SIMBANG GABI 2010

The Misa de Gallo (Simbang Gabi) is here! Faithfuls devote nine masses in the evening or at dawn until Christmas Eve!

One scheduled mass I am very fond about this year is the Simbang Gabi held at the newly renovated Chapel in Maysan which is at 6:45 PM. When many people coming home from their day jobs could conveniently attend service and partake in the Holy Eucharist.

The things I miss the most during this season is seeing the people flock towards the church for "Simbang Gabi", the cool breeze of the December wind while faint sounds of Christmas carols play as I walk in the dark at the early hours of day. Then after the mass, a feeling of bliss, smelling the pleasant aroma of steaming puto-bumbong and bibinka at the sidewalks...

CHRISTMAS PARTY MEETING

On December 12, Sunday,  the officers and some elders of MSC decided to go for another food jamming session after rehearslas, this time at Starbucks Marilao, Bulacan, along the North Luzon Expressway.  

The core wasted no time for this was also the perfect chance for us to talk about our upcoming traditional Holiday fellowship. We chose to have it post-yuletide since most of the members have their own company/family parties as well. What's  essential is the aim to celebrate the birth of our Lord, the day of our salvation whenever it may be. ☺ 

MSC FOOD TRIPS

Long time, no blog...

Yes. I've been away (again) for a bit, due to some personal reasons. I find it very ironic since I already  got myself  a very nice DSLR camera and now I don't highlight my shots here on my blog site, especially that MSC is my subject most of the time.

I had to admit that I missed seeing this interface and typing my heart out. That is why I decided to come by and drop another entry about what my MSC agree upon the most... FOOD!

After being vacant from church service for almost two months, MSC still continued to meet up for weekly practise, fellowship and group bonding. And another addition to the wide array of wholesome vises MSC has is food-tripping to other nearby restaurants in the metro!

It can get expensive sometimes. But nothing beats the company of really great friends. ☺

ANOTHER MSC @ THE KERYGMA FEAST MOMENT

MSC has been out of the Church scene for two consecutive months now (at least until the end of October). We were given a two-month break from service by the OLHRP Church council due to some not-so-clear reasons... Something about delinquency, I think (ahaha!). But it wouldn't stop MSC from serving the Lord even at another venue for sure!

MSC has been invited once again to sing for the Holy Mass part of the weekly spiritual talk at SM Valenzuela by the Kerygma Feast Organizers. Somehow this new routine also breaks us away from the weekly habit we always did ever since we became MSC. Thank you Kerygma for the trust and Godbless!

MY NEW TOY

Not to brag or anything but I recently acquired a new gizmo. A new Baby! Courtesy of a loving cousin from Australia who chooses to remain unnamed! Though it's pretty much obvious who that person is!

I am very happy to announce that I got a new Nikon D5000 DSLR camera! That night, when I got my camera, my mind was already racing, thinking of the people that I could use this with and make them happy. Capturing a nice moment is simply astonishing and gratifying indeed. And I will definitely try my best to be very good at this.

It would be weird if I won't be able to share photos taken from my new "baby" so I made it a point to take shots of my MSC whenever I get the chance. Hang on, guys! There will be more soon!

CERTIFIED DIALYSIS NURSE

The Blogger's back!

Just recently, a member of ours got another major achievement in the line of the Allied Medical field. Yes, many MSC members, especially the... (ahem!) the older ones have already had their share of successes in the nursing field and are doing spectacular carreers in the respective countries they migrated to. But this "not-so newbie" wanted more than just being a nurse.

Glady Mendiola (ALTO), Adie to her friends, passed the exam making her eligible to administer and assist in the Dialysis of Patients with Renal Failure which I believe is a step higher from a conventional nurse! Another cause to celebrate indeed!

CONGRATULATIONS, ADIE!!!

WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!

Thank you for the treat! =)

THE PATAWARAN-AMORIN WEDDING

The much anticipated wedding of 2010 has finally arrived! Heidy Amorin (A.K.A. Badek), sister of MSC President Cocoy finally tied the knot with long-time boyfriend, Marvin Patawaran. MSC have known this couple for quite sometime already after frequent encounters at the Amorin residence on special family gatherings.

