FLASHBACK: MSC MEETS FR. GBOI SAMONTE

A couple of years ago, MSC was invited to sing at the Regina Carmeli College in Malolos, Bulacan for a "Special Occasion" Mass. There, MSC met Fr. Gboi Samonte. A priest famous for his many religious musical compositions and arrangements. His works with the modern touch and feel revolutionized the way choirs sing at Masses in the parishes under the Diocese of Malolos.

At one time after that blessed encounter, I received a call from him asking me if I could sing one of his compositions on his feast day where he and his parishioners have set up a mini-concert where his works will be highlighted. Who was I to turn my back on such a magnificent opportunity? So on August 26, 2005, with a couple of choir mates at my side for support, I went to St. Ildefonsus Parish in San Ildefonso, Bulacan to sing for him.

Many great opportunities came and went for MSC that I have witnessed in the long years I've been with the group. It only shows MSC members really have the talent for other people to discover and appreciate.

HEROES OR VILLAINS?

Many think of MSC as an excellent choir. We always receive great compliments from the people of OLRP. Though, a significant number also think of us as delinquents. We DO put our toes out of line sometimes... Following rules is one aspect MSC is not too familiar with . We are one heck of a rigid and impenetrable unit. It has been like this even in the past. And we make decisions and moves with the best of intentions. Especially when MSC's principles are at stake.

Whether we are good or bad, friend of foe in your eyes,

YOU DECIDE...

TATAY BOYET

THIS PHOTO IS EDITED. ANOTHER PRODUCT OF PHOTOSHOP. THE MAGAZINE BRAND REALLY EXISTS THOUGH...

I don't know how it started. I just realized that I'm one of those who treat this guy as "tatay". Fortunately, Tatay Boyet doesn't have any complains about it.

Now, his so-called children in MSC are growing in numbers. And I, who was once the youngest of his little "MSC family" is now one of the old ones! Actually, I think the OLDEST one at that!

I could not imagine MSC without all the privileges he, his wife Tita Melody (MSC Alumnus) and his entire family have generously given to us for so long now! The free rides on every gimmick and the free treats that go along with it each and every time. For a time, his place became the official headquarters of MSC especially during the Christmas and Lenten seasons.

Tatay Boyet is truly one of the big (muscled) pillars of MSC!

JUST ANOTHER CRAZY IMAGINATION

I was quite in a photoshop(ish) mood when I made this. I just got so inspired after seeing the photos shot by the late FRANCIS M. in his blogsite! I'm not much into photography but I can certainly manipulate photos (for the sake of art).

I call this a representation of MSC moving on to the future and ever progressing!...

KEEPING UP WITH THE TIMES!

EVENING REHEARSALS

I remember growing up as a neophyte of MSC, attending the regular weekly rehearsals under the supervision of the legendary Sir Roni Verga. It was done usually in the evening when most members come either from work or school. In my case, I was either coming from school or from a gimmick!

That is why when we scheduled an evening rehearsal recently, it sort of brought me down memory lane. It was like this: seeing my older co-members, rehearsing, being scolded at, once in a while and then go on for gimmick afterwards. Like eating at a nearby 24-hour "lugawan". Moreso, bringing Sir Roni to his Quezon City house is already a gimmick for me in those days.

Practices were difficult before. The big OLHRP church was still in its young construction phase. We had to bring out the heavy church organ from a stockroom and then return it once we're done rehearsing everytime for security purposes, that is. The church literally, barely had walls then!

That time, the feeling was impersonal. I felt practices were a chore. And the thought of being with my MSC co-members instead of my school peers is really a drag! But eventually, everything turned around quite significantly in my life. And I started enjoying the rehearsals. The responsibility and commitment that goes with being a TRUE-BLOODED MSC!

These days, we get to practice at night if we're a bit in a hurry to finish learning a music sheet and perfect it for a certain commitment, task or what have you. Since Meanne's wedding is just around the corner (May 2), we needed to find more ways to make our availability work out for us.

So far, I don't hear any backing-out from my members about the schedules like the way I used to... (ahaha!) ☺

WEDDING BELLS

On May 2, 2009, this lady's saying goodbye to being single and embracing a new chapter of her life! Meanne is getting married!

It will be at the Manila Cathedral. MSC will be there to sing for her and her groom, Don.

An honor indeed!

PETIKS??

