THE LOSS OF A MATRIARCH

Just a few days after New Year, while all the people in this country are still in their holiday hangovers, the Matriarch of the Que family left to reunite with her creator. I am talking of Mrs. Ester Payumo Macam also known as Nanay Ester or simply "Nanay" to close friends of the Macam-Que Family. 

(Nanay Ester with granddaughter Ikang) 

Nanay lived a full life. She wasn't at all a perfect mother. But the results of her hard labor and dedication to her family paid off by just looking at the outcome of how her nine children have grown to be such good, kind and compassionate people. She was never selfish and always ready to help and show her love to her children and the others that love her.

In these times of mourning, We pray for the Que-Macam Family to be strong to face the difficulty of coping with the loss of a very important loved-one. But as consolation, we must also remember that the Lord has already taken away all the hurt Nanay was feeling during her times of affliction. And she will forever be in the midst of glory in heaven.

Nanay, you will surely be missed... 

JANUARY BREAK AGAIN?

I found out recently that the choir won't be serving, again this month at the OLHRP church! Disappointing but then, it will also be a perfect opportunity for the members to have fellowship to deepen the relationships with one another.

Furthermore, i am more concerned of the trainings that we will be able to do since we have all the time in the world this month.

Just the same... what a way to start the year.....

Aside from the fact that I haven't been active in the blogging department for quite a while, MSC hasn't been in the Church scene for almost two months now. This is due to the implementation of some church officials of their own version of a means of "MOTIVATION" for all of those who serve OLHRP (note the irony!).

This thing that has been happening is actually bothering me, big time!

Because of this, MSC seems to have lost its touch. The members have been in a state of dormancy that I'm urgently praying that it would pass at the soonest possible time! 

FEAST VALENZUELA'S FIRST ANNIVERSARY

On July 24, THE FEAST Community celebrated the birthday of its newest "baby" chapter at SM Hypermarket, Valenzuela City.

The Valiantz, named after the Valenzueleños (residents of Valenzuela City), attended with full enthusiasm and zeal! My MSC was also present to support! Apparently, we weren't assigned to sing for the Holy Mass that time but nonetheless, they were still there to witness this victorious event! 

  

It is always fun to serve the Lord in whatever means it may be. I happened to belong to the Music Ministry of the Feast for some time now and some of its other members are from MSC as well. It takes a lot of time to practice and perfect the songs and sometimes we wrap up very late during rehearsal nights! But in spite of the hard work and the conflicts during the rehearsals, there is always an air of excitement whenever we are there together to sing!

One of the highlights of the July 24th Anniversary event was the special message of guest speaker and over-all Leader of THE FEAST community, Bro. Bo Sanchez. Sources say that he was very much enthused by the turn out of the crowd! He was very pleased to see that faithfuls from the youth sector dominated the place! I even saw him smiling at us when we were singing as he was being cued to come up on stage.

Overall, the event was a success! The airconditioning system of SM Cinema 1 even failed to suffice! A scenario that I only witness whenever I watch pay-per-view Pacquiao Fights or really much anticipated movie sequels! But now, people really came out to support THE FEAST. Whether they were there out of curiosity, or it was a geniune display of faith is totally beyond me. All I'm certain of is that they were there because God ALLOWED them to be there.  

  

I wish to say that being at THE FEAST every Sunday is NOT an obligation. Not an extra-chore that we all have to be burdened of. It is a chance for us Christians to learn more about Jesus Christ. A chance to realize that there are a lot more things beyond what we know about being Christians! And most especially, realize Jesus' ULTIMATE plan for us...

SALVATION.

NO SHOW, NO SERVICE

I can't believe my eyes as I read a text message I received from a co-member and officer of MSC saying that my choir won't be having any scheduled service at our church for three whole months! Apparently, the choir's officers failed to attend the latest of the monthly meetings so the higher ups decided to suspend us from service as punishment.

The feeling was overwhelmingly disappointing for me! Has the OLHRP leaders lost their wits? How can they give good governance to the people who unselfishly give their time to serve while they bask on implementing punishments rather than encouragement?? And how where they able to put up people to govern the Church with crappy mindsets??

All the while, I thought that my choir's long standing reputation of being the most rebellious amongst all the other choirs in this parish has long been forgotten. But somehow, after hearing this news, it tells me that it has never been erased after all.  It's just waiting to emerge once again. It's like having a curse of constant persecution.

