Of Beaches and Manhood

Dalawa lang ang familiar activities kapag Sabado de Gloria, either araw para mag picnic or magpatuli. Ewan ko ba. Family bonding ang Black Saturday eversince. Sanay na ako na uuwi ang mga pinsan ko at ibang relatives every Holy Week para sa swimming na gaganapin kapag Sabado nga. Sabi ni Mama kaya naman daw araw ng tuli kapag Sabado de Gloria eh kasi dati sa ilog tinutulian ang mga batang lalaki at maliligo muna bago ang circumcision, para daw malambot yung balat.
Quidquid! Ang mahalaga lang naman talaga yung experience of bonding as a family. Ang maganda kasi sa ganitong tradition you are able to see the two parties as one family; yung side ni Mama ko at yung side ng Tatay ko parang iisa lang. Lumaki ako na hindi sila distinguished. Paano si Ate Marilyn ninang ng mga anak ni Kuya Jojo at si Ate Jerlyn naman ninang ni Tetet na anak ni kuya Kenneth. Ang mga pinsan ko sa side ni Mama mga ninang ng mga anak ng pinsan ko sa side ni Papa. Oh di ba ok.? Kapag naglulutuan at nagkukuwentuhan ang mga tita ko magkakausap si Lola, si Mama, si tita Amor, si Tita Sonia, at si Tita Linda kaya akala mo isang clan lang pero si Tita Sonia kapatid ni Mama at si Lola ang Mama ni Papa.
Makikita mo lang ang difference pag kantahan na. Sa family kasi ni Mama, bihira ang may giftedness sa singing unlike Lola, Papa, Kuya Kenneth, Kuya Jojo and my Sis Joanne. Lahat ang mga ito kumakanta.
I was able to see them united outside the bounds of Black Saturday hype, and that was when I graduated in College. Naandun si Tita Amor at Tita Sonia but wala na si Lola siyempre patay na sial ni Papa eh. And people just don't know how much happiness I felt during that moment.
Well, hindi lang ang family ang nagbo-bonding kapag swimming Saturdays. Nariyan rin ang tropa. Ang mnga walang sawang barkada na hindi enough ang isang araw to be sufficed. Hmm.. kanina nga dumaan sila Edison sinasama ako sa family niya para sa of course picnic.

I wish that this tradition will never die. And I hope that I can buy a video camera soon as in SOON. kasi naman, hindi ako maka pagupload ng mga videos kapag may ganitong magagandang eksena. people wants to treasure memories. Ang suwerte natin kasi puwede na nating gawin yung hindi nagawa ng mga sinaunang tao, na mabalikan muli yung mga Sabado de Gloria na nagouting sila as one family. Ngayon puwede na itong ma-video at ma-upload sa facebook.

How about tuli? Puwede na nga kaya itong i-upload? Haha... hindi papayag ang mga batang tinulian kasi may pride yan. Makikita ng mga magiging gf niya in the futrue na umiiyak siya noong tinulian siya. Parang hindi Man.

Thank God It's Good Friday

What seem to be the most tragic day of human history turned out to be a day of liberation for all of us... Enough to call it Good


I know it is not Sunday yet... but this one is written so we can focus on the lessons we need to learn from the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.

I attended the Veneration of the Cross just as every Catholic Christian should do. One of the longest Gospel Reading is of today. Still the San Pablo choir did quite well the reading---they sang it. it took less than an hour listening to Gospel alone. Imagine the Gospel of John chapters 18-19 and that was sang. The choir sang it very reverently and almost flawless, I said almost. I was touched by the richness of our liturgy and of how the cross was unveiled; how the Gospel was sung; how the homily was delivered; how the prayers of the faithful was organized; and how the people of the Lord occupied the entire San Pablo Cathedral. My seatmate almost collapsed due to the lack of ventilation and overcrowding. I was there enjoying every bit of how the liturgy flows. The celebration is centered on the cross. 400 years of executing criminals allowed the Phoenicians to perfect and master the best way of torturing an individuals and I said as far as their time is concerned, nailing a person on the cross is the best way to torture a criminal. Jesus experienced the most hostile way of human torture during those time. He was a criminal in the sight of the Jewish people. That in exchange for the life of Barabbas, He was killed. And you know that you, your loved ones, me... we are Barabbas. In exchange of our lives, Jesus freely accepted the death on the cross.

Different Approaches of Crucifixion

What does the cross mean for Jesus?
= A sign of His love. A bridge to connect us to His father. the greatest act of a friend.

What does the cross mean for John?
= Reception. Receiving a new mission. Receiving a Mother. Receiving a home. Receiving Mary.

