FLASHBACK: MSC MEETS FR. GBOI SAMONTE

A couple of years ago, MSC was invited to sing at the Regina Carmeli College in Malolos, Bulacan for a "Special Occasion" Mass. There, MSC met Fr. Gboi Samonte. A priest famous for his many religious musical compositions and arrangements. His works with the modern touch and feel revolutionized the way choirs sing at Masses in the parishes under the Diocese of Malolos.

At one time after that blessed encounter, I received a call from him asking me if I could sing one of his compositions on his feast day where he and his parishioners have set up a mini-concert where his works will be highlighted. Who was I to turn my back on such a magnificent opportunity? So on August 26, 2005, with a couple of choir mates at my side for support, I went to St. Ildefonsus Parish in San Ildefonso, Bulacan to sing for him.

Many great opportunities came and went for MSC that I have witnessed in the long years I've been with the group. It only shows MSC members really have the talent for other people to discover and appreciate.

HEROES OR VILLAINS?

Many think of MSC as an excellent choir. We always receive great compliments from the people of OLRP. Though, a significant number also think of us as delinquents. We DO put our toes out of line sometimes... Following rules is one aspect MSC is not too familiar with . We are one heck of a rigid and impenetrable unit. It has been like this even in the past. And we make decisions and moves with the best of intentions. Especially when MSC's principles are at stake.

Whether we are good or bad, friend of foe in your eyes,

YOU DECIDE...

TATAY BOYET

THIS PHOTO IS EDITED. ANOTHER PRODUCT OF PHOTOSHOP. THE MAGAZINE BRAND REALLY EXISTS THOUGH...

I don't know how it started. I just realized that I'm one of those who treat this guy as "tatay". Fortunately, Tatay Boyet doesn't have any complains about it.

Now, his so-called children in MSC are growing in numbers. And I, who was once the youngest of his little "MSC family" is now one of the old ones! Actually, I think the OLDEST one at that!

I could not imagine MSC without all the privileges he, his wife Tita Melody (MSC Alumnus) and his entire family have generously given to us for so long now! The free rides on every gimmick and the free treats that go along with it each and every time. For a time, his place became the official headquarters of MSC especially during the Christmas and Lenten seasons.

Tatay Boyet is truly one of the big (muscled) pillars of MSC!

JUST ANOTHER CRAZY IMAGINATION

I was quite in a photoshop(ish) mood when I made this. I just got so inspired after seeing the photos shot by the late FRANCIS M. in his blogsite! I'm not much into photography but I can certainly manipulate photos (for the sake of art).

I call this a representation of MSC moving on to the future and ever progressing!...

KEEPING UP WITH THE TIMES!

EVENING REHEARSALS

I remember growing up as a neophyte of MSC, attending the regular weekly rehearsals under the supervision of the legendary Sir Roni Verga. It was done usually in the evening when most members come either from work or school. In my case, I was either coming from school or from a gimmick!

That is why when we scheduled an evening rehearsal recently, it sort of brought me down memory lane. It was like this: seeing my older co-members, rehearsing, being scolded at, once in a while and then go on for gimmick afterwards. Like eating at a nearby 24-hour "lugawan". Moreso, bringing Sir Roni to his Quezon City house is already a gimmick for me in those days.

Practices were difficult before. The big OLHRP church was still in its young construction phase. We had to bring out the heavy church organ from a stockroom and then return it once we're done rehearsing everytime for security purposes, that is. The church literally, barely had walls then!

That time, the feeling was impersonal. I felt practices were a chore. And the thought of being with my MSC co-members instead of my school peers is really a drag! But eventually, everything turned around quite significantly in my life. And I started enjoying the rehearsals. The responsibility and commitment that goes with being a TRUE-BLOODED MSC!

These days, we get to practice at night if we're a bit in a hurry to finish learning a music sheet and perfect it for a certain commitment, task or what have you. Since Meanne's wedding is just around the corner (May 2), we needed to find more ways to make our availability work out for us.

So far, I don't hear any backing-out from my members about the schedules like the way I used to... (ahaha!) ☺