Author: Em Alcantara

Make brushing more fun with Minions!

If it were not for my parents’ diligence in bringing us to dental appointments and cleaning regularly, my sister and I would probably have a bad set of teeth.

And so we do this now to our daughter, who, not like me, didn’t like brushing as a little girl.

But when the tooth fairy teeth started to take her milk teeth away (a few months after she weaned from breastfeeding), our daughter became more mindful with taking care of her teeth.

It was hard back then to look for toothbrushes that would suit my daughter’s small mouth and teeth, and we’re glad to find Colgate Minions tooth brush and tooth paste!

Let’s say it together: squeeze, brush, rinse!

We used to have sooooo many tactics in order to have our daughter get toothbrushed. Tandem brushing (she brushes my teeth while I brush hers), Daddy and Mommy tag team to brush the squirmy baby, name it, and we did it. Plus, because of her rather small mouth, we had to look for a brush that would fit her mouth.

When she turned five, we started using Colgate Minions toothbrush and we’ve been using it for a couple of years already.

Cute in blue and yellow.

Touringkittyps
Top three tips on how to take care of your teeth:

  1. Drink water after eating. If possible, gargle immediately. So that no dirt will remain in mouth.
  2. Avoid dark-coloured drinks (cola, coffee, tea) that may lead to early discoloration of teeth.
  3. Brush every after a full meal. Do not eat after brushing.

As the new and permanent teeth kicks in, our daughter is very mindful of tooth brush time, and how thoroughly her teeth are being brushed. Glad there’s Colgate Minions tooth brush (that comes in twin packs) to help us maintain her pearly whites.

 

Get yours now!

 

~ Touringkitty

#galingNAMCYA: Saludo ng Kabataan sa Araw ng Kasarinlan

CONCERT: #galingNAMCYA: Saludo ng Kabataan sa Araw ng Kasarinlan

In celebration of the Philippine Independence Day, our young winners of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) embrace and reminisce our hard-fought freedom with music.

Music has been a potent mode of expression since the colonial times in the assertion of Filipino nationalism. It is still today. This is the NAMCYA’s way of rekindling the ideas and emotions brought about by our fight for freedom.

This is a partnership with the BGC Arts Center through its festival, “BGC Loves Local,” in the newly opened concert venue, Globe Auditorium, at the Maybank Performing Arts Center. Join us in our musical celebration as our next generation artists enthral you with virtuosic renditions of well-loved Filipino classics.

The concert features NAMCYA laureates Andrew Constantino (clarinet), Carlo Antonio Juan (guitar), Gabriel Allan Paguirigan (piano), Jeanne Rafaella Marquez (violin), Maria Gereberne Lozada (soprano), and Boscorale (Alvin Paulin, conductor).

This concert is also supported by Lyric Pianos.

June 11, 2017 (Sunday), 3:00 pm, at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Center, 26th Street corner 9th Avenue, BGC, Taguig City Metro Manila.

 

TICKET PRICES: 1,000 / 500 / 350
20% discount available for senior citizens, PWDs and students with valid ID

Tickets are now available at all TicketWorld outlets (891-9999 or bit.ly/galingNAMCYABGC), BGC Arts Center Box Office and
NAMCYA Office.

For more information and other inquiries, please contact:
CHERRY BONG EDRALIN
8364928 to 29 (NAMCYA Secretariat)
0917-750- 0107, 0918-959- 3949 , 218 3791

#KoristaAko: Kristian Misa

Catching up before the first half of the year ends with blogposts so long overdue! Here is our next featured korista, a nurse based in New Zealand, and a co-actor/singer in one of the CCP productions I was part of, San Andres B.

Choral singing does attract Filipino koristas even when overseas. Kristian is one good proof.

