertoire. They began with “Cantate Domino” by Josu Elberdin. I have heard this a couple of times already and I like how the Madz sung this–simple yet grand. “La Guerre” was sung in another version–Old French pronunciation, I suppose. Their “Italian Salad,” through the years of being in the Madz repertoire, never fails to make the audience laugh. Their set ended with “Circle of Life,” another crowd favorite, remains foolproof.

Before their final song, Sir Mark had a short spiel which introduced the Swingle Singers. The Madz then went down the stage and sat on the first row of the audience. I thought there will be an intermission announcement, but instead, Sir Mark told the audience to wait in our seats as the stage was being prepared for the featured performers.

And so, it was the turn of the Swingles, who sang a few songs before an intermission was announced. I swear it was the first time I ever smiled throughout a concert! *Fanmode on*

The Swingle Singers is an eight-member a cappella group formed by Ward Swingle in 1963. Back then, their repertoire consisted of orchestral music set into choral arrangements. Through the years, they have expanded their repertoire, which included pop music, original compositions, and made use of technology by using recorded percussion and adding effects on their microphones. Since they were only a few singers (currently, they are seven), they use microphones to amplify their sound, especially in large auditoriums. Their sound engineer rocks, by the way, and did an amazing job as well!

After the intermission, they were joined by the Madz for two musical numbers — “Eleanor Rigby” and “Lady Madonna.” The Madz girls were sparkling in their gold blouses while the men wore all black. Again, they went back to the audience as the Swingles sang the rest of their program.

I like how they interspersed spiels and choreography with their songs. Everyone got a chance to speak, and each song had its own story to tell. Never a dull moment. Crowd favorites would be the “Il dolce suono/Fifth Element” medley, and “Single Ladies” complete with booty-shaking of their male singers!

Besides their newer songs, they also sung their older repertoire. Loved “Claire de Lune,” of course. They ended with another classic by Astor Piazolla–“Libertango.” I also wished they sang other Swingle favorites, like Flight of the Bumblebee and their Bach arrangements. They should come back, then! It was a treat hearing them live.

Of course, it did not end there. Encore numbers were sung, and as their final offering, they sung the Ilonggo lullaby, “Ili-Ili, tulog anay,” which I found out was done by one of the Madz’ resident composer/arranger, Ily Maniano. The lullaby got Swinglified, to everyone’s amazement.

It was indeed a magical night, and I could not help but tell my friends how happy I was. I will definitely remember that concert for a long time!

Thanks, Madz, for working really hard to bring in the Swingles to Manila, for playing host to them while they were here, and for allowing us to experience what you guys had experienced in Colombia during the America Cantat.

This fan is gonna end this post with a video of the Madz singing a Swingles piece. I used to just listen to them through Sir Mark’s iPod, then on Youtube. I am happy that I have sung one of their songs, like this one: Soul Bossa Nova, which we performed in New York in 2007. Have a Swinglin’ time, y’all!
~ Touringkitty

05
Sep
2013

Have Guitar, will Play: Kabataang Gitarista Program

categories: Music

They were my weekly Saturday morning date.

We had a good “date place” too, amid paintings here and there, and behind us a replica of the infamous “Parisian Life” by Juan Luna, no less.

464146_228399170618792_383029960_o — See the Parisian Life replica at the far end of the photo? The original is already at the National Museum.

In my short but sweet stint at the country’s premiere cultural institution, I had the privilege to have handled and coordinated several projects. Aside from the recently concluded international choral competition, the other one dearest to me is the Kabataang Gitarista Program.

We started the program on the second half of 2012, where we gathered public high school students from Manila and Pasay public high schools. From about 70 applicants, we went down to a final total number of 12, which had their recital to celebrate their first year last August 24 at the CCP Tanghalang Huseng Batute.

I was sitting eye level. Their music stands were too high!

They were mentored by no less than the country’s best, Maestro Jose Valdez, master guitarist and arranger. I have never seen a master as humble and as kind as he is.

I could not miss the chance. Taken after the recital.

Sir Joe would even tune their guitars just before they entered! Such dedication from a master!

