Tag: #KoristaAko

Schatzinfinity: Ten years of marriage

#blessed is never cliche

If I were to sum up the past ten years of being married to the love of my life, only one word comes to mind: GRATEFUL.

That my husband and I are stronger together, and we’ve proven it to each other and to other people many times already.

That we have a home we can call our own.

That we hurdle life’s challenges together, big or small.

That our witnesses stand true to their roles as second parents (sadly, we unexpectedly lost a ninang a couple of months ago).

That our families and friends are with us, in good times and in bad (we still grieve though for the loss of my husband’s father).

That we get to do things we both love–choral singing, making music, travel, writing– and also do things on our own–his passion for martial arts, my various interests and advocacies.

That we have our little treasure, Ariadne.

That we are Schatzis (treasure in German). And this union is #schatzinfinity.

So, how did we celebrate this milestone?

Well, we were in Europe for this.

On tour with the Ateneo Chamber Singers. Concerts, competitions in Germany and Spain. I cannot say anything more but THANK YOU, LORD! Photo from the ACS FB Page

I have posted pockets of words and photos over my Facebook Page and Instagram (LIKE TOURINGKITTY please!) and will slowly (and I mean slow….ly!) gather them in one post, real soon!

Going back to celebrating, we did not have anything planned, really. Since last year, the ACS began their preparation for this trip. My husband was planning to come home in time for our anniversary, but I suggested that he finish the whole trip instead. You don’t get to go to Europe everyday! So, we settled to celebrating belatedly, perhaps with a Mass, Renewal of Vows, and fancy dinner.

But God has his own way of surprising us. Two months before the trip commenced, I was invited. To join as soprano. Bubble thoughts went like: We will sing in a choir. Together. And tour Europe. In time for our wedding anniversary.

I. Am. Stoked! Who am I to say no?!

And so I said I DO (haha I mean, yes, I am honoured to join!), and right on my birthday, I applied for my visa which was granted two days after. It was meant to be.

 

10th Wedding Anniversary, Barci style

We had a full schedule on the day of our anniversary, but the previous two days of it were absolutely free days. And we were in Barcelona, Spain! We shopped and ate and strolled, and did most everything just the two of us.

Must. Have. This. Pic. Bench pic on the streets of Barcelona. Photo by our dear Pastorgrapher (Our choirmate and Pastor-friend who made us his favourite photo subjects!).

One of our godparents treated us for an unforgettable Tapas dinner, and got ourselves almost drunk with Sangria (lol). Our pastor-friend and choirmate (yes the ACS is super blessed to have a pastor!) gave time to lead us in scripture reading, reflection, and prayer. We read and reflected on the same Gospel passage on our wedding day.

The best part:

Sagrada Familia, everyone. Such magnificence only God can create. Gaudi, you the man.

We got to tour the church (few photos on my Facebook Page!) and I can’t help but cry while praying.

 

A Spiritual Pilgrimage to celebrate a decade of marriage

We had a long day on our anniversary day, which began with this.

A Mass in Catalan language at the Barcelona Cathedral. Luckily, there was a Filipino couple based in the USA who were vacationing and volunteered to take our photos in exchange for taking theirs. They were belatedly celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary with that trip.

We were scheduled to visit two more Ignatian sites (because Ateneo) — Montserrat and Manresa. Few days before that, we were privileged to visit Loiola, the birthplace of St. Ignatius.

We sang a couple of Marian songs as offering to Our Lady of Montserrat. Video courtesy of Enric Genesca, one of our host-organizers from Polifonica Puig-reig:

We were told that choirs who visit here would have to get permission to sing inside the Abbey. So this is a rare and special and blessed opportunity for us.

After which, a sumptuous Chinese buffet lunch (yum!) and dinner at the hotel, where we also performed for an awarding ceremony for the Polifonica Puig-reig, our host choir, which celebrates its 50th year as a choir.

Still up and about! Great way to end the day.

Who gets to spend their wedding anniversary this way? We are truly thankful that this has all happened. All in God’s plan and perfect time.

We are grateful that we got to spend this special occasion with the people who are dear to us, our ACS family.

A pair of witnesses! Ninong Jojo, our conductor, and Ninang Bitchik, who treated us with that unforgettable dinner. This is in Tossa de mar the day after for more sightseeing and unwinding after the busy days of concerts and competitions.

Bonus photo! Check out our ACS Fam ten years ago during the wedding reception!

Love our ACS Fam! 3/4 of the people in this photo are part of the tour as singers. Two of them we got to see in Tolosa.

Just like any other marriage, ours is a work in progress, every single day. But we keep in mind what our father-rector and spiritual tatay said during the Homily on our wedding day, the three things our marriage should have: Communication, Care, Be fair.

We missed our daughter for almost a month, but we are more blessed that my mother and sister willingly took care of her while we were in this trip. We cannot be any more grateful for that.

I don’t know how to end this post, and I must try to sleep (hello jetlag, it’s been a week and you are back!) so let me end with this Bible verse that we have reflected upon ten years ago, last week for the 10th anniversary, and forever until death parts us.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21)

Ich hab ein schatz gefunden. Photo again by Pastor Binky in Calella, Spain. Instant photoshoot while waiting for the opening program of the competitions.