Honestly, my patience is already wearing thin. And my bitterness towards these people who constantly bring us down is growing at a rate unimaginable. I may not be able to withstand persecution anymore. Can anybody help?  

Oh and yes, the notice of the alleged meeting where we failed to send representatives to, also FAILED to get to us.

THE BLOGGER'S ACCIDENT

The night of May 26, 2011, was the most unforgettable moment I have ever experienced in the 35 years of my existence in this world!

I had a friend who visited me that night. Had a couple of drinks at the Hilario's Sizzlers Garden area. When we were finished, I closed the gates, locked them and walked on home. Then I realized I forgot my wallet in the garden and I had to get it. With no spare keys to let me in the garden again through the gates, I had no choice but to climb the fence to get inside, which I already did a couple of times before. It was a success! I got inside and got the darn wallet and started to climb back the fence to get out. 

Then it happened! I slipped... It was all a blur. A succession of events that ended my arm skewed on one of the sharp, flat bars that rowed the whole length of the fence! With all the strength I could muster, I unskewed myself and started thinking on what to do next. I called on Jesus that night as if the sun won't shine on me again ever!!! I believe that He provided me with the presence of mind to do what is right that night! And I felt calm and peaceful in spite of the pain which is already starting to surge my brain.  

All bloodied and trousers torn (which I don't recall why that happened), I ran along the streets, got into a tricycle and told (pleaded?) the driver to bring me to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment. I called my Brother whom he was with other close MSC friends and family that night, on the way. They got to the hospital as fast as they could and decided that they transfer me to MCU hospital.

There, I had the nightmare of nightmares! The cleaning of the lacerated skin and underneath, the anaesthesia injections, multiple stitches and sutures for my two BIG wounds! Something I only see on TV especially during New Years! And I repeatedly asked myself, "what have I gotten myself into, again?". The pain was so intense that I felt as if I was going to die. Fortunately, my brother, Arnel, my Tito Larry de Guzman (BASS) and Ryan de Guzman (TENOR) were all there at my side for support. Their hands even served as my squeeze ball during that whole process.

Actual Picture of my injured arm

I was admitted and confined for close observation of the wounds and was discharged 2 days after. 

Now, my stitches are healing. I'm starting to act and feel normal again after two weeks of medications and close monitoring for possible infections (it wasn't a clean wound to start with). Hopefully no adverse and untoward effects would occur. 

Me, after 4 days ☺

Thank you, Lord for saving me. Praise You always for being my ever present help!  

THE MAROON 5 EXPERIENCE

On May the 23th, I and a bunch of cousins and friends from Parañaque met at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia to partake on a once in a lifetime experience! It was at The Maroon 5 Live in Manila Concert!

You would probably wonder how the heck we ended up experiencing this...

Adam Levine, Carlo Santiago and James Valentine

It stared off as a simple friendship between James Valentine, lead guitarist of Maroon 5 and my US-based nephew, Carlo. It was in a Music Summer Camp when James Valentine fell in love with a bright and talented little boy who dreamt of becoming a great musician someday...

Afflicted with a rare type of cancer, Carlo was not able to truly devote himself too much on his guitar lessons. But James found great determination from this young fellow and was deeply moved. James would visit him in the hospital and Carlo would almost immediately forget all the pain due to his disease and medications. They became real buddies! When Carlo had no scheduled treatments and is out of the hospital, he'd get to come by James' house too for more lessons...

Carlo eventually reunited with God at age nine. It was a few months before Maroon 5's Asian tour. The  strong bonds between the band and Carlo's family lived on. My cousin Toni, Carlo's mother, now based in Hongkong managed to get 16 gold tickets courtesy of James! What a friendship! We got to meet them face to face too!

  

The SMX was packed!!! According to some reviews, the band was spectacular!!! and I must say that it was indeed a KNOCKOUT!

It wasn't just a concert. It was an EXPERIENCE OF EPIC PROPORTIONS if you ask me.

Some performers rely on stage lights and special effects. But this one... it's PURE TALENT! They had their special way of making the crowd feel that they are part of the act. They make sure the crowd participates. Adam (band frontman) even complemented us, Filipinos as melodic by nature. 

We were just a few steps from the stage and we could easily squeeze ourselves in nearer if we wanted to, but we chose to be a little more behaved that night. We even wore themed shirts so that the band would recognize us as Carlo's family and friends!

If it wasn't for lack of time and the undeniable distance between Parañaque and Valenzuela, we would have had an after-concert party in honor of Carlo whom we all owe this very memorable opportunity...

