Month: September 2014


Sep
2014

#Becoming31: 31 Wishes

categories: Uncategorized

1 October 2019: Latest update! 

25 September 2015: Updated this post a year after. Happy to have checked some items, totally unexpected to have achieved them so soon!

 

I am now 31 years and a half day old. I can’t thank God enough for what He has given me.

Yet, I still wish and pray for several things. 31 wishes I pray for today. I don’t expect all to happen in a year, but wishing for the lifetime ahead of me. Here’s hoping!

Today, I am praying:

1. For world peace. Well I do hope I won’t have to pray for this forever. World peace, please.
2. For my own peace. My mind is one melting pot of interests, hobbies, talents, and dreams. I hope to see harmony in all I am and will be doing.
3. To be a better version of me. Hair color: done. Spiritual cleansing: a long way to go. A retreat is much needed.
4. To be a better wife. I am not trying hard. Being my husband’s wife is just the best thing because my husband lets me be. He knows I want to achieve more in life. But I pray to be an even more supportive, appreciative wife than before.
5. To be a better mother. I have one, and she’s like ten times already! My hands feel full when she’s awake and alert. I am not perfect but I know I can be better.
6. To be a better daughter and sister. I am because they are to me. And for that I love them so. Better relationships with them, I pray. And that they’ll always be in the best of health.
7. To be a better friend. I miss my few friends who are now abroad, and those whom I have not gotten in touch regularly here in our country. Hope to get to do that more often.
8. To serve better in church. Again, our dear Rector entrusted me the task of being Music Ministry Vice Coordinator, as well as for another task, which I hope I could do well. This on top of conducting the children’s choir, which will soon transition into Youth Choir. Fun times, indeed. We’re legit a Youth Choir, and we need new members!!!
9. And in line with the previous item, to be a better conductor to my kids, and for more concerts, performances, and “rakets” with these kids. We’ve stuck together through thick and thin. As their leaders, my husband and I are grateful for the support, especially from their families, in every endeavor we take.
10. To focus more on what God has planned me to be. Right now, with the many things in my mind and the many things I want to achieve, my career has been such a happy mess. I’m literally everywhere! But I do hope God brings me forth to where I’ll bloom, grow, and be of great use.
11. To be and stay fit. Yes, I have gained the past year and a half after I quit my full-time job. But am not complaining! I just want to feel and look better. — And gained even more now, so I must really stay fit and fab!
12. Speaking of looking better, I wish for a total physical makeover. Oh, it’s not bad to dream! Facial, diamond peel, digiperm, body scrub, foot spa, mani/pedi, whatever it will take to make me feel more beautiful!
13. To learn more. Attending workshops, reading more, studying new pieces and roles. Can’t wait to gain more knowledge!
14. To give more. Yes, I want some things, but I want to give more, too. Our Rector always say, give until it hurts. Mabuti nang tumulong kaysa ikaw ang tulungan. Not only to charitable institutions, but to the church as well.
15. To clean my closet and files. And to sell some stuff. I have an online store but have not updated for the longest time. Hope to be able to do it soon. I sell stuff for half its price, most are still in mint condition.
16. To save more for my family’s future. Not only for my daughter but for my husband and I as well.
17. That my daughter will grow well. That whatever we teach her, even how little, she will take to heart and grow on it.
18. To share my talents to more people. Whether it be singing, performing, teaching, conducting, writing, sharing my advocacies such as breastfeeding, homeschooling, attachment parenting, devotion to the Divine Master (our Shrine patron), the Holy Spirit (following our school founder’s devotion) and Our Lady of La Leche (for breastfeeding mothers), among others, I hope to reach more people with what God has Himself lent to me.
19. To have our own home. We’re grateful for what we have, a modest condo unit, but a house and lot would be a welcome addition for our future growing family.
20. In line with that, I pray for another child. Or two. I’m going to stop with that, I might not do well with more than three! But really, whatever God will give us or not give us, I will accept wholeheartedly.
21. For a new phone! Something dependable and reliable. My current phone is failing to text suddenly, or crashes unexpectedly. It also destroyed my SD card! So, a new one is much needed.  And I got an iPhone early this year!
22. For a reliable public transport system! So that I won’t wish anymore for a car. I am a commuter for life, and I think it’s the government’s responsibility to provide a reliable public transport system because not everyone can purchase and maintain cars. That, I think, would solve so much problems in the country!
23. To watch a movie again! The last time was Rio 2. I have watched like only three times in the past four years! Go figure. Watched I did. Home, Cinderella, Big Hero 6, Inside Out. All with the baby bunny.
24. To eat wiser. Should I go the vegan route? My husband is heading that path now, and he felt better.
25. To cook more nutritious and delicious food so I can achieve the previous one. Yes, and I must say, I am loving cooking now. If only I can just cook all day!
26. To run a marathon, even 5k before I turn 40! Nine more years to go, hope to achieve more than that.  Achieved! Through the My Little Pony Friendship run. First 5k, more to go!
27. To homeschool my daughter at least for Kinder and Grade 1. I am praying hard for this! Hanging on! Second quarter of Kinder right now.
28. To travel the world again (and hopefully, all expense paid!). This came in as a super surprise–I got to travel Europe for two weeks in June 2015, with a performing group singing beautiful Filipino songs. And you guessed it, all expense paid! Thank you, God! And once again last year, with my other choral family, the Ateneo Chamber Singers.
29. To keep up with one production a year. Whether an opera production, solo recital, as long as I perform. So far, so good. I was able to join a masterclass under no less than Nelly Miricioiu, got to travel abroad, and some singing engagements ongoing locally. 
30. To try zipline! I have been wanting to. Must achieve before the year ends. And zipline I did, right at the heart of Mall of Asia. Woot!
31. Lastly, to always do, think, and say good.