 

Ich liebe dich, mein Schatzi Ton!

 

Dein Schatzi Em =)

 

~ Touringkitty

#KoristaAko: Efraime Mallari

 

After a yet another long hiatus, I am back to my blogging mojo!

And what better way for a comeback is to post a new entry in my passion project, #KoristaAko.

Our korista for this edition is quite an interesting ball of musical energy, and I got to meet him for the first time not as a chorister, but a band player. And what an interesting encounter it was, with their band winning the top prize for an international band competition held in our country for the very first time.

So, meet our korista, Efraime Mallari. But first, this video, which I am sure you have seen around Facebook.

NOTE: This funny video is a spinoff of a segment of a late night comedy show. No copyright infringement intended and just for pure korista laughs.

His musical journey is quite interesting, and proves that music heals. He tells of his beginnings as a wind player here.

I joined the band in 2005, playing the clarinet. Hindi ko talaga plano magbanda noon. But it was doctor’s advise for me to study any wind instrument or mag-sports. Pinili ko ang pagtugtog since, music lover po talaga ako noon. Then lumipat ako ng flute nung 2009 and nag-UP ako nung 2010 as Flute Major. Because of competition sa slot sa Orchestra and other opportunities, lumipat ako ng Oboe. Nagshift ako to oboe major since kaunti lang ang oboist sa Philippines. Then ayun po, dagsaan na ang opportunities dahil nga po sa pagiging oboist ko. Kaso nung 2012 po, nagkasakit naman ako kaya ako nagstop. Then nahirapan na ako makabalik so nung gumaling ako, nagwork na lang po muna ako. Teacher sa isang music school for a year then, naofferan ng work sa government so pinush ko na. 2014, naging conductor po ako ng banda namin kasi umalis yung conductor namin papuntang Bahrain, and nagwork naman yung assistant niya sa call center kaya naiwan ako. Nawala din po yung ibang members namin after ng Malaysia Competition namin. At first, ayoko po talaga. Unang una, 20 years old lang po ako nun, pangalawa, nakakapressure po kasi dahil nga po medyo kilala ang banda namin, baka di ko kayanin ang pressure. Plus the fact na puro bata ang mga naiwang members. So as in back to zero talaga halos. Then ayun po, kinaya naman at kinakaya pa rin till now. Paunti unti, sa tulong at support na rin ng mga matatanda naming members, nakaka-ahon ahon. Nakakasali and nakakapanalo rin naman po ng mga competitions here sa Luzon and including sa Davao. Hanggang sa eto nga po, nakasungkit ng championship sa international competition. Sobrang saya po lalu na’t arrangement ko yung ginamit namin sa competition na yun. Cooperation lang po talaga ang key. Lalu po’t sobrang dami namin.

And that arrangement he was talking about is this:

The Citizen Brigade Band of Dasmariñas won the Marching Showband Category of the Bacoor International Music Competition held last June here in the Philippines. I was fortunate to witness this, as I was invited to work behind the scenes for this competition. Such a great place to be in that time, and learned a lot about band music and competitions.

Now let us get to know more about Efraime the korista here in #KoristaAko.

Name: Efraime Amoroso Mallari

Current profession: Office Clerk at Dasmariñas Water District

Choirs joined:
– Francisco E. Barzaga Memorial School Children’s Choir (2004)
– Koro Ecclesiano (2008)
– Dasmariñas Chamber Singers (2016)
– Philippine Vocal Ensemble (2017)
– Sing Philippines Youth Choir (2018)

Why did you join the choir?:
I’m in a children’s choir when I was in grade 5, so I’m already singing when I was young. Singing is my first love and playing instrument just came after that when the doctor advised me to learn wind instrument for my asthma. Since then, I focused on my instrument till college. I took DCPMA major in flute and shifted to oboe in UP Diliman although I’m already a Madz fan since 2007. Then in 2016, I suddenly missed singing in a choir. I love our band but there’s this different fulfillment that singing gives me. So even though it’s hard, pinagsabay ko. I joined Dasmariñas Chamber Singers, then Philippine Vocal Ensemble and Sing Philippines Youth Choir Batch 3 and the rest is history.

What was that something or someone that influenced you?:
The Philippine Madrigal Singers. Since I’m a fan of the Madz since High School, may special part na rin talaga sa puso ko ang singing kahit nakalimutan ko siya after many years of playing instruments. Then came 2016 when I began singing again and kept on singing.

What is your favourite song arranged or composed for choir and why?:
Marami eh pero ang most memorable is Riveder (le Stelle by Z. Randall Stroope). Nagpupunta pa ako sa Computer shop noong high school just to listen to that. Second is “Sa Kanyang Paglalayag” of Ily Matthew Maniano.

What was the hardest piece you’ve studied?:
Lahat mahirap lalo noong kababalik ko pa lang sa choir but the hardest ones are the German lalo na sa bulol na tulad ko.

