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.
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.)
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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.
About two years ago, my husband and I have started praying about homeschooling our daughter. We’ve done so, albeit unstructured, unplanned, and spontaneous (well, isn’t that what homeschooling is about? =)
A couple of days ago, we have finally decided it’s time for our daughter to enter Kinder. But we have also gotten the answer to our question: should we homeschool or not? The answer was a huge YES! We’ve gotten ourselves a provider (finally!) for our peace of mind, mainly. And since I will be the main teacher-parent, I should equip myself, such as attending seminars like this:
If you’re also wondering what this homeschooling thing is, then YOU should attend! More details at this link:
It’s fun to have a girl for a firstborn. I seem to only replicate how my parents would dress me up as a young girl.
Even my husband loves prepping up our little one, especially for church. On Sundays, he would sometimes be the one to choose a dress for Aria.
I found out this apparel line for just what we needed for the next shopping trip: more pretty dresses!
Lemon Kiss is the hippest girls’ wear since it was launched in SM Department Stores in 2003. With its trendy styles in a reasonable price, you’d find just what you need, when you need them.
If I were to choose a dress for my little one, it would be this:
She will definitely like the burst of her favourite colours on this one.
So, whether it be for your tots or pre-teens, Lemon Kiss has designs and sizes that will fit them and suit their personality. Aside from dresses, they also carry blouses, pants, skirts, shorts, pedals, overalls, jackets, among others.
Lemon Kiss is available at most The SM Store outlets. Follow them on Facebook. They recently uploaded their Sweet Sun Kissed Fashion event, perfect outfits for the summer.
My husband and I, in another rare moment, had our date night watching a fun (and funny) musical last month.
It was the Press Preview of Into the Woods, a musical by Stephen Sondheim, last February 20.
The setting was a giveaway, an outdoor venue called the Kasalikasan Garden. It got a bit cloudy in the afternoon, and we were hoping it won’t rain. Good thing it didn’t. The shawl was of help. It got a little chilly later in the evening. WARNING: Bring anti-mosquito lotions or patches, and don’t wear shorts. Seriously. =)
Given that it was outdoors, the challenge I thought of was the microphones, and that single keyboard to accompany the singers. It went well, nevertheless.
It was really great to see familiar faces in the cast (and in the crowd, too). My friends from the UP College of Music and former choirmates of my husband, were part of the cast. Awesome to see friends take part in productions I cover for this blog.
Here are some photos of the Press Preview last February 20. Credits: Upstart Productions.
Can’t get enough of the photos? Then you should watch the production. They’re extending the run until March 22!
Congratulations to the cast, staff, and crew of the production!
GOOD NEWS! Hear ye, hear ye.
By popular demand, Upstart Production’s INTO THE WOODS will be extending their run for one more weekend! Make sure to catch them under the stars at BGC’s Kasalikasan Gardens! A special discount of 20% will be given to early bird reservations, bulk buyers, senior citizens and students for the MARCH 22 show! Offer is until March 15, 2015 only.
You may call/ text the following number for inquiries.
Charley Magalit 0977- 210 6113
Zarina Anne De Asis 0917-579 9828
Kay Balajadia-Liggayu 0917- 417 2362
INTO THE WOODS. February 21, 22, 28, March 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22. All shows start 6:00 PM. Tickets available at Ticketworld (891-9999).
Presented by Bonifacio Global City, AVIVA Global Marine Corporation, and OLX Philippines. In cooperation with The Picasso Boutique Residences and Plana Forma. Also brought to you by Interaksyon.com, Image Nation Photography, Mac Cosmetics, Lulu Swing Shoes, Citrusnap, Chalk, Metro Magazine, and Stanley Ong Photography.
Now, on to the lowdown of how and why I felt this way, and how this whole experience will impact my career.
Excitement.