What does the cross mean for Mary Magdalene?
= Recovery. A testament of her new life. A testament of being saved.

What does the cross mean for the repentant thief?
= A gate pass to paradise. A vehicle to heaven. The only way to meet his forgiveness. The only chance to change the reason for living. Before, he was living to steal material things... Now he is begging to receive heavenly treasure.

What does the cross mean for the soldier who speared Jesus?
= A new sight. The fountain of life. The fulfillment of prophecy. The respect for ones' body.

What does the cross mean to you?

and I say again

What does the cross mean to you?


http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID26882/images/jesus_on_the_cross.jpg

How Important is Song Choice

Naalala ko nung time na tinanong ako ni Aljon tungkol sa song na dapat niyang kantahin, I wasn't able to give him a concrete advice kasi hirap akong hanapan siya ng tamang kanta na appropriate sa boses niya. Matagal nayun pero until now I feel guilty sa kinalabasan ng competition niya. I belieev one great factor sa pagkapanalo at pagkatalo ng mga alaga ng vocal coaches ay ang pagpili ng kanta.
I never fail to watch the American Idol SEASON 9 and so far pinaka matatag n acomment ng mga judges ang song choices ng mga contestants. napakahalaga na makapili sila ng tamang kanta para sa personalidad nila. Partikular dito si Kara DioGuardi. Gusto niya maging yung istorya ng kanta parallel sa pinagdadaanan ng contestant. There are so many songs in the world at halos lahat yun pwedeng kantahin ng isang taong unguided pa sa music career niya. There is a danger of trying every songs you hear with or without you knowing if it suits you or not and this is true with beginners. It has become my fear with 9 to 10 yeare old singer aspirants. Pero through the process of elimination maaari nating makita kung ano ang puwede at hindi puwede sa kanila.
Mahalaga na makita ng vocal coach kung hanggang saan ang range ng boses ng bata at hanapan siya ng tamang kanta na babagay at kakayanin ng bata depende sa edad, paghinga, at contest na sasalihan. it is good to experiment pero walang tatalo sa exact choices ng mentor dahil siya talaga ang nakakaalam ng capacity ng singer.
At the end of the day nasa mga judges pa rin ang desisyon kung bumagay nga ba ang kanta sa bata. Don't take it as a personal fault on our part coaches. Walang iisang science ang voice techniques mayroon lang isang prosesong sinusunod at yun ay ang trial and error process. With a right relationship with your trainee magiging magaan ang pagharap ninyo sa prosesong ito

Disappointments

Bihira lang sumama ang loob ko, bihira ring mainis. lagi nga daw ako nakangiti eh... smiling teeth ika nga nila. Naniniwala ako sa kasabihang In the absence of big things, small things becomes big to small minds... at dahil I have a great mind wow ⎝⏠⏝⏠⎠ hindi ako mabilis mainis sa mga simpleng bagay lang.

Pero kapag nagsunod sunod ang mga maliliit na kainis, kahit siguro matinong tao maiinis rin naman. Bakit ba walang nagsabi sa akin na noong Sunday pa pala ang graduation nila Shaira. Akala ko ngayon. i promised her na hindi ako mawawala. Grabe! Talagang sumama angloob ko realizing na hindi ako nakaattend. Tapos nagsusnod sunod na ang mga bad day troubles. I really had a bad day ang I hope tomorrow everything's gonna be alright.

I should have written down the list of things thta disappoints me pero mukhang wala ako sa tamang disposisyon to write about that. here are some things you can do to ease the feelings of disappointments.

1. try to listen to a jazz or a dancable progressive or electronic music.

2. Cook your favorite dish

3. Try to edit the photo of your love in photoshop or yung kabaligtaran someone yu hate and make it katawatawa.

4. try to read a book that delights you from time to time
sa akin yung mga libro ni Bob Ong ok na ako.

Attachments

Today, the fifth year death anniversary ni kuya Mike... parang kailan lang pumunta kami ni Mama sa mga pinsan ko para makiramay and now it's been five years after.

Can I congratulate Stacy for a job well done... graduate na rin siya sa wakas and a sign that I am not getting any younger. Today is her 21st birthday. Isa na siguro ito sa pinakamasaya niyang birthday kasi tapos na siya ng college. The hardest part of the graduation day is when you realize you have to leave a lot. The younger attitude you have to put aside, the irresponsibility, the immaturity, lahat yan pati na yung mga tindera sa P. Naval at yung mga lumot sa lumang building ng UST... lahat yun iiwan mo na.