Name: Kristian Albert Misa 
Current ProfessionNurse

Choirs Joined: 
Casa del Nino Children’s Choir
Casa del Nino Choral Ensemble
Himig Sanghaya Chorale
AUIT
Gisborne Chorale Society (New Zealand)
Auckland Chorale (New Zealand)


Why did I join the choir? 
At the age of 3, my aunt taught me two songs by Randy Santiago and she was surprised when I memorised the songs quickly. Back then, my parents were working in Saudi Arabia and my aunt had an idea of recording my voice on a cassette tape so that she can send it to them. After all her efforts to convince me to sing in front of the radio recorder and countless record overlays, she successfully managed to capture my singing voice on the cassette and snail-mailed it to my parents. The last time I listened to that tape was when I was 16 years old and until now I can still remember some of its contents – most of which are just me and my brother teasing our aunts – like asking our mom to send our other aunt a watch with a boxing glove that will punch her whenever she checks the time. Shenanigans aside, this is how my family discovered that I can sing. 

As I grew older and entered 3rd grade, I was drawn to a group of people singing and making harmonies in the music room just across our home room. I remember myself watching and listening to them through the room’s jalousied windows during school breaks. It was inviting; warm; and their sound had a sense of solidarity. At that time, I haven’t got any words to describe the sound I was hearing from the group. I was just entrapped, awed, and magnetised at the sound the choir was producing. Then one day, two of our school’s music teacher (they are identical twins) announced that they are forming a children’s choir and invited our class to join the audition. I was a shy and scrawny little boy and wouldn’t usually put myself in the spotlight unless someone is in the spotlight with me. Luckily, 4 of my classmates decided to join. This, of course, prompted me to try auditioning. After getting through the selection process, I was hooked and had never been not involved in any choral engagements that I have an opportunity to sing for since then. Looking back, I think it is the inexplicable feeling of euphoria you get when you hear music being produced that made me join the choir. 

What was that something or someone that influenced you?
No one in my family sings except myself and my grandmother. My grandma used to sing and dance ballet when she was in her teens. I can tell that she can sing because every night, she always lulls me a kundiman song “Basang Sisiw” which always unfailingly made me cry before I sleep as I literally imagined a lost chick wandering and getting wet in the rain. This, I guess, is where I got my empathy from. My grandmother always tells us to strive to be a better person and hone our skills if we ever discovered that we have one. She is my rock. She influenced a lot of who I am today.

Another person who influenced and introduced me to a higher standard of music is our conductor Katherine Trangco (Ate Katz, as we would call her, also conducts Auit Vocal Chamber Ensemble where Kristian and I first sang together -ed.). She opened my world to contemporary and avant-garde music which I have no difficulties of embracing. She was the one who pushed our choir to persist and aim higher whenever we study a piece. Her method of explaining why the music is written in such a way made us even appreciate and understand it. Her dedication to her craft as an artist and as an academic helped inculcate discipline and open-mindedness to each members of our choir.

What is your favourite song arranged or composed for choir and why?
I have a lot of favourites: Pamugun (Arr. Feliciano), Sat-sat (Trangco), Salitaan (Trangco), Magnificat (Arr. G. Swayne), just to name a few. However, the most memorable piece that I ever had the pleasure of learning is Brahm’s setting of Psalm 51 “Schaffe in mir Gott, ein rein Herz”.  

What was the hardest piece you’ve studied?
Chino Toledo’s “San Andres B” is by far, and without any doubt, the hardest piece I have ever studied. Its non-conventional time signatures, rhythm, and generous minor and major second intervals make it hauntingly difficult. Up until now, I never have imagined how I was able to memorise the whole choral part and some solo parts of the Filipino Opera.

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

Original members of AUIT Vocal Ensemble – simply because they’re just not humans.
Philippine Madrigal Singers – two-time European Grand Prix for Choral Singing winners. Emotionally charged interpretations; Musical standards; Range of genre they perform.
King’s Singers – Their sound; Musical Standards; Versatility despite all of them being male.
Ateneo Chamber Singers – Solid mature sound; Sacred music interpretations 
The Real Group – Jazz interpretations
Pentatonix – Pop songs
Swingle Singers – Vocal virtuosi  
Trinity College Choir Cambridge – Balanced voices
Tenebrae Choir – British contemporary music interpretations

What is your most unforgettable choral moment?
That’s when I joined AUIT Vocal Ensemble and premiered the contemporary Filipino opera “San Andres B” by Chino Toledo at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. I think this is my most cherished experience because, as an amateur performer and being a non-music major, I had to give tremendous amount of effort to learn and deliver the choral parts. I also had the privilege to work and perform with the best singers, musicians, actors, stage crews, and directors in the Philippine Theatre Industry.   