The Wedding was held at the OLHRP church and MSC was invited to sing during the Holy Mass. We began our rehearsals for this event weeks ago. We even conducted extra practice days for this so we can be fully confident with our songs.

Reception followed at the Sulo Hotel in Quezon City. Food was great! The Emcee was fantastic with his funny antics and gimmicks to liven up the Wedding Party. There were other singers too that added more flair to the occasion as well as a couple who offered a vibrant ballroom dance number! One of the best part at the reception was the Photobooth where guests were encouraged to give their most glamorous poses to the camera, complete with hats and props, that would instantly be printed. Voila! An instant souvenir for all the attendees!   

Special thanks to the newly weds! Congratulations and God bless your new life as husband and wife!

Do I hear wedding bells ringing for another Amorin Lady? Let's just wait and see...

THE UGLY DUCKLING

I got wind that there is a new act in town. The famous fable " The Ugly Duckling" is being brewed for theater very soon. And MSC is proud that one of our members, Karesse Marzan (SOPRANO) is part of it! I am not informed about her role but it feels great for MSC that she was able to get through the grueling auditions to win the part.

Just recently, the cast members went to perform and promote their musical play at "Umagang Kay Ganda". Karesse was there next and at par with her fellows who are already familiar faces in our local entertainment industry. 

WAY TO GO, KARESSE!!!

MSC is very proud of you!

And as the theater people say...

"BREAK A LEG!"  

MSC SINGS AT THE FEAST AGAIN!

On August 15, MSC was invited to sing for the Mass Service at SM Valenzuela. Although only a few members came for it was a Sunday, the choir did pretty good!

Many attended last Sunday's Feast. Mostly from the youth sector. Somehow this tells me that we are definitely on the right track, thank GOD!

ATE MARIT'S SHORT BUT MEANINGFUL HOMECOMING

What a joy that I belonged to a choir which is composed mostly of family and close friends! Ate Marit (ALTO, alum), my cousin came back to the Philippines from the U.S. after more than a decade. She wanted to be part of the 25th Feast day Celebration of her sister, Ate Yoyo also an MSC Alum (SOPRANO). She was greeted by the warm smiles, tears of joy and tight hugs from her family at the NAIA. Also present to welcome her back was another one of  OUR cousins, Ate Bhing (ALTO, alum). 

My apologies for not really knowing the accurate dates of all that happened in Ate Marit's homecoming, but  all I know is that it was a BLAST! With the limited time she had here, she managed to attend to all her "Balikbayan Chores"  including successfully organizing the MSC Grand Reunion! (please see previous blog about MSC Grand Reunion).  

That is how great Ate Marit is. To her peers and choirmates of her generation, she may have a very commanding aura but her love for her family, friends and MSC never fails to amaze! Thank you, Ate Marit for being one of the strong pillars that held MSC to its feet till now.

THE MAYSAN SENIOR CHOIR GRAND REUNION

Until now, I am still humbled by the fact that I am part of a choir that has been around for almost 40 years now. And it is indeed an honor to be the one teaching the members of this present generation.

On July, 2010, the first ever batch of MSC had a grand reunion which officially was started through a Thanksgiving Mass held at the newly renovated Maysan Chapel. This was the place where the people of Maysan started noticing the musical prowess of the Maysan Choir then. The mass was officiated by two of the priests who were such believers of MSC, Fr. Rolly Ang and my cousin Father Jigs Orcino. 

I used to just tag along as a kid with my cousin Ate Marit (ALTO),  who is one of the great pillars of the group. Before, all i ever wanted was to get a better view of the mass proceedings for the choir was placed on a loft above everybody else. But then, it grew on me and I started to gain interest in singing and music itself. I don't just go to the loft to get a good view of what's beneath me but I wanted to SING as well! And the rest is history...  

