COCOY'S BIRHDAY CELEBRATION (HOME VERSION)

A year in the Amorin household would not be complete without a celebration of the birthday of their star in the family, Cocoy! 

On 25-February, MSC was once again invited to partake on the celebration of Cocoy's birthday at their home in Parada, Valenzuela with her family and close friends from work. Of course, as always, there was an abundance of food prepared by Cocoy's loving mom, Tita Nhena. Her siblings, Badek (and husband, Marvin) , Milette (ALTO) and Tony were also present taking turns on the karaoke machine.  

It is always fun being at Cocoy's place and having their family around. They make you feel at home in no time! You could really feel how much they love and respect each other in their own unique way. And it happens all year round, not just during birthdays.

CHEERS!!! 

    

2nd YEAR

◄HAPPY 2nd ANNIVERSARY!►

mscbeyond.blogspot.com

LOVE MONTH

St. Valentine was a martyr during ancient Rome when it was ruled by a powerful pagan emperor. He was arrested and imprisoned after being caught officiating a marriage of a Christian couple which was illegal then. He was eventually executed along with other unnamed saints and we remember him during the 14th of February, hence the day, Valentine's Day, named after him. He was an advocate of LOVE, and the love for his God. His unwavering faith made him an icon of the Day of Hearts that we celebrate even at present time.

Since it is still February, 10 days after the Love Day to be exact! May I be allowed to spread the love among MSC and friends by greeting everyone...

♥♥♥HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!♥♥♥

REMEMBERING SIR RONI VERGA

I have put in more that a hundred entries in this blog site talking about the choir, its escapades and all, but never have I thought of writing something about the man behind this legendary group.

The man in the picture is Sir Roni Verga. As a child, I would see this guy at the choir loft of the old Maysan church. He would stand in front of snotty singing teenagers (then), making funny arm and hand gestures as if he had a disorder of some sort. I didn't realize that time that he was just doing his job as the leader of the group. Years have passed and I followed my brother and cousins' footsteps and joined MSC.  And I came face to face at last with this humble man behind the keyboard examining me and asking of what I could contribute to his group. I did my part and I did good! Modesty aside, I made a believer out of him! He made me do solos and asked for my insights regarding what song should the group study on or what style should we put in to a particular song. And most of the time, my opinions mattered.

Time went on and he taught me the basics of being a choir master. He gave me the chance to wave the baton while under his watchful eye. He somehow taught me his style, his creativity in his music and his passion that he selflessly poured down for MSC. Little did I know that he was already passing on his torch to me...

He died an unexpected death... The torch, or should I say baton was never formally passed on. I was instantly shoved to fill up his place. I had to do it because I didn't want to hush down the sound of music from MSC. I realized that it was indeed a bitter pill to swallow on my part, but it was an inevitable choice or else, all of Sir Roni's work would end up in the dumps.

I feel sorry for this new generation of members that they missed the chance to meet an extremely honorable man. He was the reason why I have this Love-Hate relationship with my choir that I have endured for the last 12 years! He who made a big impact in my life as a musician. He whom I will truly remember for as long as I live.

READY FOR A MAJOR PROJECT?

Just wondering...

When will I be able to put up a big musical extravaganza for my choir just like what the late great Sir Roni Verga did for MSC in the past? And he did it twice to help up raise funds for the construction of a big church. 

It has been a long time since MSC got involved with such a challenging feat. Even if we never fail to receive positive feedback from believers and friends during Sunday services and special occasions, we always held ourselves back and away from the spotlight. The complements never really lured us to the intoxicating fumes of fame and fortune. It was never my priority, even. But as I turn into my 12th year of handling MSC after the sudden passing of our good mentor Sir Roni, it got me asking myself...

So am I really contented to do just this, for good?

In the past, MSC was not just your ordinary church choir. It was also a flag bearer of this small and humble town of Maysan. Thus the name Maysan Choir, right? The group joined many inter-town and inter-parish competitions as well. Though MSC don't usually bring home the bacon, at least they get exposed to certain pressures that enable them to strive more as an excellent singing group.

Should I push myself and my team to do what the others have done in the past? That I should continue the legacy of Sir Roni? Is it up to me to tell whether MSC is ready for a major choral event or am I just putting the group into a major meltdown? 



MISSING ANGELI

I was browsing through my photocollection when I came across a picture of a school facade that I took a few months back. I remembered seeing the exact drawing of it made by one valued member of the group that has now migrated to the U.S. to be with her mom and dad.

Angie, who used to be so timid and small has now bloomed into a very beautiful young woman. She would sing and play the guitar, much to the amazement of her co-choir members and friends. Such a total performer! But other than that, she is also talented in the art department. Which tells me that this kid would definitely go places and has many doors of opportunities lined up just waiting for her grand entrance.