I might have missed some, but God knows some of my prayers are just between the two of us.

Please help me pray for these. I am praying for all of you as well.

~ Touringkitty


Sep
2014

Rusalka Diaries: CCP Run

categories: Art and Culture, Career, Music, Opera, Reviews

The Philippine Premiere of Rusalka went beyond our expectations. It was awesome, great, and blessed, in so many ways.

So, how did opening night go?

The cast was called in at four in the afternoon. But I was already there at the backstage dressing room at two in the afternoon, and some cast members even earlier. I came from lunch with my two former officemates from the Center, and I even asked a paracetamol from them because I was starting to feel unwell. That paracetamol worked wonders!

So, as we were waiting for the Alexander exercises led by our director at six in the evening, we started doing hair and makeup, and some had dinner as well. Hair and make up artists were there to assist us. I was too excited and nervous so I was just able to eat during the second act, wherein the woodsprites, were not part of.

Doing Alexander technique exercises before each rehearsal helped singers relax. www.alexandertechnique.com

We’ve been doing Alexander during my undergrad classes under our director, Alegria Ferrer, who was my teacher for several classes during college. Indeed, this was one of the reasons why we were all relaxed during opening night!

And so, we open the opera with this scene:

Wood sprites (Diwata ng Kahoy): L-R: Em Alcantara, Fay Dee Reyes, Poli Laurito.
Wood sprites: L-R: Em Alcantara, Fay Dee Reyes, Poli Laurito.

The opera was done in a Filipinized setting, as is evident with the set, costumes, even adapting Filipino translated names of the characters as our peg. I believed it worked, and made the Czech opera a step closer to our culture.

The opening scene was with the wood sprites and water gnome. The wood sprites for this cast were yours truly, Fay Dee Reyes, and Poli Laurito. It was the first time the three of us are working together, but we managed to blend well especially since almost all of our parts were ensemble singing.

Known baritone Nomer Son is the Water Gnome for all the shows. What can I say, he was simply amazing!

Bianca Lopez (Rusalka) and Christian Nagano (Prince) were both first timers in opera, and they nailed it. With their solid experience as choristers (from the Philippine Madrigal Singers and Coro Tomasino, respectively), Bianca and Titan gave convincing performances in their characters. We were surprised to see Bianca dyed her hair red a la Ariel of The Little Mermaid on the dress rehearsal day.

Jade Riccio was the Foreign Princess for this performance. I’ve heard Jade a few times already, and her voice gets stronger. Jose Miguel Espiritu was the night’s Hunter, and he performed his part really well.

One of the most interesting sections, for me, is that of the Turnspit and Gamekeeper. Christina Bojocan-Espiritu as Turnspit and Leslie Diaz as Gamekeeper delivered their roles well, especially during the part where they’d meet the witch, Jezibaba, outstandingly played by Aya Tanciongco with her “mini-me”, the cute Aimee Joson.

Grupo 20/21 ably accompanied us. Such a small ensemble but with a big sound. Great work by our conductor, Prof. Chino Toledo. The chorus led by Bajo Zaldua and the UP Dance Company also did their parts well. Much gratitude to JM Cabling who choreographed the wood sprites!

Rusalka Opening Night Curtain Call. Great job, everyone!
Rusalka Opening Night Curtain Call. Great job, everyone!

We’re glad to see family and friends there who supported us in the premiere, including my own family and my daughter, who, surprisingly, was well behaved and watched the opera in its entirety. We’re both singing my part as refresher for me while the opera is on break this week. School officials and the Czech Embassy were also there to support, saying they’d watch again next week.