When I got the news of Nelly Miricioiu’s arrival in Manila sometime last year, it got me so excited, as I know another great international soprano is singing in Manila. I felt the same way when Sumi Jo had her one-night concert early last year. Back then, I didn’t even know if there will be a masterclass or none, though I was really wishing there will be, and said to myself that I will try to join just in case there will be a call for one. I was eventually surprised that there will be one, and found out it was a competitive masterclass as one would have to submit a video and our profile. So I did, and prayed for a positive outcome.
When 2015 ushered in, I was greeted with the good news of my acceptance to the masterclass. And not just a one-day masterclass, it’s three days! AND not only that, there will be culminating performances of not one, but two concerts!
Which leads to the next feeling.
Trepidation.
And of course, as all sorts of bubble thoughts run in my head. But the more I think about trepidation, the more I am determined to do my best.
Upon knowing the result of the auditions, the organizing group gathered us for a meeting to discuss about our pieces for the masterclass. Those with me are the active young classical singers in Manila.
Questions run in my thoughts. What was I doing there? Given that I have not been singing actively lately (my last was Rusalka), is my voice prepared? Will I be able to pull through my chosen pieces? The questions led me to the next feeling.
Humbled.
The masterclass is an opportunity for me to come back to the craft I really want to pursue. With the many hats I have worn the past five years, I know I will still go back to singing. I asked my mentor in college, Prof. Bechie Valeña, to have a session with her, just so I could have another ear listening while preparing for the masterclass. My teacher is one of the persons who kept pushing my spirits up especially when I somewhat forget that I trained as a classical singer. She told me my voice is (still) there, and that I should keep on singing.
What’s even humbling is that the masterclasses were given to us as a scholarship, thanks to the generous sponsors. That is why we really encourage you to support Ms. Miricioiu’s concert on March 6, to further the cause of supporting local classical artists.
I should focus on this gift that God so generously gave me (I only had voice lessons in college, but have been playing the piano since I was four).
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It’s only days before the Masterclass. Madame Nelly has arrived in Manila the other day to prepare for her concert on Friday. Which makes me all the more excited (and nervous!). I am looking forward to watch her on Friday, to sing and learn from Ms. Nelly and the other singers on the Masterclass sessions, and to the culminating concert in the next two weekends. Yes, it’s such a blessing that we get to present what we will be learning from the Masterclass:
I hope you could also join us and complete the Nelly Miricioiu experience!
Nelly Miricioiu in concert
March 6, 2015, Friday, 8:00 PM, Meralco Theater
For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or CAEO at 997-9483, 7827164, 0918-347-3027 or 0920-954-0053. Limited discounted tickets for students available via CAEO. You may also purchase online through Ticketworld at this link: https://www.ticketworld.com.ph/Online/NellyMiricioiu.
Nelly Miricioiu Voice Masterclass March 9-11, 2015, 11:00AM-6:00PM Ayala Museum, Makati Free Admission (you may drop by anytime to observe)
Opera Gala March 14 and 21, 2015, 7:00 PM Ayala Museum, Makati For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or CAEO at 997-9483, 7827164, 0918-347-3027 or 0920-954-0053.
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!
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!)
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!!!
#KoristaAko dahil:
Korista ako dahil naa-appreciate ko ang mga nagka-clash na harmonies!
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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:
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.
Last year was indeed a milestone year for my daughter. I could never been any happier with her biggest achievement–being behaved inside a closed theater venue!
My husband and I try to make every experience as enjoyable and educational as possible. She definitely enjoys traveling, something she got from her parents, definitely, who used to be part of active touring choral groups. She calls every trip outside a “field trip,” and since that’s the peg of every trip outside, we make them homeschooling opportunities.
We make sure to choose activities that will introduce her to the seven arts. Luckily, we live in a place surrounded by theaters, museums, and other places of arts. Likewise, this blog has taken me and my daughter to different events we both have enjoyed and learned from. She loves listening and making music, so no wonder we take her to concerts of various musical forms.
Here’s a roundup of art-related activities we have done the past year.