As I began reflecting after seeing the pins na tinatanggal ni Stacy sa hood ng toga niya, narealize ko na talagang ang hirap maatach and then let go. Ang hirap talaga at kapag mali ang process maaari kang matusok ng pin. Sabi nga ng isang graduate, ang attachment parang pinggang babasagin. Alam mo yun? Pag nabasag yung pinggan na ang tagal niyo nang ginagamit parang may part sa puso mo nawala bigla. It is like watching a TV series na kapag natapos masisira yung routine ng buhay mo kasi may kulang na. Attachments make us complete but when all gone leaves us half empty.

I can't be attached to a material thing because it banishes. I can't be too attach with relationships because they tend to be perishing though the feelings may remain, theperson can't be here forever with you. Ang sarap nga namn daw grumadweyt pero napakahirap ng letting go kapag na-attach ka sa mga bagay na naging pangkaraniwan na lang sa college life mo.

The King and the Denials

This Sunday, we are invited by the Scripture repertoire to reflect on the passion of our lord Jesus. As a stage and music director, I am always dreaming of portraying the passion narrative into stage act. I know many are also fond of watching it on screen or even on sinakulos in front of the Church. But more than being a spectator, we are called to be identified as somebody present in the event and by that we will reflect on the lessons that Jesus wants to teach us. Here are the readings;


INTRO GOSPEL Matthew 21:1-11
FIRST READING Isaiah 50:4-7
PSALM Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24
SECOND READING Philippians 2:6-11
GOSPEL Matthew 26:14 - 27:66

Commentary

In the sufferings of Jesus, there is a common denominator I kept on hearing as it reverberates on my mind. I believe that the nuclear component of the Passion of Our Lord is the denial he received from different people and situations.

First, Jesus was denied of obedience. Always remember that for us Catholics the suffering begins with the Agony in the Garden patterned after the Rosary. In Gethsemane, Jesus requested the apostles to stay awake but their fleshes are weak. Let us Pray.

"Lord we have a tendency to be asleep and unalert.
There is a tendency for us to be stubborn and dis-
obedient to your will. Show us your perfect will so
that we will not fall into your permissive will and so
to avoid temptations in the future"

Second, Jesus was denied of company and association. I have experienced to be denied by my classmates and imagine how much suffering it is for Jesus being denied by His best friend. Peter denied Jesus not just once but three times. During the time that Jesus really needs a friend, Peter wasn't there and only the beloved disciple was there with Mary. When my father died, I really need a friend to cheer me up. When I came home from Manila after I learned about my father's death my best friend was already there cooking. He assisted my family even before I came home. I was consoled with the presence of my friend but Jesus saw his friends running away one by one. Peter's denial is just too much. Let us Pray

"Lord, make us never leave you.
We want to be by Your side all
the days of our lives. bestow unto
us the gift to stand in your Word
and be firm to it. This we ask
through Christ our Lord. Amen"

Third, Jesus was denied of an hones and fair trial. I took up Philippine Government and Jurisprudence under Mrs. Aurora Mantele and every law students should know that the most mocked and dirtiest trial was that of Jesus'. He was prejudged even before the trial. The Sanhedrin must convene in the Sanhedrin hall but the tried Jesus in Annas' house and the trial was done 3:00am in the morning. No one in his right mind will hold a trial for an accused before dawn. Jesus was denied of a counsel and a personal witness. Jesus was brought to Pilate and just when we thought it is lawful that he be under the mercy of the governor who represents Roman authority, it was not. Pilate was under pressure of the religious leaders and the people and he did not decide according to legal paradigm but it was driven by fear and that is unethical.

"Lord, we pray for lawmakers and for
law enforcers and magistrates who
upholds justice. May justice and mercy
reign in our country."

In my 9 years of Christian ministry, I was able to hear a lot of stories about suffering people. I discovered and concluded that there are only two things tha make suffering very very unbearable.

1. To suffer with no reason
2. To suffer alone.

If you are in a rocky situation right now. Remmber you are suffering for a reason and you are not alone. Jesus suffered with you. If there is any assurance we can have from Jesus, it is that Jesus already walked that rocky roadyou are passing right now. There is no shortcut to heaven. Only one way, Jesus' way. if you will select the easy way, I don't think you will meet Jesus at the finish line. Because Jesus took the way of the cross. Be confident that Jesus is at the end of the road waiting for you becasue he did pass the way are crossing right now.

Afraelay Vocal Ensemble

While anticipating for the 2nd anniversary of Afraelay Vocal Ensemble, I decided to put the initial paper plans I've submitted to the sponsors and supporters of Afraelay. It is nice to be reminded over and over about the original aspirations of musical geniuses. It will always be the stance of Afraelay no matter what.