The following day, some Cast 1 members supported and watched the performance of Cast 2. They did a great job as well, to think that some of them also are first time opera performers. Wood sprites were Charlene Ramos, Krystl Buesa, and Jane Wee. Fame Flores was Rusalka, Malvin Macasaet was Prince, Gereberne Lozada was Foreign Princess. Jhom Chua-So gave a really interesting take as Jezibaba. Paul Dominguez and Miguel Aguila played Gamekeeper and Turnspit, respectively, while Neil Chua was the Hunter.

Second Night of Rusalka. Curtain Call.
Second Night of Rusalka. Curtain Call.

On behalf of the whole cast, I would like to thank our director, Alegria Ferrer, for choosing us to be part of this production. It is as special to us as it is to her. More than doing this work, we are blessed with the relationship we’ve created among each other. It was a joy to have worked with everyone in this production– from the cast to our staff (especially to our beloved Stage Manager, Kuya Boy Sanchez!) to the orchestra, chorus, and dancers.

I know reading this will make you wonder what this looks and sounds like. Wonder no more, because we present one more run at the UP College of Music Abelardo Hall on September 23 and 24! Our cast plays on the 23rd, so we do hope to see you at that performance!

Get yout tickets for Rusalka’s UP Run by calling 929-6963. Look for Ms. Eva. P500 each, student discounts for currently enrolled students are given as well. Tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss this chance!

(Photo credits: from cast members of Rusalka during the technical rehearsal and the opening nights)


Sep
2014

Touringkitty Reflections: Exaltation of the Cross

categories: Church Life

Yesterday was the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Yesterday also, during our Shrine volunteers’ meeting, the new set of council and officers of the church was announced. I was reinstated as Vice Coordinator of the Music Ministry. It sure is another challenging duty, but I take it with a happy heart.

There are two important lessons which I took home from the meeting.
1. From the Scripture reading and reflection of one of the volunteers–To be a volunteer 24/7. We’re not called as volunteers and act one only during church service. We should be one even in our own homes, workplaces, and elsewhere.
2. From our Rector–In the cross, there is suffering, but in the cross, there is also victory, and in the cross there is also salvation. Ang krus ay hindi kabawasan, kungdi karagdagan. That’s why it’s a plus sign.

I was the Music Ministry coordinator for more than five years, to think I was the youngest among the choral conductors there. I always ask our Rector for advise and guidance, especially when difficult times kick in. I doubted my capabilities in the position, but he never did. I knew our Divine Master guided me into serving in the Shrine, and have well done so, for the past eight years and counting.

In the Shrine, I found a community of volunteers who are more like family. I saw how dedicated these people are, coming from all walks of life and from near or far places. I saw in them how they support each other, how they care about each other, especially in times of emergency and calamities. And we can all credit this to the leadership by example coming from our Rector himself. That’s why we’re all inspired to serve better.

As we celebrate the Year of the Laity, we are called to assess our role as lay people in the church. The CBCP has set a beautiful theme for the celebration: Filipino Catholic Laity: Called to be Saints… Sent Forth as Heroes. Visit www.choosetobebrave.org to know about how we can spread Christ’s work to the 12 sectors who are most in need of our prayers and support.

Please pray for lay people serving the church, who dedicate extra time for church apart from work and personal concerns. Also, as lay people ourselves, let us do our part and heed the call to be saints by living it by example, and encouraging others to be proactive churchgoers.

Some dedicated Music Ministry volunteers of the Shrine of Jesus: L-R: My husband who assists me with the children's choir, me, Monsignor Bobby Canlas-our Shrine Rector, Allan Puno (Music Ministry Coordinator and fellow Madz Alumni), and Atty. Mar Alojado-a member of Serenata Vocal Ensemble handled by Bro. Allan.
Some dedicated Music Ministry volunteers of the Shrine of Jesus: L-R: My husband who assists me with the children’s choir, me, Monsignor Bobby Canlas-our Shrine Rector, Allan Puno (Music Ministry Coordinator and fellow Madz Alumni), and Atty. Mar Alojado-a member of Serenata Vocal Ensemble handled by Bro. Allan. Taken during the special celebration for the new saints, John XXIII and John Paul II, whose relics are seen here.

 

~ Touringkitty


Sep
2014

Touringkitty Sings: Rusalka, The Little Mermaid operafied + GIVEAWAY!

categories: Career, Music, Opera

UPDATE: Join the Rusalka Raffle and get to watch on September 11 at the CCP! Details at the end of this post.

We were Disney children, my sister and I. Grew up singing to Disney songs and exchanging dialogues. No wonder, my child does the same. Only, it is Frozen in her generation.

One such Disney cartoon we both loved, and well, my sister loves forever, would be The Little Mermaid. She probably memorized the entire movie, and had her hair colored red. Yes, that’s how much she loves being Ariel.