We miss you, Angeli!  

RETRO TENORS RULE!

Eversince I joined MSC, the TENORS have always been the dominant section. They make up most of the population of the group. 

I recently discovered "retro" pictures that show how the TENORS of MSC excel in other aspects too!

In the past, the MSC Christmas Parties had contests between the SATB sections. It was a friendly competition which aims to develop unity and creativity among the members of each of the four sections. The Tenors never fail to come up with dazzling ideas that are way out of the box presentation-wise every year that consistently amaze their co-members and judges with their humor and charm! Though they don't get to win the Grand Prize every time, they make sure to harvest the laughter from the crowd that for them, is much more that a trophy or crown!

And but of course I'm a TENOR! (ahaha!) ☺ 

SPOTTED: KARESSE @ RESORTS WORLD

Whatever happened to one of MSC's premiere Sopranos??

Karesse has been once again out of the loop lately. That's because she's busy singing her heart out at Resorts World Manila!

In case you're all wondering, Resorts World Manila is an integrated tourist destination located in the heart of Manila. Resorts World is home to three luxurious hotels, a mall, entertainment venues and gaming facilities. World class in terms of facilities and very much at par with its Malaysian and Singaporean counterparts and yet... very expensive.

 Gimmick anyone? ☺

SPOTTED: MACKOY, COCOY AND MILETTE @ THE HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL, CLARK PAMPANGA

On 13-February, 2011, Cocoy, Mackoy and Milette, together with their family went up north to Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga to witness the 16th Hot Air Balloon Festival and Air show. This rare event runs for four days. So the family made sure that they would get the opportunity to be there.

Anything with involves flying was there! Kite flying, paragliding, aerobatic air show, the works! There were also things and displays that educate the guests on the history of flying and travelling by air. Opportunities to get a hitch on the gondola of a fully inflated hot air balloon were also offered but with a highly expensive rate! So better save up for the next airshow to experience this rare feat, guys!   

NEW TAG

Hello MSC, readers and friends! I am happy to announce that there will be a new category in our blogsite named "SPOTTED!". This is in lieu of the tag "WITWI" or "Where In The World Is" that I have used in several entries here. In this category, I will try to update you, readers about each member's personal happenings and activities. I won't be digging much deeper though.  

In relation with this, I will be utilizing what I could find in sources such as Twitter or Facebook. This also serves as my means of asking permission from you, MSC members to allow me to share your newest adventures outside of Maysan.  

Thanks and please watch out for it. 

YIN AND YANG

According to Wikipedia,

"Yin-yang are complementary opposites that interact within a greater whole, as part of a dynamic system."
 

There may be a whole wide range of characters in an organization but most of the time contributes to its uniqueness. Being around MSC for such a long time now, I have become a witness of such diversity in the attitudes and ways of each member that I have encountered. Some are uptight, while some belong to the "happy-go-lucky" side. But in spite of this, they contribute to the right blend of people that keeps the group balanced and intact. Furthermore it makes MSC interesting and intriguing even.  

This was a shot of my shoe and Mackoy's. Which actually pushed me to make this entry.

ADIE AND COCOY'S BIRTHDAY BASH 2011

MSC's February Birthday Bashers, Cocoy and Adie had their COMBINED celebration at Mr. T's Inasal along McArthur highway on the evening of 13-Feb, 2011.

Kuya Arnel, Ryan and I arrived a bit late at the venue. Our assigned table was already packed with an overwhelming array of food that Adie took the liberty of ordering for all of us! The other celebrant, Cocoy, had prior engagements that she arrived a bit late that night. There was Chicken Inasal (of course!), Kare-kare, BBQ Liempo, sisig among others! 

  

It was a party well attended by both the younglings and the elders of the group. I was so pleased seeing my group once again happy and at ease with one another, sharing dinner in that one long table. These are definitely those  moments that keep MSC's fire burning!  

CHEERS TO ADIE AND COCOY!

CONGRATULATIONS FOR A VERY NICE AND MEMORABLE PARTY!!!

LET'S TALK IT OVER

The Sunday Service was delayed this week which led the group to cancel rehearsals. It was slightly disappointing on my part for I was so eager to finish my goal choir piece for this month but unfortunately I didn't happen this week. Oh well...

The group had a meeting at my garage shed instead. MSC President JP discussed the activities that are lined up for this year. Part of the agenda were the possible Fiesta Mass service in San Vicente Pampanga, The "Visita Iglesia" on Holy Thursday, the annual summer excursion and other stuff. 

MSC's Vice President Adie and Treasurer Jeybi (JP's Brother) were also there by his side for support. There was also a discussion about the group funds that are usually utilized during the MSC's major activities. The contribution of the elders were slightly modified this year. Aside from the weekly contribution of Php20, the elders (including me) must now shell out Php100 additional during the 15th and 30th of the month. So far, there weren't any adverse reactions from the people involved in this slight modification. 