My choir now:
I recently just joined Auckland Choral, one of New Zealand’s premier choir. The history of the group extends back to 1855. Now, under the direction of Professor Uwe Grodd, we recently performed Bach’s St. John Passion in German. Being the only Filipino in the choir, I hope I can influence them to sing Filipino Choral Works.

Difference in culture:
All of our members can read music which is not common in choirs in the Philippines. In terms of how inclusive the choir is, we have a blind (soprano) chorister who has her own Braille version of the piece (this has been provided by the choir of course). The musical director also expects you to learn the pieces before you attend rehearsals. Other than what I have mentioned, there are basically no stark differences with regard to choral culture. 

#KoristaAko dahil:
1. Mahal ko ang kultura ng pagiging isang korista. 
2. Ang mga taong nakasalamuha at makakasalamuha ko ay nagsisilbing gabay upang mapaglinang ang aking sarili at sa kalaunan ay maituturing ko nang kapamilya. 
3. Napaigi ang aking disiplina dahil sa proseso ng pagaaral at pagbasa ng mga pyesa. (children, take heed! – ed.)
4. Higit sa lahat – dahil sa Musika.

Our final show for San Andres B (2013) at the CCP Little Theater. Kristian and I were dancing partners as well in this production. Triple threat! Photo by Kamole Orense.

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

Touringkitty music: Ave Maria by Caccini

So happy to be back on track! This year started with my well-received performance as Sisa in Noli Me Tangere the Opera (read a review of my performance here). Recently, I had several singing engagements as a soloist. #goals for a soprano mom like me.

Here is one of those performances, which I really truly treasure. And made me rediscover my “hidden” love for Charlotte Church. Yup, the once child soprano who sings Pie Jesu and that car anthem, and is now doing pop (wah, can’t relate to her music anymore, but I can relate that she’s a mum–a homeschooling mum like me, that is!) and she’s kind of a political activist of late.

One of Church’s repertoire, Ave Maria (which I lately found out was wrongly attributed to Caccini–it was by a Russian composer), and here performed with a ten-piece chamber ensemble of one of my favourite groups, the Manila String Machine, here is a live and raw recording which I posted in time for the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord last March 25th.

Contact me to know more about my music.

Manila Workshops: Youtube 101: Creating and Monetizing

Are you a frequent Youtube user? Like me, when I research music, or watch How It’s Made videos, my go-to site is Youtube. I have my own channel (CLICK LINK HERE!) where I gather my music and travel videos.

Did you know you could earn whilst youtube-ing? Yes, yes, yes! And this workshop will show us just how.

Manila Workshops together with Certified Digital Marketing (CDM) is proud to present to you their very first workshop collaboration. YouTube101: Creating & Monetizing This workshop is inviting moms who wanted to earn more through vlogging, teenagers who love
to go on adventures and share it through social media sites, kids who wanted to be the Next YouTube Star!

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
1. Understanding the Content Landscape
2. Creating a Successful Content Strategy
3. Testimony: A YouTuber’s Journey
4. Monetizing YouTube
5. ACTIVITY: Come up with a YouTube Channel idea
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

DENNIS LIM
Head, Digital Media Services at ABS-CBN Corporation
Dennis is a new media professional with a 15 year career track and outstanding record of accomplishment for providing digital and online strategies that meet the ever changing digital landscape. He is an expert in developing end to end video on demand and IPTV solutions with a demonstrated ability manage a successful online video streaming
service.

 

 

 

 

Guest Famous YouTubers/Adobers: Lloyd Cadena and Mich Liggayu

JOIN US and LEARN more about YouTube!

DETAILS:
WHEN: April 1, 2017 | 1PM-5PM
WHERE: Pen Brothers, Makati City
LEARNING RATES:
Regular Rate: P1,500
Bring-a-Buddy Reg Rate: P2,500

Use YT300OFF and get a discount when you sign up!