Anyways, the real dinner party followed after the Holy Mass at the Maysan Barangay Hall. Just a five-minute walk from the Maysan Chapel where the food was overwhelmingly abundant. There was a video presentation of memoirs of the group's highlights. Everyone was laughing and reminiscing. Hugging and kissing. Everyone was somehow thankful to be part of this legendary group. It was a memorable, fun-filled night indeed...

A PRELUDE TO ATE BHING'S HOMECOMING

Not to brag or anything, but it was already planned several months ago that my sister, Pam (SOPRANO, alum) is to visit our cousin, Ate Bhing (ALTO) in Melbourne, Australia for a few weeks of R&R. ( I wonder when my turn  would be?...ahaha!)

Anyway, both my close "Ates" toured practically the whole continent of Australia. One state, plane ride and crowd after another. Then celebrated Ate Bhing's Birthday there on June 13. She doesn't  get to party with us anymore on her birthday since she already migrated down under. And this was perfect! She had Ate Pam to celebrate her birthday with her there.

Then they went back home to the Philippines together so that Ate Bhing could attend to Sister Yoyo's 25th Feastday and the Grand MSC reunion. And most importantly, so that Ate Bhing would be able to see her family and close friends again. Kuya Carlos, Ate Bhing's hubby, followed a couple of days after.  

ATE BHING'S RETURN

Ate Bhing was back in the Philippines for a few days of vacay this time with the love of her life, Kuya Carlos! It is always nice seeing her reunite with her long-time friends especially the ones she really had gotten close with in MSC. A few clubbings and eating outs, a trip to Cebu and Singapore made up her entire vacation which was simply worth it. 

A few months of saving up and we'll be surprised to see her here again in no time!  

3-IN-1 BOYS UNITE!

After the affair at the Daughters of Saint Paul Convent in Pasay (and a traffic violation), we headed for coffee at Tomas Morato Avenue, QC to unwind and evaluate our most recent gig.

The 3-in-1 boys finally had their wishes come true at last, after months of clammoring to go back to Starbucks and hang out! No more 3-in-1 for Jaypee (BASS) this time, though! (ahaha!).  After landing a great job at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Ortigas, he'd probably afford to buy coffee for all of us now!   

CONGRATULATIONS, EVERYONE!

For a job well done at the Convent!

SISTER YOYO'S SILVER JUBILEE

On June 26, 2010, Sr. Yolanda Dionisio, celebrated her 25th Feast day as a nun at the Queen of Apostles Sanctuary (Daughters of Saint Paul).

How time flies, I realise, as I was trying to construct this entry. How twenty-five years ago, I used to spend a whole lot of time with Ate Yolly (as we, her cousins call her then). I would go to her place everyday after school and  practically stay there the whole afternoon. As a kid, I would have my lunch there, complete with shower, napping, the joyrides on their jeep or pick-up truck where ever, and even feeding their pet pigs and other livestocks. 

After a time, to a child's mind, for me it was as if she just disappeared! I never got to see her again. Little did I know that as we were hanging out fine together, she was already in for a calling that would change her life forever!

I remember going to this place in Pasay, where there were lots of ladies with their hair covered with blue veil. Much like the nuns I see in school except that the ones at school wore veils colored black! It was there that I found out, that Ate Yolly became a nun! 

And now after 25 years, MSC had the honor of being invited to this important day in Sister Yoyo's life. We sang for her at her Thanksgiving Mass which was attended by her whole Daughters of Saint Paul family and her invited friends and loved ones outside the convent. 

It is really admiring how people like them chose to spend their whole lives praying and serving the Lord...  I pray that my choir would have this same devotion in serving God in our own way...   

MSC SUMMER 2010 PART 7

THE TRADITIONAL PITT STOP(S)

SUBIC

MSC chose to go up north this year, 2010. Apparently, the next neighboring province is Olongapo City where the SUBIC Naval Base (now named SUBIC Bay, SBMA) is at.  MSC was in for a lot of opportunities to get to appreciate this sophisticated province!