The last to be discussed was the birthday blowout of Adie and Cocoy that is to happen later in the evening of that day.  More about that on the succeeding entries. 

RAZON'S HALO-HALO REVISITED

MSC had a very nice rehearsal session today. We started tackling the SATB a capella piece of the song "The Prayer". It has been on for two weeks now and we haven't finished it. But as part of my New Year's resolution, I wanted to slow things down a bit and give the group some slack. I want them to feel relaxed during practices and not feeling harassed nor pressured to learn everything in one meeting.

But enough of the technical, choir stuff.

After rehearsals, a few of us went out to treat ourselves for some cool and sweet comfort food. Halo-halo! We went to Razon's Restaurant along McArthur Highway. This is a place famous for its Halo-halo desserts and Pancit Palabok. Dinuguan and puto, Caldereta, Lumpiang Sariwa and Halo-halo were on the table and we happily devoured them all. We would have invited the whole MSC present at the practice to come with us but we won't fit in just one car. Sadly, I couldn't drive for I had a very big hang-over from last night's party with friends.   

After a very satisfying meal, with the sting of the extra spicy Beef Caldereta dish I ordered that I still feel in my mouth, we decided on a side-trip to SM Valenzuela to buy some personal stuff. It would have been a swift visit to SM if only for the long cue to the cash register.  

I had a very  nice weekend. Enough to get me through the coming week.  

FLASHBACK: SUMMER 2007

Honestly, i have fond memories of this summer activity. The private resort we rented was located at the "back door" of U.P. Los Baños. The water comes from the springs of Mt. Makiling. We arrived pretty late at the venue due to traffic and the inevitable tardiness of the members. We arrived just in time for dinner.

We had the place for ourselves. We brought our own videoke machine complete with projector! Food was, as always, delightful! Two rooms were offered to the guests who rent the resort overnight but only one was airconditioned. The guys had to make way for the girls to enjoy the cool room. While the guys had to endure the cot spread wall to wall and ceiling fans. Not to mention mosquitoes!!! The mesh covering the windows wasn't at all efficient.   

But we had a great time. More bonding moments for the group. More opportunities to get closer to each other.

Thank you, Lord for such great blessings!

DOUBLE CELEBRATION

These two drop-dead gorgeous ladies will be celebrating their birthdays together sometime this month. Glady, who celebrates her birthday today, February 4 and Cocoy on the 25th. 

Looking forward for a sumptuous feast with you, guys soon! Im sure it will be memorable.

NIÑO ZAREN'S 1ST BIRTHDAY

MSC is invited to Meanne's unico hijo, Niño Zaren on the 12th of February. Better read the details on the attached photo of the invite instead.

See you at the party, little one. Keep growing and growing. God bless you!

ONE YEAR PLAN FOR 2011

Sunday, January 30, MSC had its first Assembly Meeting held at Tito Oyet's place in Maysan. The aim is to come up with different activities that would be laid out for the whole year in order to further rev up the group spirit.

Dining al fresco at Tito Oyet's beautifully tended garden with simple home-grown food such as salted eggs, steamed tilapia, rice and veggies was a great idea! One knock-out food group that I really liked that night was the authentic burong hipon from Pampanga. Stinky but pure joy for me and our other kapampangan buddies! Brewed coffee was served as well in lieu of Beer that night.

I was quite disappointed by the number of members who came out that night. But we proceeded with the meeting nonetheless. Fortunately, most of the people present were the "BIG BOSSES" of the group. Meaning, these people already have the "know-how" in handling the group through years of experience.

As expected, our newly elected (sort of mandated) President precided the meeting. He wholeheartedly shared his bold plans for the group. He tried to put in activities that would somehow help break the group's weekly, boring and tiring routine.  Mark, on the other hand, MSC's previous Vice intently listens and contributes his own views.

A huge calendar was laid down on the table courtesy of the host to help in scheduling the proposed activities for each month.

-MEMBERS' BIRTHDAYS
-UPCOMING LENT ACTIVITIES
-MASS ASSIGNMENTS
-SUMMER ACTIVITIES
-PARISH AND BARANGAY FIESTA
-CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES were some of the things discussed.

Too bad, Meanne, our Secretary was not able to come. So Jeybi, our new Treasurer took notes of the proceedings. He also discussed some concerns about the group's funds and where and what he thinks is ideal to spend it.

A whole year of activities... A mixture of serious work and fun. Would that ever help the group in uplifting its morale? Or will it just wear out the members instead? Makes me wonder...

As a bonus, this is a picture of our host for the night, Tito Oyet in his fresh, hunky and matinee years! Enjoy!!!