CONTACT PERSON:

Veni – veni.anabo@manilaworkshops.com | 09272816651
Register Here:
http://manilaworkshops.com/events/youtube101
This is in partnership with: Globe MyBusiness, Alfox Printing Services, PenBrothers.

Taste test your fave resto through Maya Kitchen Top Eats

I am (kinda) back to the blogging grind!

It was a busy last quarter of 2016 and beginning of 2017 for me (you know why!), so here I am doing what a dutiful blogger should do–attend events and write about them. So, here goes!

Comfort food. Those were the best two words I have heard (and tasted) that rainy afternoon. Four dishes were presented via a cooking demonstration called Top Eats at The Maya Kitchen. The dishes presented were best sellers of Come Forth Kitchen, a new restaurant in the heart of busy Makati City.

I actually liked the concept of Top Eats. It’s like having a taste test first of the restaurant while you get to know how their dishes are prepared as well.

For this demo, four best sellers were presented by Chefs Albert and Rowena of Come Forth Kitchen: Tinapa Caesar Salad, Come Forth Pulpog, Malunggay Basil Pesto with Chicken Pasta, Longganisa Pizza.

And yes, here are snippets of the event…in 3…2…1!

A post shared by Em Alcantara (@touringkitty) on

I would definitely give the resto a visit soon to try out more of their comfort food. Everything I tasted that afternoon was great, and it was just a small sampling. Not only that, because it was a cooking demo, I will be able to try out these dishes on my own home.

The Maya Kitchen presents Top Eats with a new featured restaurant next month. Visit www.themayakitchen.com to know more about their latest class offerings.

Visit www.facebook.com/comeforthkitchen to know more about this month’s featured restaurant.

Relive the Battle of Manila through the Transitio Festival

8th Manila Transitio Festival in Intramuros.

Know more about the Battle of Manila through this day-long festival, right at the heart of where it happened–Intramuros!

See, hear, feel, smell, and even taste what 1945 was in this historic event. Relive that long forgotten battle in the Manila Transitio Festival 2017.


Press Release:

THE 8th MANILA TRANSITIO FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY 26, 2017
SUNDAY
BALUARTE SAN DIEGO, SANTA LUCIA CORNER MURALLA STREET, INTRAMUROS

3:00PM to 11:30PM

ENTRANCE FEE: PAY WHAT YOU CAN

In February of 1945, at the close of the second world war, “The Battle of Manila” devastated the capital city of the Philippine Islands. Caught in a clash between the armed forces of the United States and Japan, Manila, once known for it’s architectural beauty and gracious citizens, had been battered and brought to her knees. Collateral damage in a war not of her own making.

By March, the districts from Caloocan to Malate lay in ruins; the 300 year-old walled city of Intramuros was reduced to rubble, and over 100,000 of the city’s civilians lay dead.

But the worst loss of all would happen after the war. In the decades that passed, the people of Manila chose to forget “The Battle of Manila”. Instead of rebuilding the city’s grand churches and monuments, the survivors of this tragedy chose to remove themselves. By the 1980s, the city of Manila, once called the Pearl of The Orient, had become mess of uninspired commercial developments, parochial gated communities, and indigent informal settlements. Manila’s heritage sites fell into neglect and her history dropped from consciousness. A huge gap was blown into the collective national memory. Until today, seventy two years later, there is still no national holiday nor monument dedicated to “The Battle of Manila” nor the 100,000 souls who perished.

For the last eight years, Intramuros Administration, #vivamanila, and Carlos Celdran have hosted a gathering called Manila Transitio as a way of remembering the “Battle of Manila”. This yearly commemoration is defined by a public picnic, an art exhibition, a community ritual, and an open air concert held inside one of the many gardens of Intramuros. This event hopes to remind Manila’s residents that they once lived in a proud, beautiful city and that the memory of the 100,000 civilians who died in the battle should be honored.

Ultimately. Manila Transitio is really all about recognizing the city’s changes; Manila’s transitions from what it was, to what is, and to what it can possibly become in the future.