The group has gone a very long way, thanks to their dedication and the support of the program’s sponsor, Guitar Friends, a group of guitar enthusiasts, who are funding the said program, that is why the students are having their guitar lessons for free. Likewise, they get to use the GSIS Museum as their rehearsal venue for their weekly lessons. Meanwhile, the CCP Artist Training Division, on its part, is the overall coordinator of the program, from coordination with the Department of Education to implementation of the program and looking at possible performance opportunities.

Literally, I was “ate,” or big sister to these students. I was the one tasked to remind them about rehearsals, coordinate their performance schedules, transportation, things to bring, etc. I also got to know the students better through their parents, who patiently waits for the students every week.

I have seen their musical growth in the program in that one year, which makes me their proud “ate.” A few months before the recital, they were assigned solo and ensemble pieces to prepare them for the repertoire. I doubt if I could fare well as they did, as some of them played challenging pieces like Bach’s “Bouree” and Tarrega’s Recuerdos de la Alhambra, in less than six months! This is what precisely what Sir Joe wants the guitarists to achieve, to “excel in solo guitar playing so that they can perform on their own even without the ensemble.”

I remember the starting weeks of the program, when the students had to be educated about classical guitar. Some brought steel-stringed guitars with them, so we could not accommodate them. Slowly, the numbers dwindled and only those with nylon guitars and the dedication to attend early Saturday morning lessons continued with the program.

These students have different stories. Their guitars were in various conditions, too. But they persevered, until such time that their guitars were given an upgrade through generous sponsors.

Two of the students are now in college, taking up music. Both of them were influenced to take up music by being in the Kabataang Gitarista Program, saying that it made a huge impact in deciding which course to pursue.

Another batch of students will be mentored by another guitar teacher. The first batch, meanwhile, will continue their sessions with Sir Joe. I really hope the new batch would be twice as many as the first, or even more, and that they would have guitars in good condition and playable quality.

To the first batch, congratulations for making it this far! I do hope you will still continue to play and carry on the rehearsal discipline that Sir Joe has been instilling on you.

To Sir Joe, thank you for being an inspiration of humility to me. May God bless you as you continue to play for His audiences and train more guitarists through the gift of teaching He bestowed on you. Not many people can excel on both!

~ Touringkitty

01
Sep
2013

The best things in life are FREE: Online Courses

categories: Uncategorized

I miss studying in the university. I had the best time during college, even though I had to take leaves for whole semesters because of concert tours with the Madz.

Now that I am a full time mother, I still want to learn, and I do them online, through the free online courses offered by professors of major universities abroad. Sans the university credits, these absolutely FREE online courses offer the same quality education in an online platform and in shorter spans of time.

Recently, I completed my Crash Course on Creativity. It was my second attempt to take it, as I was not able to finish the first time I took it last year. This year, I was so proud to finish the course in between work and household management, and got this Statement of Accomplishment from a Stanford professor, Tina Seelig.

This was designed by one of our online classmates. It folds up like an accordion, showing the creativity logo. How kewl is that?!

There are lots more coming up and ongoing! Check out Coursera and Novoed (which was formerly Venture Lab wherein the Creativity Course I took is in). At the moment, I enrolled in Coursera’s Crafting and Effective Writer, Survey of Music Technology, and Creativity, Innovation, and Change. I do hope to finish them all, though, else I’ll end up just auditing again.

Hope you also take advantage of technology and education. Best thing, they are all free. No need to fly out to have classes under foreign professors.

~ Touringkitty

31
Aug
2013

Touringkitty Blog Giveaway for August – WINNERS

categories: Uncategorized

I am happy to announce the winners for the first blog giveaway!

Let these photos tell you how the raffling went. Super fun!

And the winner is…

BRENDA BARRIENTOS-VALLARTA! You get the cute bib!

Next winner is…

The last winner is…

VERONICA ANABO!!! You get the newborn set!

Of course, she won't end it without making kalat! Outfit: Terranova (shirt and shorts) — Of course, she won’t end it without making kalat! Outfit: Terranova (shirt and shorts)

BEANS Baby Store shall ship the prizes directly to you. I shall send you all an email or Facebook Message so I could get your complete mailing addresses. Thanks, BEANS Baby Store for your generosity!

Thank you SOOOOO MUCH for joining! Please watch out on the Facebook Page as I announce the next giveaway, probably in two months!

Happy Birthday, dear Ariadne!

~ Touringkitty

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