Anyways, the Little Mermaid, written by Hans Christian Andersen, was also adapted for opera, more than half a century after, by Antonin Dvořák. Dvořák is a Czech composer who is known for his symphonies, the most popular being The New World Symphony. Astronaut Neil Armstrong took a recording of this work to the first landing to the Moon during the infamous Apollo 11 mission in 1969.

Rusalka, meanwhile, is his famous opera, which is still being actively performed today. Some elements of the Little Mermaid were used in this work.

Who isn’t familiar with this beautiful aria from Rusalka? In “Song to the Moon” (“Měsíčku na nebi hlubokém”), Rusalka asks the Moon to tell the Prince of her love.

Finally, Rusalka will be fully staged here, and yes, I will be part of its Philippine Premiere!

image

This will also be the first production in which the cast consists of students and alumni from different music schools in Metro Manila. We’re in the thick of rehearsals as of the moment, and we are all really excited for this. Follow me on Instagram (@touringkitty) as I post some photos of rehearsals.

I will be playing First Wood Sprite for the September 11 and 23 shows. See details of the shows below:

Antonín Dvořák’s
“RUSALKA: A Lyric Fairy Tale Opera”
A Philippine Premiere

“RUSALKA” is a love story between a water nymph and a human. See how the two lovers conquered challenges, how characters from different worlds communicate, and how Dvorak intertwined through his music the mystic of Rusalka.. The opera will have a Filipino setting and will have runs at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the University of the Philippines.

STAGE DIRECTOR Alegria O. Ferrer
SCENOGRAPHER Danilo S. Sylvestre
CONDUCTOR Josefino Chino Toledo
ORCHESTRA Grupo 20/21

Cast list here: http://music.upd.edu.ph/rusalka_opera.html

Cultural Center of the Philippines – Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, CCP Complex, Pasay City
September 11 (Thur), 2014 // 7:30 PM
September 12 (Fri), 2014 // 7:30 PM
Tickets P600 and available through Ticketworld. 891-9999. Online tickets here: bit.ly/RusalkaPHCCP

UP College of Music – Abelardo Hall Auditorium, UP Diliman, Quezon City
September 23 (Tue), 2014 // 6:30 PM
September 24 (Wed), 2014 // 6:30 PM
Tickets P500 and available through the College of Music at 929-6963.

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Want to watch Rusalka on September 11 at the CCP? Join the Rusalka Raffle! Draw will be on Thursday, September 11, 9:00AM. Thanks to the RusalkaPhil2014 team for sponsoring this raffle!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Sep
2014

PRESS RELEASE: Dvorak’s Rusalka (Philippine Premiere) on September

categories: Concerts, Music, Opera, Press Releases

Post by Rusalka: a Lyric Fairy Tale Opera – Philippine Premiere.

The University of the Philippines College of Music will bring to life Antonin Dvorak’s heart-rending lyric fairy tale opera, Rusalka on September 11 and 12, 7:30 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino in Pasay City, and on September 23 and 24, 6:30 PM at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium, University of the Philippines College of Music in Quezon City. This production is directed by Alegria Ferrer with set and lighting designs by Dan Silvestre and David Ohm. The production will also feature Grupo 20/21, a chamber orchestra conducted by Josefino Chino Toledo.

In the cast are brilliant young Filipino sopranos Fame Flores and Bianca Camille Lopez, who will alternate in characterizing the difficult main role of a water sprite (serena) named Rusalka who aspires to love a human being but, in the process, was rejected and who, therefore, learnt the hazards of loving a fleshly creature that a human being is.

Rusalka’s Philippine premiere will be adapted to a Filipino setting, particularly to the time of Isabelo de los Reyes (1864-1938), whose contribution to knowledge of Philippine folklore is pioneering. An ilustrado intellectual of late 19th to early 20th centuries, de los Reyes documented narratives of living Philippine folk beliefs and practices of his time in order to build an archive of Philippine culture so as to understand the uniqueness of Philippine society in relation to universal truth and science.

The love that Rusalka learns in dealing with a human being in this fairy tale opera, though originating far from the Philippines, is one such truth and Isabelo de los Reyes would have easily understood its universal message. In homage to him as a cosmopolitan Filipino nationalist who is celebrating his 150th birth centenary this year, UP College of Music juxtaposes, without translating, the original music of this opera that will be sung in English with characters whose names are familiar to Filipinos such as the spirits of the environment.

Tickets at P600 each for the CCP shows and P500 each for UP are now on sale, with discounts offered to currently enrolled students. Tickets are available at all TICKETWORLD outlets and online at bit.ly/RusalkaPHCCP. For further details, please call UP College of Music at 926-0026 or 929-6963 or through UP trunkline at 981-8500 local 2639.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/UPCollegeofmusic or twitter.com/UPCMu2014;
Like the Rusalka Page at https://www.facebook.com/Rusalka.Opera.Philippines or tweet with #RusalkaPhil2014.