DETAILS:

Guests of Manila Transitio can bring their own blankets, picnic baskets, dogs, friends and family.

Guests can set their blankets out on the grass and spend the day into night watching the concert in front of them, appreciating the art surrounding them, and sharing a community spirit.

There is no dress code; cosplay is encouraged. Filipiniana is recommended.

Food and drink will be available from vendors on-site.

Quiapo candle ladies will also on site to grant wishes and add a spiritual element to the evening.

As a highlight, there will be a surprise community ritual as a symbolic gesture.

Our theme for this year’s memorial is: “Folk Art. Folk Traditions. Folk Music”. Work by artists: Russ Ligtas, Mitch Garcia, Ian Madrigal, Martin Lorenzo De Mesa, Mars Bugaoan, Jodee Aguillon and Hataw, Leeroy New, Derek Tumala, GA Fallarme, Denis Lagdameo, Rosa Mirasol Esguerra Melencio, and Tad Ermitaño will be set all around the gardens.

In line with this year’s theme. the main stage will spotlight the “Tres Marias”, a trio consisting of Bayang Barrios, Cookie Chua, and Lolita Carbon. Three powerful women considered to be the country’s foremost voices in rock, folk, soul and protest music.

Paolo Garcia (Parallel Uno) will DJ music between sets.

This year’s food and drink vendors: XO1946, Edgy Veggy, Ralph’s Wines, Distileria Limtuaco, Curry Wurst Meister, Ziazan Mezze/THC, V Hotel, Public School/Kalsada Coffee.

At the door, guests will pay an entrance fee of any amount at their discretion. One peso is appreciated just as much as one thousand pesos. Pay what you can.

We hope to see you there.

Hashtags: #manilatransitio #vivamanila

VIVA MANILA!

Contacts:
Carlos Celdran
09088975515
vivamanila1@gmail.com

“Sueño de Manila” by Carlos Celdran

 

Noli Me Tangere the Opera marks 60th year at CCP

Ten Days. Yes, we’re counting ten more days before the Opening Gala Night!

Mixed emotions, just like Sisa, whose character I am playing, is what I feel, now that we’re stepping in the ten-day mark of the show.

But more than that, it is the hard work and love, above all, that everyone has put in, is what and will be the driving force of this production.

Do watch Noli, if you remember this from high school. Watch it even more if you have forgotten it. Bring in your children, your families, and appreciate the poetry, the music, the set design (really excited to see this!), the teachings.

I will be playing Sisa on January 29 2pm and February 2 8pm. See full Press Release of the opera below, as well as contact details for tickets.


PRESS RELEASE
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and J&S Productions Inc. announce the full cast and creative team for the 60th-anniversary production of the Philippines’ first full-length opera, Noli Me Tangere, an opera by National Artists Felipe de Leon and Guillermo Tolentino, directed by Jerry Sibal, featuring the the newly formed 53-piece Noli Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera.
Renowned tenor Ronan Ferrer in the role of Crisostomo Ibarra will the lead the cast, together with Bianca Camille Lopez (Maria Clara), Stephanie Anne Aguilar (Sisa), John-Andrew Fernandez (Padre Damaso), Greg de Leon (Elias), Mari Yapjoco (Basilio), and Santino Juan Santiago (Crispin).

Based on Dr. Jose Rizal’s 1887 classic novel of the same name, Noli Me Tangere, The Opera, premiered at the Far Eastern University in 1957 and made its CCP debut in 1974. This production, which recently had critically-acclaimed engagements in New York, Washington D.C., and at the Resorts World Manila, will feature more than 200 opera singers, musicians, and crew, 16 scene changes, a brand-new staging, and new sets and costumes.

Noli Me Tangere, The Opera follows the story of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, who returns to the Philippines after pursuing scholarly studies in Europe. He plans to open up a school and marry Maria Clara, his betrothed. However, parish priest Padre Damaso, the archenemy of the Ibarras, is out to hinder Crisostomo’s plans, which creates a dramatic storyline of forbidden love, betrayal, and revenge.