Any choir/s or vocal ensembles you look up to and why?:
Given na yung Madz. So after Madz, I look up to UPLB Choral Ensemble. Halos lahat ng kilala kong galing UPLBCE have this discipline and every time I hear them, I’m always moved by their singing. The most memorable was the repeat performance of the AOV Choral Fest last year when they sang “Daluyong” which was the obligatory piece that time.

What is your most unforgettable choral moment?:
When we (Dasmariñas Chamber Singers) qualified for the Grand Prix in the 2018 Orientale Concentus International Choral Festival. Maraming mas magagalingsaamin. Marami rin kamingpinagdaananbagomakaalis at habang competition kaya hindisumagisaisipnaminnamakakapasok kami. Also, my experience with SPYC (Sing Philippines Youth Choir–an every other year choral program by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Madz) Every moment of it is very memorable.

#KoristaAko dahil:
It opened SO MUCH opportunities for me and may something talaga sa pagkanta na bumubusog sa puso ko. I can’t explain it but it always makes me happy.

 

Em and Ef. At the Bacoor International Music Championships.

#KoristaAko: Jacqui Jimenez

Hello, 2017!

Our Korista profiles were in absentia because of the busy latter half of 2016 that was. But thank you to the 2,300+ koristas who joined the Facebook Group (do join us!) and the 130+ Facebook Page likers (like like like!).

Now, we introduce another certified korista now based in the US. Plus, she is a newbie mom and now jewelry maker. Do read up to the end of this post for a giveaway!

This month’s korista is Jacqueline Jimenez (formerly Jacqueline Grace Ramos). She used to sing with university choirs back here in the Philippines as well as the then trio, The Nightingales.

Jacqui and family now based in the US.

Name: Jacqueline Jimenez (formerly Jacqueline Grace Ramos)

Current profession: full time mom, part time musician/jewelry maker

Choirs joined: Adventist University of the Phil. Ambassadors(now Phil. Meistersingers) 2001-2007 and Philippine Madrigal Singers (2008-2013).

Why did you join the choir?:
Church choir: I belong to a family of choristers (Pressure!) But I love to sing, so I joined.
School choir in college: out of curiosity at first. My bestfriend was there so I tried auditioning when I was in my freshman year but guess what, I got rejected! So I took voice lessons, developed my voice more and auditioned again after 3 years. I got accepted finally.
Madz: i was not loving my job anymore as an English teacher so I prayed to got for guidance. He answered. A friend of mine in the Madz told me that there’s an audition. I tried out and the rest was history. I quit my job and joined the Madz fulltime. Talk about passion.
What was that something or someone that influenced you?:
The church was a big influence and of course the loooove for music. Without that passion I wont be able to stay there for years! My parents influenced me a lot also because they were choir members. But studying music gave me more confidence to join the university choir then the Madz.

What is your favourite song arranged or composed for choir and why?: I dont have just one! I have a lot! But here are some popular songs arranged by Filipino composer-arrangers that I like:
Sempurna by Ily Matthew Maniano, You Raise Me Up by Nilo Alcala, Light of a million mornings by Fr. Arnold Zamora, Suscipe by GP Eleria, Thankful by Saunder Choi, A Better World by Bojo Lijauco among others. Memorable lang ang mga ito sakin at masarap kantahin lalo na pag alto ka!

What was the hardest piece you’ve studied?:
There’s a lot too but the pieces in the Premiere concert of the Madz last 2013 was definitely one! Lalo na ung Sarasvati! (It was a concert of all-new works premiered by the Madrigal Singers. I was able to watch it and the pieces were challenging!)

Any choir/s or vocal ensembles you look up to and why?:
The Madz, Swingle Singers.

What is your most unforgettable choral moment?:

When I was just starting in the choir (college), I was a trainee and i was the only one wearing black in the concert. I felt soo bad i cried! Sabi ko sa sarili ko I will work hard for that costume! The hard work paid off.

Madz- Italy concerts! The long applause and heightened emotions! Sobrang memorable sakin when one woman came up to me and said, thank you so much for blessing me today. I needed that badly. Just inspiring them or giving them a little piece of heavenly music is enough for me.

#KoristaAko dahil:

Mahal ko ang musika at ang mga taong kasama kong bumuo nito. Kung akoy nagiisa di ako korista. Pamilya tayong kumakanta. ?

 

Tell us something about your product, Charms of Grace, how did it start?:

It started this year of April (2016). I got married here in the states 2014 and gave birth to Grace last year 2015 so I’m a full time mom. I don’t want to work because I want to really take care of my daughter. So I prayed to the Lord for his leading. And I got an answer.
My hubby Juan gave me a precious charmed locket necklace as a gift when we were still dating and I thought that was the most beautiful thing I have received! So I was inspired by that! I’ve always loved jewelry but charmed ones are the closest to my heart because it tells your story. So my hubby and I bought a couple of materials to start with, posted in Facebook until people started loving and buying them! I got more inspired and I just realized how happy I become just by making them. Lalo na pag nagustuhan nila. The hard work was worth it. The name Charms of Grace came from my daughters name and my sister thought of putting them together. As I’ve said in my blog one time, its like singing. I’ve discovered a new passion which is making charmed jewelry. I believe if you really ask God for guidance he will reveal it.