January
We took her to her first orchestral concert– that of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in an outdoor venue–Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium. That concert was a tie-up with the Far Easter University and I blogged about it here. We also chanced upon the Chang Kai Shek Youth Choir at the SM Aura for the Chinese New Year celebrations on the last day of this month.
February
Aria got a taste of some jazz music through the Euro-Pinoy Jazz concerts at the Maestranza Park in Intramuros. We also asked our cousin, Joy of iBake to make a cake decorating activity for Aria, who loves doing art works. We also passed by a Marian exhibit at the Mall of Asia organized by Radyo Veritas. They do this at least twice a year.
March
Not much activity this month, but we caught the PPO again at the CCP for the Children’s Concert.
April
We spent Easter Sunday at Movie Stars Cafe (click here to know how to get a 10% discount when you visit!) and Beauty and the Beast was showing! Good thing because this prepared her for the musical which she was able to watch last January. This month was also a milestone for her–her first full orchestral concert inside the CCP Main Theater! She also watched Mommy conduct her Children’s Choir for the Madz et al concert.
May
We supported Daddy and Leana, my niece, who performed in a concert of Ryan Cayabyab’s songs. She also watched Mommy and her choir again in San Sebastian Basilica for the Musica Sacra Festival.
Some friends from the classical music world, Ervin Lumauag, Krystl Buesa, and Alejandro Consolacion had a recital-concert at the Rizal Park. No rain stopped this concert of theirs. Then we also watched the concert of the famed Time Ensemble at the PICC Meeting Room. An intimate concert featuring varied repertoire. I was surprised Aria sat and listened well to each song, she was even dancing along the front act performers, the Voce Fich.
August
We went to two kids’ expositions, or expos– first was the Smartkids Asia expo where my blog won an award. Another is the Toy Expo of Toy Kingdom. Both events were held at the SMX Convention Center. Seeing new toys and stuff for kids is just a delight for the family.
September
I had the privilege of performing as woodsprite in the UP-produced Rusalka, an opera by Antonin Dvorak. According to my family, Aria was cheering from her seat every time I appear on stage. Thank God for daughters! Aria also attended the Manila International Book Fair, where we also sang for a book launch. Once again, there was a Marian exhibit called Mary and the Popes at SM Mall of Asia. We also visited Exploreum at MOA for the first time.
October
October was a busy month for Mommy, so Aria had the chance to tag along Mommy everywhere! First was in a choral conducting recital in a church in faraway Quezon City. She was well behaved throughout the recital! Proud of my little girl. Also, I took her to the culminating activity of the CCP Hands-on Choral Workshop, where members and alumni of the Philippine Madrigal Singers served as conductors. Through this blog, I also got to bring her to Kids Workshop in Greenhills, San Juan City, a great place for kids to play, learn, and have fun. They intersperse storytelling and art activities while kids play in their big play area.
November
November was jampacked with activities for this blog. We watched the fashion show and launch of P.S. from Aeropostale. We also watched the Dancing Lights at Ayala Triangle and the concert of the PPO and the Ateneo Chamber Singers at Salcedo Park, both in Makati.
December
This month was a month of firsts for my little one. It was her first time to perform in public officially. First in the Christmas Party in Mathemagis, a Singapore Maths program she is enrolled in. Apparently, she volunteered herself to sing for the party. Then she also sang and danced as Youth animator at our church on Christmas Day. Went back to Movie Stars Cafe for their Frozen show. We were also fortunate to watch Cinderella by Ballet Philippines and the Madz’ Christmas concert.
February is National Arts Month. It is also the Month of Hearts. It is never too early or too late to introduce arts to everyone. As the Cultural Center of the Philippines puts it, “O ‘di ba, mas maganda kung may arts sa buhay mo?” (Isn’t is more beautiful if you have arts in your life?).
I realized I have been working at home since college. Teaching voice and piano at our home gave me that confidence to be a teacher (and that extra school baon, too!).