CLEAN LIVING

I was recently alarmed when I heard the news that one of MSC's premiere member Oyet de Galicia suffered a heart attack while at work and was rushed to the hospital and put in the Intensive Care Unit for three days. 

Through the help of text messaging and facebook, MSC members were able to communicate with each other regarding Oyet's current ordeal and were able to make a prayer campaign for his quick recovery. Sure enough, our prayer was answered! Although still a bit weak, he is now recovering and out of the ICU getting ready for discharge a few days from now. Thank God!

Now, I call on my MSC for a paradigm shift! Let us all try to control our urges for unhealthy foods, vises and habits! I think leading a healthy lifestyle is the key for a longer and more producive life. Hopefully we won't have to recieve another urgent news like that in the near future!  

BARANGAY MAYSAN FIESTA 2011

The humble town of Maysan celebrates its Fiesta on May 11 every year. The prominent people of Maysan usually surface out during this time, making sure that everything about the fiesta celebration is in order. Some sadly goes out for campaign purposes but it is always a relief to know that a significant number of people still helps out because of their pure intentions and their devotion to the town's patron saint.

The familiar sounds of the brass band parading around the streets of  Maysan always brings me back to the time when I was one of those who make the street flags and decours that brighten up the town during fiesta season.

According to some sources, the earlier members of MSC always help out to prop up the church during the Maysan Fiesta. They were present from preparation, to the singing for the High Mass, to the eating that goes after... one house after another!

Thanks to the advancement of technology and the power of advertizing, we don't have to make those painstaking signages and decorations from scratch. We just send out solicitation letters to people and businesses who are willing to sponsor for such!

I was stoked to see how the Maysan Chapel was propped up for the occasion. The picture of how the old Maysan Chapel appears in my mind's eye, is somehow slowly fading away and is gently veering me to modernity and progress. Although there were mixed reactions regarding how the old church's appearance came out after its major renovation. 

The Maysan Fiesta 2011 was a success. Cheers to the organizers. This tells me that the people of Maysan are still united when it comes to occasions like this! That they are always ready to set aside their other tasks to participate in the celebration whatever and however they can.

THE MSC BLOG BANNER AND AMERICAN IDOL

I've been maintaining this blog site for the past two years and I've never been so proud of this banner that I've created which is American Idol inspired (don't want to really copy the whole thing!).  This is due to my following to the latest season of American Idol. Last time I got so obsessed with AI was during David Cook's season.

Weird enough, this obsession wasn't actually about any particular contestant but because of Idol's new roster of judges. Yes, Simon Cowell was a big loss for Idol but the thing is, I'm actually appreciating Steven Tyler's critique in the competition. I know he had his share of naughtiness in the past as a wild rockin' musician. And for sure his reputation wasn't at all that perfect. But because of his long time experience in the music industry, plus the fact that he did a lot of real great songs, his comments somehow show me of his well earned respect and credibility!  

Hopefully, I did justice to the banner. So there.  

SUMMER GOAL

So how can a person this BIG ↑, 

be this ↓???

Is there some kind of drug or fitness regimen to achieve this kind of a makeover? Summer 2011 is just around the corner and I've been slaving away with the painstaking daily jogging at the nearby private cemetery but I haven't really appreciated BIG results! I don't want to have another appoinment to Mr. Adobe Photoshop to edit away those bulges that undeniably register on the pics.  But I'm happy that whatever Cha-cha (BASS) is doing... he's certainly on the right track! 

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? 



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!) ☺ 

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.

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.

MSC UNDER THE NEW LEADERSHIP

I had the chance to sit and chat with the newly elected MSC President and Vice last Sunday after our weekly breakfast routine at Hilario's sizzlers together with some of the elders of the group.

There I also heard of their apprehensions about the responsibilities that has been put on their shoulders. The elders were there to give them the necessary encouragements they desperately needed. Jaypee, our new president found his voice and announced some of his plans for the group. Very big plans if you ask me. He plans of having other activities for the Lenten season and summer. He also reported of his vision of trying to enhance the growth of our group fund so we could be able to spend it on activities that would put balance to the choir's "all-work-and-no-play" dilemma. Glady on the other hand is giving her full support for her president who is also her good friend.

Being a leader has its share of good and tough times. What's important is they fulfill all the duties at hand until the very end of their term. Rest assured that the members, especially the elders of the group will always be behind all their future endeavors for MSC.