This is where the story began: Juan gave Jacqui this charmed locket which has: the word blessed, an airplane, a globe/earth, G clef, word faith, laptop, green and pink gems and the word love.

While this is mine, that Jacqui made for me after winning an earlier raffle. You can win yours, too!

And here it is! The Charms of Grace Giveaway!

Charmed keychain giveaway instructions:

1. Follow charms of grace on instagram and FB page Charms of Grace.
2. Tag 3 friends who would want to win this too. Make them follow charmsofgrace on IG and fb page.
3. Answer this question. Why would I choose you to win a charmed keychain? Give a brief detail about your life story and how colorful it is despite lifes challenges.

The winner will be chosen on January 15 (US time).

This is open, worldwide.

Join now! ?

 

#KoristaAko is powered by Touringkitty. Tune in for the latest post every month. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.

#KoristaAko: De Pano Sisters

Korista Ako

Time flies when you’re having fun, indeed. First quarter of the year is ending, and since Holy Week came in a little early, March became a busy month for most koristas, especially those in the church ministry. We got to thank our church musicians for making our Holy Week more solemn, reflective, and meaningful with their beautiful music.

March is also Women’s Month, so here’s a feature on three women–sisters, actually–who are great choristers I admire (and I sure am you will, too, and be encouraged to sing in a choir as well, after reading this!).

Presenting our Koristas for this month, the De Pano Sisters: Nell Armin De Pano-Raralio (Armin), Nina Rose Aurora De Pano (Niner), and Nelda Aurora De Pano-Supnet (Dada).

L-R: De Pano Sisters--Dada, Niner, Armin.
L-R: De Pano Sisters–Dada, Niner, Armin.

Belonging to a family of choristers (church choristers at that), all three currently sing (and go on concert tours) together with the Ateneo Chamber Singers. And apart from being choristers, Armin has a day job as a GM of a logistics company and GM of a back-office service provider, Dada is a stay-at-home wife and mom, and Niner is a session musician and gospel songwriter. Dada sings Alto 2, Armin sings Soprano 2, while Niner started to sing Soprano 2 but is now assigned the Alto 1 line (Their voices almost complete the treble section!).

 

What choirs have you joined, from past to present?
Dada: As I remember it: KFUMC Cherub Choir, KFUMC Tagalog Choir, KFUMC Chancel Choir, Himig Scientia, Tanglaw Singers, ACGC, SINAG, Uno, Ateneo Chamber Singers, Philippine Chamber Choir, San Miguel Master Chorale, Philippine Vocal Ensemble.
Presently actively singing with The Ateneo Chamber Singers and the KFUMC combined Tagalog and Chancel Choirs.

Armin: 1) Church: Kamuning First United Methodist Church, all choirs as I grew up: children’s choir, tagalog choir, Chancel Choir, youth choir, etc., as member, conductor, or accompanist (Male Chorale). “The singing Methodists” is the underlying tradition in our early and unbroken involvement in church music.
2) School: Intl School Manila: Girls Chorus, A’Capella Choir, and the high school Octet. In Ateneo, Ateneo College Glee Club. For 2 years also, I was a member of the Saringhimig under George Hernandez of UP and AILM.
3) Ateneo Chamber Singers, which I joined the year after I was widowed. Singing again in a serious (serious?!!??) choir was a real comfort and companion to me in my widowhood, doing something I enjoyed, something challenging (no joke entering a choir at age 46—it was most humbling!) and something that allowed me to be in the close fellowship of people in ACS. It’s a joy to be in this family.

Niner: As my sisters related, started singing with the choir as a young child (with Ate Armin as conductor!) with the Kamuning First United Methodist Church’s CHERUB CHOIR. In my teens I sang with the youth choir otherwise called TAGALOG CHOIR under my Dad’s sister Zenaida Parungao at first, then under Kuya Arnel (De Pano, another De Pano sibling who is notable as chorister, composer, and arranger). Then on to the big leagues, the adult choir, the Chancel Choir under, originally, my Dad’s sister Zenaida, afterwards under Ate Armin and Kuya Arnel. It would be fitting to acknowledge the great Methodist tradition of singing any time, anywhere — aside from my siblings, uncles and aunts and cousins were in the choir with us one time or another.

I also sang with our high school choir HIMIG SCIENTIA under Mrs. Letty Lomibao – that was in Quezon City Science High School. During my HS days I also sang with Tanglaw Singers, a Methodist youth group made up of youth from different churches. Then Sinag, another Methodist youth group under Kuya Arnel music ministry. For some time I was an honorary singing member in SARINGHIMIG under George Hernandez. I then sang with the Ateneo College Glee Club under Joel Navarro. I also got invited to sing with the HIMIG SINGERS of Davao under Alvin Aviola aka Max aka Kuya Bong. Joined the SMMC too. And Philippine Vocal Ensemble. And of course the ATENEO CHAMBER SINGERS.