In the past years, I have dabbled in various work at home jobs: teaching music, writing, editing, social media management, choral arranging, blogging. Last year alone, I got short-lived gigs, big one-time gigs, and prestigious ones. I got published in a magazine and in Yahoo.com.ph, too! Amazing I get to do work in the comforts of my home, while looking after my preschooler. I got to squeeze this in between working out of home, as a voice professor in college.
Impossible? You can, too!
Know the ABCs of WAHMming through this power trio of speakers and veteran work at home professionals, Marge Aberasturi, Fitz Villafuerte, and Martine de Luna. Sign up here and don’t forget to input the Referral Code, TKEAWAHM2 so they would know you got the info from Touringkitty.
Good news! Anyone who is interested in working at home can attend. You read it right, you need not be a mom to attend this!
Start a career in the comforts of your home. You can do it!
In life, there are things that are not really learned in school. Like entering married life. We read books about marriage, and there are just so many.
This book came my way just in time for our seventh anniversary which we celebrate this November. The perpetual learner that I am, I needed a refresher.
I can’t believe it’s been seven years already of being married. It seemed like only yesterday! My husband and I know each other for half of my life, been married to him for more than a quarter of it, and now taking care of our little angel who is turning five this year.
What a ride, a bumpy but happy one so far. And this book served as a great reminder of the vows we’ve made for each other on that most wonderful day of our lives.
The author, Viviene Bigornia takes us on her own journey as a wife and how she has nurtured it through the Lord. I liked that the book is Bible-based and God-centered, two important things in our married and family life.
The book is simple, easy to read, and informative. A lot of good-to-know information are written. Scriptures help you reflect on what God wants a wife to be to her husband. I also like that it had reflection pages at the end of each chapter, and that it encourages you to reflect and express yourself.
Whether you are single and preparing for marriage, a newlywed, or “veteran” wife, this book is a great read and a great reminder that we, wives, are God’s gift, and to be a perfect gift to our husbands, we must also prepare ourselves in all aspects.
Want to get your own copy? Touringkitty readers are being treated to a 15% off! From P395 to P335. Send teacher_viviene@yahoo.com an email with the subject line 15%OFF. This will be up until the end of February. And it’s free shipping! Perfect Valentines Day gift.
For its fifth production year, Upstart Productions takes us into the woods, literally.
Why so? Because the venue of their next production will be on the lush greens of Kasalikasan Garden in Bonifacion Global City. This would be the second time the production is using this venue, following its successful run of “Forbidden Broadway” last year. PCDA Board of Director, Upstart Managing Director and the production’s Vocal Coach Onyl Torres shares, “We’ve always loved the musical, so why not do it in the actual woods?”
Written by James Lapine (Sunday In The Park With George, Falsettos) and living legend Stephen Sondheim (West Side Story, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd), Into The Woods intertwines the stories of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, and a host of other fairy tale characters into a lush, extravagant musical that, according to Time Magazine, “affords non-stop pleasure.”
Onyl also mentioned that while this is a fairy tale-based work, kids who will watch should be guided by the grown-ups.
The cast did a sampling of the musical’s Act I Finale, Ever After. Almost everyone remarked that the music was difficult to learn, but I’m pretty sure it will sound great given that it is a Sondheim masterpiece. One more notable thing on this production is that the music will only be provided by a piano. Dingdong Fiel, the production’s musical director, will carry out the arduous task of accompanying the ensemble on piano.
Have you seen the movie yet that’s showing on theaters now? Because I haven’t. Looking forward to see this as National Arts Month comes to a close. If you had a fairy tale-filled childhood, you should watch this.
INTO THE WOODS. February 21, 22, 28, March 1, 7, 8, 14, 15. All shows start 6:00 PM. Tickets available at Ticketworld (891-9999).
Presented by Bonifacio Global City, AVIVA Global Marine Corporation, and OLX Philippines. In cooperation with The Picasso Boutique Residences and Plana Forma. Also brought to you by Interaksyon.com, Image Nation Photography, Mac Cosmetics, Lulu Swing Shoes, Citrusnap, Chalk, Metro Magazine, and Stanley Ong Photography.