Rationale

To find people with potential skills, gather them and train them is one of the noble tasks that an artist like me has to accomplish. It has been our dream to develop persons in their chosen crafts, maximize their capacities and bring them to excellence, to make them the Philippine pride by sharing their talents not only domestically but globally. To make the international arena recognize us as one of the best nations because in here resides the bests. To bring people with skills in the limelight so they could be appreciated and find out what is more meaningful in the aesthetic domain is the aspiration that must not remain a dream.

In line with the aforementioned ideals, I intended to step one notch higher and make something to fulfill these noble ambitions. Though unequipped and supported only by courage and hope, I have dared to make a move so that the world may hear these people. I, myself, initiated the “Afraelay Vocal Ensemble” as a humble answer to the artistic demand of life. The Afraelay Vocal Ensemble opens a leeway for untrained singers, potential soloists, frustrated performers, art lovers, and alike to express themselves, show people what they have got and improve the more. It opens for them a portal to the mainstream, recording industry, purposive quest in life, and friendship. Afraelay offers an alternative outlet for the youth so that they can learn more, bond with other people, grab a once-in-a-lifetime experience to perform as a choral member and to prevent themselves in joining notorious organizations and fraternities, escape boredom, avoiding involvements into vices. On the other hand, it gives an opportunity for mature members to hone their leadership skills, discover another world far from their careers [if they are professionals but not yet choir members], and to extend their musical worlds by joining another one [if they already have a choir before].

Thus, Afraelay Vocal Ensemble is a prestigious institution by itself. It has its own goals and policies and it also has purposes which must be met so as not to frustrate the members. Afraelay Vocal Ensemble aims to give another honor for Filipinos by sharing to the world its talented sons and daughters; faithful to its project in preserving and innovating the musical culture, develop a sense of camaraderie and oneness, give an outlet for the youth, and to elevate the cultural, ethical, national, and aesthetic consciousness of the members and of the audiences.

Core Values and Principles

Compliance

To fulfill a given tasks in the right course of time and meet deadlines are both disciplines that is inculcated in the heart of every members of Afraelay. To exact the demand of the organization and the choirmasters is very crucial as a functioning member.

Credibility

No one in the world gains success with tainted reputation and dignity. Afraelay sets a better example by their believable actions and songs. Afraelay cares for the image of Filipino performers and for the image of the musical association empowering her.

Eminence

Afraelay strives to be the best. No one contended by a topsy-turvy work or performance. In as much as we want to amuse, we too are driven by the ambition to amaze and to inspire. To have a long lasting prestige and to be recognized by all artists of our time is absolutely an assignment of anyone who wishes to be an Afraelay member.

Fealty

The maintenance of faithful members who takes pride of the organization where they are in is truly an overwhelming comment that every principal conductor are waiting for. The undying service and allegiance of every member etched a flattering remark in the hearts of the organizers who enabled the Afraealay Vocal Ensemble to be what it is. The Afraelay strives to be different and incomparable to others so as to make it easier for people to distinguish its inorganic character and visions.

Patriotism/Nationalism

The love for our motherland must never be ignored if Afraelay wants to subsists forever. One of the very reason why the organizers established Afraelay is to make the dignity of Filipino artists be-known worldwide. The Afraelay has a task to compete and to perform with choral groups from different countries and culture, in this way we will promote the Filipino culture too.

Self Evaluation

Being true to ourselves and with the guidance of given measures and required standards we want to be capable of becoming the best by being responsible of ourselves. Giving the best requires internal reflection and self enhancement. The ensemble is always at work of criticizing herself and striving for improvement, she carries the burden of the members so as to be more reflexive and versatile.

Teamwork

No one can accomplish a good work by himself. It is always thru the aid of other people that we are enhanced to be better and better. Our thrust is not only for people to discover their distinct qualities as musicians and artists but also to let them acquaint with other people and establish good relationship. By these they can be in oneness and could develop camaraderie. They will find satisfaction by seeing their difference among with others and build a sense of uniformity as their primary challenge.

Zeal for Divinity

Afraelay cannot sing for herself. The choir always sings for the glory of God. We believe that it is the impersonation of the angelic hymns that we become the best. One of the assigned tasks of the groups is to do musical activities that is at the same time Godly activities. To sing during masses, carolings and other para-liturgical worships are only few vehicles for us to fulfill this primordial ascent. Afraelay strives to be a tool for evangelization.

Prepared by:

Paul Christian B. Caparos

Music Director and Creator

Afraelay Music Circle