 

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

Dada: Music has always been my family’s ministry. So I joined the Cherub Choir at around 5 years old and I never stopped singing since.

Armin: It was the most natural thing to do—we were born to singing Methodist families on both sides. All of us 9 siblings went the same route, sang in all choirs, as ALL our children also became inevitable recruits to the children’s choir of their generation. Sadly, as in my children’s case, the kids have been less passionate about choir singing.

The reason we sing is because it really is a gift the Lord has given every singer to be used and made fruitful—music is the language of the soul, singing is twice praying, etc. What is worship without song? A wedding without music? A celebration, a thanksgiving, or a sadness, a yearning, without expression in music? Mahirap, no? For me the power of music is akin to the beauty of nature. You capture a little, and, really, it’s a lot: for the singer, for the listener. And so we sing. Praise God!

Niner: Joining the choir is a natural progression in my family — what with numerous aunts, uncles, parents, siblings to emulate. I stayed with the choir because of the joy it brings. It has since become my ministry.

 

What is your most unforgettable choral moment?

Armin: As you see in Slum Books, “too many to mention.” Every time we get a song right is a choral moment for me. Every time we hear/encounter beautiful choral music (other choirs) is a choral moment for me. And to have known, remain friends with, to work and sing with, the generation of the great movers of Philippine choral music: what a kick it is. It makes me proud, thankful, and humble.

Niner: Gaya ni Ate (Armin), every singing event is a choral moment to me — some grander than normal but every time I sing brings out the best in me.

Dada: Probably when I was part of the all children’s choir that lined up the Malacañang Palace driveway and main lobby singing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and ‘Christus vincit, Christus regnat; Christus, Christus imperat!’ during Pope John Paul’s very first visit to Manila. I was still in Elementary School then. A close second would be singing for the Papal Mass with Pope Francis in January 2015.

 

As sisters, have you toured with the choir together?

Dada and Niner touring together during college at the Ateneo in California.
Dada and Niner touring together during college.

Dada: I have toured with Cha Nanu (their nickname for Niner) more times than with Ate Armin. To wit, with ACGC in 1986 for the United Airlines’ Sister-city Exchange Program (to Sacramento, CA); with ACGC again in 2000; with SMMC to Taiwan and Korea in 2002-2003; with the Ateneo Chamber Singers in 2003 (US), 2006 (Europe and Singapore, with Ate Armin also), 2008 (US, Nanu only), 2009 Tokyo, Japan and Taipei (with both Ates), 2012 to Sapporro, Japan (with Nanu only), 2014 to Singapore (with both).

Armin: They (Niner and Dada) have also been session musicians together; just over a year apart, age-wise, they’ve been together a lot more.

 

 

More recently, the three sisters went together with the ACS in Singapore for the Three Festival.
More recently, the three sisters sang with the ACS in Singapore for the Three Festival in 2014.

How was the experience being with family members in a choir?

Armin: We love it. My siblings and I sing together every Sunday in church, year in, year out. Of 9 children in the family, 7 of us were members of the Ateneo College Glee Club,& 2 of my sisters in law were ACGC members, too, making us quite possibly candidates for the biggest Glee Club family. My Kuya Albert and I were in Saringhimig together. And, as you know, the DePano siblings were in SMMC* together, too. We like each other, we like singing together. We are also big supporters of Arnel’s entire music ministry. Buy One Take All applies to us.

*SMMC is San Miguel Master Chorale–Dada and Niner, with Arnel

Dada: As the youngest of us 3 there is more financial security when touring with the Ates. Hehehe.

Niner: Masaya! We push each other to sing our best — pulisan sa nota, okrayan at tawanan sa mistakes. But I think having siblings in the choir contribute much to the homogeneous sound of a choir — our voices share a timbre that naturally blend.

 

#KoristaAko dahil:

Karapatdapat na ibalik ang lahat ng papuri sa Panginoon na Syang Bukal ng lahat ng grasya at pagpapala, sa pamamagitan ng aking pagawit. – Dada De Pano Supnet

In my case, the question would probably rather be: How can I not be a korista? – Armin De Pano Raralio

Ang pag-awit ang talentong iginawad ng Diyos sa akin, natural kailangan Kong umawit para sa Kanya! Lahat ng iba pang karanasang dala ng pag awit ay karagdagan pang biyaya mula sa Kanya. – Niner De Pano

With the Ateneo Chamber Singers in a concert at the Philamlife Auditorium.
With the Ateneo Chamber Singers in a concert at the Philamlife Auditorium.

Big thanks go to the De Pano Sisters for sharing their simple lives intertwined by music.

#KoristaAko is powered by Touringkitty. Tune in for the latest post every last week of the month. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.

#KoristaAko: Jhoan Ayos

Korista Ako

Happy (Chinese) New Year! I know, I had backlogs for #KoristaAko. The last quarter of the year had always been busy, busy busy! But it was very musical, and I hope yours was, too.

