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!

HANGING 'ROUND THE HUT

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

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.

MANGO MANIA

At Tito Boyet's place, MSC had the privilege of holding our rehearsals for two consecutive days (Maundy Thursday and Good Friday). There was an "Indian" mango tree at the front yard. It was a bumper crop!

THE GAME IS ON! -- LENTEN SEASON TRADITIONS

Today is Good Friday. This is the day when Catholics commemorate and reflect on the Death of Jesus Christ. Probably this is one of the busiest season for MSC as we prepare a whole lot of songs for the Easter Vigil tomorrow night, Black Saturday. Most of the songs chosen for the line-up during this season are always the hardest. More difficult than Christmas Songs if you ask me. The extra rehearsal days is a tradition in itself! Since most of us are on vacation during this time, MSC always schedules rehearsals more than once during the Holy Week. And it gets tiring everytime.

But in spite of the agonizing throat-pain most members feel because of too much singing, any discomfort wears away instantly the moment you share good food with your MSC buddies. The traditional "patola and sardines in miswa", the early members of MSC have handed down on us is always the perfect choice on the menu. The ultimate MSC Lent comfort food!

Yes, we could be extravagant with food. But I guess this is the perfect opportunity to go down to the basics and be humble with our food as we recollect on the biblical things that transpired thousands of years ago in Calvary.

During this season, family or otherwise, we have many traditions. But MSC has a whole different set of traditions that we particularly do only in this season. And my only wish is that it lives on for generations to come!

Special thanks to Tatay Boyet and Tita Melody for accommodating us and taking care of lunch!