ONDOY'S AFTERMATH

September 26, 2009 is definitely a day to remember for us Filipinos after experiencing an unprecedented weather phenomenon of biblical proportions.

I'm referring to typhoon Ondoy which pummeled and flooded most parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Many people got stranded, lost their cars, their homes and even their lives yesterday.

I do not intend to make a mockery by posting a photo of MSC wearing our usual happy faces. Nor would I want to show the group being not too much affected by yesterday's events. But I wanted to show how grateful we are that the Lord protected us and our loved ones from the wrath caused by this storm.

Many members weren't able to attend service today. But all are safe eventhough some got stranded and chose to stay put in their respective workplaces to wait for the floods to subside. But our group opted to go on with practice after the service anyway.

We started rehearsing songs for the Christmas Season... And I couldn't help thinking of the people who would not be celebrating Christmas the same way again after Ondoy's devastation.

MISSING THE NIGHTLIFE

I miss the nightlife with MSC. For the past weeks, I've been able to go out with another crowd and enjoy myself with them. But when I think of the people I left behind back home, like my MSC, I couldn't help imagining being with them too...

I miss the unplanned going to Starbucks at some gas station in the north...

I miss watching concerts with MSC at the Araneta...

I miss eating at a fancy restaurant whenever there is an occasion to celebrate...

I miss wandering around at some mall till it closes...

I miss the "for the boys/girls" gatherings...

I miss the evening rehearsals...

I miss bowling with MSC...

I miss hanging out at some co-member's house and having a great time...

These are some things I terribly miss about MSC and those were just but a portion of the things I miss. The colors that help liven up this group eversince I became part of it...

WITWI: JOY?

Another MSC member with a fine soprano voice is currently out of the scene...

Joy Cruz, niece of legendary MSC tenor, Oyet de Galicia is presently an employee at a local cooperative. Unfortunately, her work days include Sundays so she fails to join the weekly church services and rehearsals.

But no matter, when she finds another job, hopefully soon, things would go back to normal to both her and MSC.

We miss you, Joy.

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.

MY GIFT FOR ANGIE

I know your 18th birthday has long passed. But this is my only means of giving you a gift (for now, that is). How I wish to have sung for you on that special day.

She May be the face I can't forget

The trace of pleasure or regret

May be my treasure or the price I have to pay

She May be the song that summer sings

May be the chill that autumn brings

May be a hundred different things

Within the measure of a day

She May be the beauty or the beast

May be the famine or the feast

May turn each day into a heaven or a hell

She may be the mirror of my dreams

The smile reflected in a stream

She may not be what she may seem

Inside her shell

She Who always seems so happy in a crowd

Whose eyes can be so private and so proud

No one's allowed to see them when they cry

She May be the love that cannot hope to last

May come to me from shadows of the past

That I'll remember till the day I die

She May be the reason I survive

The why and wherefore I'm alive

The one I'll care for through the rough in ready years

Me I'll take her laughter and her tears

And make them all my souvenirs

For where she goes I've got to be

The meaning of my life is

She

She, oh she

ODE TO IKANG

The mother and daughter tandem has long gone to San Francisco but shortly after, God blessed us yet again with the Jian and Jian Co.! Sinister sisters, Odessa (alto) and Francesca Oba (soprano) , also known as Odeh and Ikang are nieces of MSC's "tatay" Boyet. I used to see them roaming around their family compound when they were little as we hold rehearsals there in the past. Now they're all grown up and ready to become part of MSC and serve their church just like their uncle.

I recieved a note via Facebook by Ikang telling me how much she enjoys the rehearsals and the church songs. I am very much delighted that she/they feel that way.

MALE BFF's

During the reign of the "not so old" generation of MSC, there blossomed a friendship that exists like no other...

The funny yet very insightful trio of Jhun (Cruz), Leo (Ibayan) and Larry (de Guzman). All sing as Basses for MSC, they possess many very simple things in common. They make us happy, they give assitance of those who are in need and they all love their families. That is one reason why they clicked and stood the test of time. There have experienced many trials in life but they prevailed. They bravely faced and overcame every negative thing that went their ways until they've grown to be as if one impenetrable force.

As a young member during their time, I have learned a lot from them and managed to respect the value of friendship displayed by these men that I have witnessed for years and years while all of us belonged together as members of MSC.

It is sad that they had to go their seperate ways. For they have individual goals and dreams too. One now based in the US, one in UK and another one stayed in the Philippines, all living successfully in their own rights. But truly enough, the deep bonds of friendship will always be alive in their hearts and minds.

A true-blooded, macho BFF!

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. 

BREAKFAST AT BOYET'S

Aha! So this is what I get for not showing up for the past few weeks of church service!

On September 6, Sunday, in spite of the gloomy weather, MSC went for a big breakfast at Tito Boyet's place as they celebrated Mackoy's 27th birthday. Longganisa's, eggs and other stuff were on the menu. Feels like Laguna all over again?? And according to sources, the videoke machine was exploited once again while the rain poured incessantly outside the garage area of Tito Boyet's yard.

Well, if it wasn't for my numerous extra-curricular commitments, I would have joined in! But no matter, I'm glad they had fun!

ANOTHER "MARKED" BIRTHDAY

Mark, affectionately called Mackoy by his friends in MSC turned 27 on the 4th of September, 2009.

MAY YOU BE HAPPY ALWAYS! GOD BLESS YOU!