Now, on with my latest post! Last October, my husband and I (being part of the Philippine Choral Directors Association) were invited to attend a Culminating Recital event of the Plan W Sing Philippines Choral Leadership Program at the PICC in Pasay City. Plan W is a project led by Diageo Philippines, in cooperation with the Andrea O. Veneracion Sing Philippines Initiative.

planw

Plan W participants from all over the Philippines in a culminating choral concert. My voice teacher, Bechie Valena, was one of their voice teachers during the weeklong camp.
Plan W participants from all over the Philippines in a culminating choral concert. My voice teacher, Bechie Valena, was one of their voice teachers during the weeklong camp.

One of the participants is someone I knew prior this project, as our choirs were supposed to be part of one project last year (still hoping for a collaboration in the future!). And we shall get to know her more and her Plan W experience here at Korista Ako!

Photo source: Facebook
Photo source: Facebook

Jhoan Ayos is a budding conductor from Cavite. She handles the Melodic Symphony Children’s Choir, which will be having its concert on February 28. This is the second phase of Plan W, where the choirs of the participating women conductors will showcase what they have learned in a concert-recital in their own hometowns.

Indeed a Dream Come True for these little angels and their conductor.
Indeed a Dream Come True for these little angels and their conductor. Click photo for event details.

She relays, “I started singing when I was five years old, for an Easter Sunday celebration. My cousins eventually asked me to join the choir. I continued, but they didn’t.”

“Almost three years ago, Fr. Ariel Lisama, a priest in our church, asked me if I could teach the kids. I accepted it and thought it was easy, but it wasn’t. That decision changed my life.”

Her choral heroes include Mark Carpio of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, who is also the Artistic Director of the Plan W Sing Philippines Program. She describes the Madz Choirmaster as musically gifted, very kind and patient, and exudes good vibes all around (wait, he’s my conductor, too! And yes, he is these ;D). Another is Steve Collado, her conductor in CVSU Pansayang Sining, which had brought her to places, as well as the Madz et al Choral Festival. Another conductor favourite for her is Davidson Sy, her church choir conductor, who taught her the meaning of service. She said she experienced singing for four Masses straight when they were the only choir at that time in their parish. It may be tiring and unrewarding, but she still enjoyed serving for the Lord.

I asked her more questions about the Plan W. Here is a Q and A we did over Facebook (edited some parts for clarity and conciseness, but retained most Filipino parts):

TOURINGKITTY (TK): How was the overall experience?
Plan W Sing Philippines has been a life changing experience for me. It made me realize that music is really my calling and made me ask myself, what took me so long? I once dream of inspiring people. Little did I realize I am already inspiring the children I am teaching through singing and serving. I felt so grateful and blessed to be chosen as one of the 34 scholars around the Philippines. I knew God has a purpose why I was able to be part of this a once in a lifetime experience.
I am so honored to be able to attend training with the finest mentors in the field of singing. Araw-araw siksik, liglig at umaapaw ang learnings from the mentors. They have different styles of teaching but then all of them are effective. Namamangha ka na lang na yung mga inaaral ng matagal sa schools and other trainings nagawa ng mga mentors na isqueeze sa time allotted for them. Aside from the technical stuff, there were also lots of inspiring stories from the mentors. Yung good vibes ang lakas makamagnet effect. Mapapasabi ka na lang din na ang sarap mangarap! Na someday you can experience kahit ilan lang sa mga stories na shinare nila.

Aside from the passion and love for music there is one more thing in common among all the mentors: they are all humble. Iba talaga yung galing na may kasamang right attitude.

My experience would not be the same without my co-scholars. We came from different parts of the Philippines. The youngest is 18 and the oldest is 60 but we share the same passion for music. I was roommates with Ate Vivian from Capiz and Ate Laarni from Butuan City. They made my stay more enjoyable. All 34 of us were able to have bonding moments also from breakfast to breaks and even going out at night. I love how we shared insights, knowledge and experiences. Most of them have many years of experience but never did I feel any competition. We were able to build friendships from the week long camp (Oh my I miss them) but until now most of us are still connected through social media and text messages.

 

TK: What were your most favourite part/s of the one week program and why?
The whole experience was memorable, though my favorites were:
Day 01 – I was so excited and at the same time so nervous. Before going to UP some of the parents of the kids I am teaching said “galingan mo Jho umaasa sayo ang mga bata.” It was both negative and positive for me. Positive because I know they are just wishing me well, negative because I can feel the pressure. Upon arriving at the hotel I was able to meet my co-scholars. Hearing all their experiences I was like, “Bakit ako nandito? Dapat ba ko dito?” Comparing my background to them, it was nothing. I cried on my first night and prayed. I was crying at comfort room thinking I am letting the kids down kasi hindi ako makasunod sa tinuturo ng mga mentors tapos maalala ko pa sinabi ng parents ng kids. Here comes my favorite part. While reviewing at the hotel one of my roommates, Vivian Berjamin from Capiz came to me and asked alin ba yung hindi mo maintindihan? baka matulungan kita nagbiro pa sya saying “akala mo naman magaling ako eh no” sabay tawa. Just a few minutes after my silent prayer, God gave me the answer. That gave me so much hope that’s why the next days have become more fun and easier to understand. This training is not just about the best mentors sharing their knowledge to us. It is also about us scholars sharing our experience and knowledge.

