LEO AND GIGIE'S RETURN

The fun couple of Leo and Gigie Ibayan, together with their kids are here now in the Philippines to get some much deserved R&R!

These are some of the photos of our recent get together... Taken at Hilario's Sizzlers Restaurant.

MSC TIES UP WITH THE FEAST

Because of the recent events regarding MSC's deprivation to serve at our home church for the next three months, my choir decided to collaborate with THE FEAST Valenzuela Chapter. In the coming months, we will be serving as alternate choir during the Mass Part of the Feast every Sunday at Cinema 1, SM Hypermarket, Valenzuela.   

This is not the first time for MSC to do this. The group has been invited to sing at THE FEAST several times before. This will also serve as a sanctuary for the group where we will be free from any persecution, reprimands, degradations and punishments! A place of worship where everybody is welcomed and encouraged to serve the "Mighty Kitchen" of THE FEAST Community. 

I am very certain that this will be a fruitful experience once again for MSC. 

GOD BLESS THE FEAST!  

Photos of MSC officers taken at SM Valenzuela while having a food-trip session  before heading to THE FEAST venue. 

  

TRANSFER OF POWER?

This photo was taken ages ago when the digital camera has just made its debut and penetrated the MSC lifestyle.

Two guitar fanatics. One veteran, Arnel (the Big Brother of MSC) and one apprentice, Jeffrey (Jeff or Junjun to his co-members). It's a good thing that MSC never runs out of young members interested of being a "virtuoso" someday. And we are simply glad that there are people around who are willing to share their skills for others to learn.

MSC is indeed all about sharing and helping one another in every aspect possible.

BORACAY-- SUMMER IN AUGUST

Because of the numerous long weekends and non-working holidays that have been announced by the government these past few months, our barkada (which, most of us are MSC, both active and inactive) decided to go on a trip to the far south of the Philippines... BORACAY!!!

One may think it is a bit weird to go to the beach especially if the probability of the sun showing up was slim during this time of the year. But the airfare and hotel accommodation rates were simply irresistable! Too hard to pass off!

After a smooth, 45-minute plane ride via Zest Air from NAIA to Calibo and another two-long hour bus ride to Caticlan, all of us were graciously welcomed by the staff of 357 BORACAY. Complete with welcome drinks and shell necklaces! It definitely was worth the wait!

357 Boracay is a clean and very cozy beachfront boutique hotel. The stylish and cool air conditioned rooms were fabulous! Fit for the choosy and the meticulous (ahrrrm!).

As I roam around and get stoked by the clear blue ocean and fine, white sands, it got me instantly imagining of my MSC being with me on this adventure.

The first day (arrival) was purely laid-back-mode for most of us, "vacationistas"! All we did was rest, lounge around the hotel, eat, windowshop and "girl or boy watch" along this 5 km worldclass shoreline. Videoke and a couple of drinks was the thing in the evening.

The second day was the complete opposite! I was actually up at 5:30 in the morning so I could be able to take advantage of every moment of my stay on this island. The cool morning breeze of the ocean was as great as the breakfast, provided by the hotel! The sensation was like, as Edward Cullen would say... "it's like having my own brand of heroin".

The itinerary was bustling with activities!!! We rented a boat that would take us for fishing in the middle of the ocean, go snorkeling and marine diving. We had lunch on one of the neighboring islands called Magic Island, where we were served delicious Chicken and Pork BBQ's, Sinigang na Hipon and fresh fruits to satisfy our hunger from all the water activities that we did the whole morning.

(the "marine walk" adventure)

In the evening, since it was also because of Mom's upcoming 70th birthday thus this plan of a holiday in Boracay was organized, we enjoyed a sumptuous banquet of meat, seafoods and veggies prepared by the wonderful people of 357.

(Mommy's 70th birthday banquet)

(Caticlan Airport Passenger Lounge)

Our three-day "off season" vacation will truly be remembered by all of us. Im hoping we'll get to come back soon. 

ARNEL'S BIRTHDAY

On July 7, our very own Kuya Arnel celebrated his 39th birthday. No frills, no grand celebration, just a simple gathering with family. So don't worry, MSC. You're not missing out on a lot!

May you be happy always! Best wishes!

GREAT CHEMISTRY

Whenever MSC gets appointed in special masses and occasions, I could always count on the teamwork of Mike and Kuya Arnel.

Mike is an honorary member of MSC ever since. We always call on him during events that require his exceptional talent. Not that MSC is not satisfied with Kuya Arnel's guitar skills, but the teamwork of these two VIRTUOSOS is truly one for the books!

Thanks for all your undying willingness to share your talents with MSC and the church.

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.

NHEY + GUITAR = GOOD MUSIC

The guitar is a musical instrument with ancient roots that is used in a wide variety of musical styles. It typically has six strings, but 4, 7, 8,10, 11,12, 13 and 18 string guitars so exist.

Guitars are recognized as one of the primary instruments in jazz, blue, country, flamenco, rock music etc.and many forms of pop. They can also be a solo classical instrument. Guitars may be played acoustically, where the tone is produced by vibration of the strings and modulated by the hollow body, or they may rely on an amplifier that can electronically manipulate tone.

For MSC, after Jeanette Cruz, MSC member and organist left for the US for a more promising career in the field of nursing, MSC would have to depend on Kuya Arnel alone for musical accompaniment. And he gladly took the challenge now, without an organist by his side. He has been doing it for MSC for years long after Jeanette had gone. His ever-reliable guitar never fails to come into the scene during jammings, engagements and parties too.