Okay. Easter is over thus marking the end of the Lenten Season. MSC received positive reviews from the congregation. A much deserved breather for the group after a big, big deal of work during the holy week break. Therefore a little "petiks mode" for the group won't hurt.

Now, the group is starting to ask questions regarding the venue and the budget for the summer excursion we will be having. Personally, as long as it's private, I don't have any problem... All I want is to have some "R & R" with MSC.

SUNSET SHORES VILLAS -- SUMMER OF '09

So finally, a little rest and relaxation during the Holy Week break. Remember that I mentioned about going to Bataan for an ocular inspection of the venue for our family/company excursion? So this was it. Apparently, since most of my social life has something to do with members of my choir one way or another, I might as well share something of what transpired during this particular outing.

Of course my, brother, Arnel was there with me with his wife and kids, Ryan, since his father is part of our family business...

The sunset was spectacular there, no wonder they called the place "Sunset Shores Villas".
 

Che (de Jesus) was there with us too she's an MSC alumnus same as my sister, Pam.

THE ANSWER TO OUR PRAYERS?

Remember me mentioning about God providing good members for MSC? I Believe God already has answered my prayers. And He graced MSC not one, but two magnificent and talented women fitted for the job.

Meanne and Joanne San Jose, sisters, very brilliant Sopranos.

EASTER VIGIL -- THE AFTERMATH

MSC went as far as Marilao, Bulacan to a gasoline station/gimmick spot initially for a night cap at Starbucks after the Easter Vigil service. But when we got there, the Chowking sign proved to be more inviting!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULLIANA -- 03

Okay. Probably this would be the last of my installment of the famous Julliana's Birthday Party. Of course I wanted everyone to know that this is also a gathering of MSC members, active and alumni alike!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULLIANA -- 02

As mentioned in my previous blogs, MSC is in for another gastronomic experience at Julliana Franz's 1st Birthday celebration on April 12, Easter Sunday at the Martin Family residence. The cute and cuddly "inaanak ng bayan" had a party with lots of food complete with clowns doing magic tricks and a gigantic ice cream maker for the kids!

As for the "not so young", liqueur and karaoke made our time enjoyable and worthwhile! Many guests came, relatives and friends that are close to happy mom and hostess, Lulu Martin.

HANGING 'ROUND THE HUT

Taken at Tatay Bernard's place during one of MSC's rehearsals for the Easter Vigil Service.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULLIANA!

This was the scene a year ago, when a beautiful little girl named Julliana Franz was born at the Chinese General Hospital on the 7th of April, 2008. Of course, MSC went out to get a glimpse of the newborn child and give our love and support for the new mommy, Lulu.

EASTER VIGIL- BRING IT ON!

So the time has come for the real deal. The culmination of the many preparations that have been done. The ultimate question left unanswered now is...

COULD THE MAYSAN SENIOR CHOIR REALLY CUT IT?

I'm happy and proud of what MSC did. In spite of some minor errors along the way, the service went pretty well, if you ask me.

But amidst all this pride I'm feeling for my group, I couldn't ignore a certain fact that is hovering just above my head, ready to pounce on me anytime soon. Seeing Angie, singing her heart out at the altar made me a little bit sad. I couldn't help but think that maybe this is the last time I would get to see her doing this. For soon, she will be migrating to the U.S. with her mom, Ate Josie.

So without a bit of hesitation, I brought out my camera and took a photo of her at the altar so that MSC could have something to remember her by, while doing what she does best... SINGING THE PSALMS!

For me, as always, it has been a great Easter Vigil Service for MSC this year... And I hope the whole congregation thinks the same...

EASTER VIGIL- THE REHEARSAL: LUNCH BREAK

MSC had the chance once again to go bold with our lunch following the two days of not so extravagant food (tofu, fish, and canned sardines etc.). After the General reheasals at OLRP, the group went on an eating spree at Mang Inasal, SM Valenzuela.

Too bad for the ones who couldn't come...

EASTER VIGIL- THE GENERAL REHEARSAL

Every year, when MSC gets to be chosen to sing for special occasions like the "Easter Vigil Mass Service", the group holds its practice at the OLRP church so that every part of the celebration is meticulously coordinated with the organizers.

This is the time for the group to get really serious with our craft! Truly, it is one heck of a sacrifice, but the feeling of being trusted to deliver such an extreme amount of effort for the Church every time is always worth it.