Day 07 – Culminating concert. I love performing and after 3 years I was able to perform again. A day before the concert, I have some tunes and lyrics on my mind then I started to arrange it. My co scholars ate Gisella from Imus Cavite, Ate Marife from Laguna and Ate Love from Las Pinas helped me to finish the song entitled “Sing Philippines.” It was my first composition and was shocked when Sir Mark told us, “you should sing this in the concert”. Seeing my choir members and my family during the concert was so priceless! Hearing my youngest brother shouting “Ate ko yan!” sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam. To be able to see how the audience liked our performance and some of them telling us thank you for insipiring us, grabe! Speechless kami! (Check out the video at the end of this post!)

TK: Three things (or more, or less) from your mentors that you think will be very useful for your conducting career.
“The Backbone of the music is the text” – Teacher Malou Hermo
Sometimes we tend to focus on the melody of the song. Maganda nga yung tunog pero yung text hindi na maintindihan. We should give importance to both.

“Teach music the way it is developed” – Teacher Joy Nilo
There are different ways on how to teach music but for them to understand music deeper you should teach on how it was developed.

“The most important discipline in the art of singing is breathing” – Sir Mark Carpio
All of us know how to breathe but only few know the proper way to breathe.

TK: Where will this training lead you to?
This training gave me empowerment, hope and more determination which leads me to dreaming many things for my choir. I want to learn more about music and share more to other people. I will continue what I have started. Two weeks after the training I already see improvements of how I rehearse with my choir and will still continue to improve in the coming days, months and years. It made me dream big for my choir. I want the kids to experience many things about performing and music.

TK: Anything you’d like to say to female conductors like you who aspire to be better at what they’re doing?

I started as “walang alam” in music, just the passion, kaya minsan na din akong napanghinaan ng loob pero hindi pala dapat. When you’re doing the right thing all problems, struggles are just temporary. God will provide! Tiwala lang dapat at wag susuko. Most of the time we conductors don’t realize how much we inspire our choir members. We fail to realize how they give importance to whatever knowledge we impart to them. Sometimes you’ll be shocked to hear them say “gusto ko din pong maging katulad nyo”. Our simple wish to share what we know caused chain reaction to our members to their future members. Keep the passion burning! Let us continue to share and inspire other people. You are on the right track! Keep going!

Thank you, Jhoan, for sharing your thoughts! We learned a lot from your stories, and we, too, can’t help but to feel proud of what you have achieved in those days.

If this is not enough, then check this. She even managed to write a theme song of the project, which, along with her co-participants, was performed during the culminating activity! Watch video here.
Sing Philippines buong Bansa tayo’y umawit
Sing Philippines musika sa puso natin
Dadating ang Araw, kapayapaa’y makakamtan
Kababaihan! Ating simulan.

Sing Philippines

Jhoan Ayos, composer

 

#KoristaAko is powered by Touringkitty. Tune in for the latest post every last Wednesday of the month. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.

 

#KoristaAko: Jimmy Chung

Korista Ako

Welcome to another #KoristaAko post. Just to get things more fun, I have an exciting raffle at the end of this post, so read on.

I still can’t figure out how adult colouring books came into mainstream here in our country. It was all of a sudden and your local bookstore shelves are filled with books and colored pens and pencils. You thought it’s for kids only? Well, think again!

A few weeks back, I had the privilege of meeting a new korista in one of the choirs in our church. And what a surprise, he is also a young artist who launched his own colouring book! Yup, and he is gracious to give Touringkitty and Korista Ako readers a chance to get their own copy, for free!

What’s even surprising is he introduced himself to me as one of the young members of the Chiang Kai Shek Children’s Choir whom I was able to give a workshop to at the CCP Hands-On Choral Workshop back in 2006. Let’s get to know him more in this Korista Ako post:

Jimmy Chung
Living the artist’s life. Photo from Jimmy’s Facebook page.

Name: Jimmy E. Chung

Current profession: Freelance singer and artist. He won various awards in drawing competitions inside and outside the country. “KALINGA,” my first paperclay art was exhibited in Resorts World Manila and Manila Ocean Park last august 2015. Also he is a private art teacher since 2009.

Choirs joined: Chiang Kai Shek Youth Choir (2000-2010) under Ms. Irma Tan Su. Currently under the Serenata Vocal Ensemble which sings at the Shrine of Jesus every Sunday afternoon.

Why did you join the choir?: I joined choir because since I was a kid, I love to sing and making music, I even compose songs with weird lyrics. But my childhood friends loved the song. They asked me to write the lyrics in a paper so they can also memorize. I always end up laughing when I remember that song.

What was that something or someone that influenced you?: When I was a kid, my mom always watch choir concerts in VHS and betamax. I always watched with her.

What is your favourite song arranged or composed for choir and why?: Ambo hato (arranged by Augusto Espino) is one of my favorite because it is so fun and challenging to sing. There are lots of variety within the song.