The former American Military Base was transformed into a modern, tourist-friendly City after the Americans left the provinces, Pampanga (where the Clark Air Field was) and Olongapo City at the onset of the Mount Pinatubo eruption. Even nature had its own way of getting rid of overstaying guests! But I must say that it is truly admiring to see how the people behave here. How they manage to maintain their cleanliness and discipline. And  I would like to believe that the Americans had a lot to do with it.

For me, it was priceless to see our younglings' reactions whenever they see the giant bats clinging on tree branches and even soaring with their talons stretched widely, flying across the Olongapo skies and the monkeys that freely roam along the roadsides to and from Bataan. Even the lush forests that line the face of the mountains of Olongapo was simply astonishing. But most especially, the Duty Free shopping places and Gimmick spots.

One stop was at the Royal SUBIC mall in SUBIC Bay. The place to be when you're looking for stuff to give out as "pasalubongs" and PX goods at very reasonable prices... 

JOLLIBEE NLEX

With sufficient funds left in our group budget, the pack decided to make another stopover at a gas station along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) bound to Manila for bathroom breaks and to grab a bite at Jollibee!   

MSC had the ultimate adventure this year. And the elders will not stop to think of other things that would help rev up the group spirit even more for next year.

MSC SUMMER 2010 PART 6

The group was fortunate for we were the last clients the resort would take in. We had the whole resort for ourselves! And we didn't have to clear out the place too quickly.

It was time to go... But not without a few traditional group shots dedicated to all those who helped out make this Summer Excursion possible.  

THANK YOU, SPONSORS AND FRIENDS OF MSC!!!

GOD BLESS YOU!

MSC SUMMER 2010 PART 5

I woke up at the sound of the ocean waves not far away from our rented villa. I automatically went straight to the beach, checked on the group to make sure everyone is OK and stopped to appreciate the breezy morning. The water surprisingly ate up most of the shoreline because of the changing tides that with only a few strides, my feet were already drenched by the briny, cool water. 

Some were swimming. By the looks of their tanned skin, I realized that they have swam for quite a while already. Some were already abusing the videoke machine, others were cooking for our breakfast and lunch and while still others chose to snooze in their beds some more. That's what this vacation is all about! A time to relax and unwind! A "do-whatever-you-want" kind of way!

Breakfast and lunch went by in a breeze for the time has come to pack up and leave... These two folks, Tito Oyet and President Cocoy, played their vital roles very well in this occasion. While everyone else is having fun, these two  were making sure that the funds were efficienly utilized and that the group is well organized and safe.  

MSC SUMMER 2010 PART 4

PARTY, DRINKS AND VIDEOKE

After an odd incident with the power supply of the resort that evening (the electricity went on and off numerous times), the delicious dinner was served! The group ate on a large banquet table, cramped, crowded but it felt like being as one family. Dinner was through the efforts of our Tito Oyet and Tita Lulu. And it was truly a knockout feast!

Afterwhich, the full and satisfied pack was serenated by a battle of the vocals by the members ourselves. Even the owners of the resort came out to witness this "Singing Death Match"!

  

But of course, after all the noise is over, and the crowd already starting to go back to their nests to rest, some of us stayed behind for the requisite drinking session and some bonding with each other. Many untold stories revealed (again??) that night.

    

MSC SUMMER 2010 PART 3

AT THE BEACH:

VOLLEYBALL:

The group took advantage of the idle volleyball court and did some vollies. It started off with just a few people, but soon enough, the others followed to watch and cheer that instantly transformed this part of the beach into a sports arena!

The CRUZ BROTHERS indeed showed the choir the whole new meaning of playing hardcore volleyball with their skillful, sporty moves!

Funny moments followed like tripping and falling into the sand face down, chasing the ball to the far reaches of the shore and even the capturing of the shots in their not so glamorous poses (as shown in the pics) which are simply priceless!

 PICTURE! PICTURE! GROUP SHOTS AND JUMPS!nd-spree with all the poses these people could possibly think of!