Both the novel and the opera depict the abuses suffered by the native Indios at the hands of Spanish tyrants. Both forms also paint a clear picture of the so-called “social cancer” such as the rotten system of governance, the illicit ways of the church, and the unfavorable trade of the privileged class, which is still very much relevant today.

The cast also includes Nomer Narito Nival, Aretha Angcao, Jade Rubis Riccio, Nerissa de Juan, Mary Louise Alcantara, Irene Quiso-Ednave, Charina Althea Balmores, Rachelle Jasmine Balunes, Elisanta Gregorio Cortes, Mecho Joy Manlangit, Thea Perez, Katrine Jamar Sunga, Jillbert Chua, Jan Briane Astom, Eugene de los Santos, Erwin Dimaculangan, Harold Nikko Forton, Paul Dominique Galvez, Allison Rose Cervantes, Anne Abigail Garza, Jane Florence Wee, Ruzzel Adrian Clemeno, Renz Nathaniel Cruz, Radnel Ofalsa, Octwen Jade Cabilan, Rare Jireh Columna, Ivette Vanerrie Salas, Courtney Gomley, Marianne Maxielom, Claudine Nitura, Grace Pedrocillo. Larian Villamarin, Francisco de Guzman Jr., Nestor Estoque, Thomas Julian Hollon, Matthew Vallo, Earl Cristobal, Mark Anthony Cruz, Frederick Maturan, and Inno Angelo Montellano.

 

 

Besides musical director Ranera and stage director Sibal, who is also designing the new sets and costumes, the production’s creative team also includes assistant director Jose Jeffrey Camanag, sound designer Edwin Mendiola, and lighting designer John Batalla.

For special ticket deals and discounts to the 60th-anniversary production of Noli Me Tangere, The Opera, contact J&S Productions Inc. (0926) 038 0548, (0921) 890 3816, (632) 998 2356, or the CCP Box Office (632) 832 3704/06, or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Media partners include Business Mirror, Jamtrx Multi-Media Productions, Manila Broadcasting Company, WhenInManila.com, and ProShift Media.

For more information, visit NoliMeTangereTheOpera.com or Facebook.com/NoliOperaManila.

Date & Time: January 28 and February 1-3, 2017 at 8 p.m. | January 29 and February 3, 2017 at 2 p.m.

Venue: Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Tickets: P3,500 | P2,500 | P2,000 | P1,500 | P1,200 | P1,000

Ticket Outlets: J&S Productions Inc. (0926) 038 0548, (0921) 890 3816, (632) 998 2356, or the CCP Box Office (632) 832 3704/06 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

#NoliOpera60th

Touringkittyps: Staycationing to begin the New Year

Ever since I gave birth, we made it a point to spent New Year’s Eve and Day out of home. For some, it is not good luck since there is a saying that all doors and windows should be kept open to welcome the New Year, but for us, they’re all closed.

Why so? For one, we avoid the smoke, noise, and whathaveyous amidst the celebration. What’s even worse is the first day of the year itself, where all garbage and smog remain for quite a while. Also, we wanted to sleep in late as much as possible. Lastly, we’d have less stuff to pack away, since we’re going to leave the hotel by lunchtime anyway.

So, whether you are in the city, perhaps in the province, here are tips on what you should be bringing in, as you welcome in another year:

1. If you are fascinated with fireworks, the Capital city has it. Choose a rooftop in Makati Hotels and witness the magnificent fireworks around Makati, BGC in Taguig, Paranaque, among others, sometimes even as far as nearby provinces like Rizal or Laguna.

2. Bring a can with coins for your noisemaker. We brought an old tin can of what used to be butter cookies and placed some coins on it, to the delight of our small one.

3. Keep that cellphone charged while waiting for midnight. You won’t want to miss the events that are happening.

4. A notebook and pen can document what photos and videos cannot. You may start doodling your plans for the next days or months while having breakfast or waiting to check out.

5. Pray. Group hug. Shout Happy New Year together! Give each of your family members or loved ones a pat on the back for another year that has passed.

So, here’s our small greeting from our small family. Enjoy, and until the next Holiday Season!

#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! ?

 

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