What was the hardest piece you’ve studied?: Awit ni Solomon. Its a 16 voice song. We used it for our competition in Thailand’s Voyage of Songs.

Any choir/s or vocal ensembles you look up to and why?: Of course none other than the Philippine Madrigal Singers! They create magic.

What is your most unforgettable choral moment?: When we joined the Voyage of Songs Choir Competition in Pattaya, Thailand and we won the Most Promising Choir award.
#KoristaAko dahil: Habang buhay ako aawit! Hinding hindi ko ipagpapalit ang musika sa kahit na anung bagay. Ito ay mananatiling nakaukit sa aking puso…magpakailanman.

 

Thank you for your generous answers, Jimmy!

And as promised, here’s a RAFFLE for you, coloring enthusiasts!

ffts

Jimmy recently launched this book called “Food for the Soul.” He graciously gave one to me to raffle off for Touringkitty readers. So, here’s your chance! He’s releasing a new one in the coming weeks, can’t wait to see that!

I have started one page, but have not done coloring! I will update as soon as I’m done with it.

Food for the Soul is an adult coloring book inspired by touching and motivational bible verses. Feel HIS presence and love as you bring life and color to each page. The book aims to transform our soul to be closer to HIM. Be inspired while coloring!

Win one through this raffle! Join through the widget below, or visit my Facebook page

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners will be announced on November 8. Good luck!

#KoristaAko is powered by Touringkitty. Tune in for the latest post every last Wednesday of the month. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (all @touringkitty) for updates.

#KoristaAko: Mcoy Fundales

Choristories (2)

Welcome to another edition of #KoristaAko! This is a special edition, because we have a real star from a different side of the music spectrum–rock music. Yes, friends, you’ve read it right. No less than Mcoy Fundales of the Pinoy Ako/PBB/Orange and Lemons/Kenyo fame started as a korista. And just recently, he revisited his choral singing experience on a European concert tour.

Musikerong Daddy ng PBB. Photo: www.pep.ph

In Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition, he was known as “Musikerong Daddy” who hails from Bulacan. His former band, Orange and Lemons, were behind the success of Pinoy Ako, PBB’s theme song. I got the chance to really get to know Kuya Mcoy during our rehearsals and our trip for the Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Inc., where we were both invited to sing and tour Europe with last June. I got to know how really talented he is (he doesn’t read notes, but has a very good ear in music). He’s singing tenor. The fact that we were only ten, and they were only two tenors in the group, is testament to how he did well as chorister. Not only that, we encountered a funny, positive, and very humble rockstar dad especially during the trip. He doesn’t look like he has a college graduate for a daughter already (yes, he has, and he looks and is very young, in fact). It was a blessing to know him personally.

In one of our performances, Vienna, Austria.

He graciously agreed to appear in this month’s #KoristaAko, and here’s what he had to share:

Name: Marco “Mcoy” Fundales

Current profession: School owner/president (Young Achievers Montessori School), Vocalist/songwriter KENYO (formerly known as Orange and Lemons), TV and movie writer (he’s part of the Creative Team of Pepito Manaloto on GMA7).

Choirs joined (and years if possible): Mariano Ponce High School Choir and San Agustin Parish Choir (both in Baliwag, 1992-1994).

Why did you join the choir? What was that something or someone that influenced you? : I’ve always been fascinated with the marriage of voices, choir music takes me to another level of consciousness every time I listen to it. I’ve often wondered what it takes to form a group and what happens behind the scenes in order to create harmony among members (literally and relationship wise)

What is your favourite song arranged or composed for choir and why?: Ato del Rosario’s take and arrangement on the traditional Pasyon Senakulo. It’s so pretty, you’d want to sing it throughout the year if possible. We brought this work to Europe, and is one of my favourites, too. –> see a portion of the work here

What was the hardest piece you’ve studied? ANAK (Robert Delgado’s) –> this one we studied for the trip, and it was indeed hard!

Any choir/s or vocal ensembles you look up to and why?: Philippine Madrigal Singers! They are always a treat and an experience to listen to! I’m also a fan of The Company. The members are even great people off stage. Great friends. They took OPM to a higher level because of their work.

What is your most unforgettable choral moment?: To sing with a choir in a European cultural mission/tour after almost 2 decades of hiatus from choral singing.

#KoristaAko dahil: Dito ako nagsimula bago ako pinalad sa larangan ng pagbabanda. Hindi mawawala ang pagmamahal ko sa musika ng isang koro tulad ng pagmamahal ko sa iba pang anyo at sining ng musika.   Thank you for your wonderful answers, Kuya Mcoy! And thank you for inspiring us to sing in a choir, too.

With the rockstar and certified korista, Mcoy Fundales!
With the rockstar and certified korista, Mcoy Fundales!

To end, here’s our performance of his hit song, Pinoy Ako. So now you probably know why and how starstruck I am during this trip. No less than its singer performing his own song with you, in a choir. Such a rare privilege!

#KoristaAko is powered by Touringkitty. Tune in for the latest post every last Wednesday of the month. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.

#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.

#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!
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.
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.

 

 

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.