Madrigal Week: Fiery Passions

It's true that we tend to listen to songs that we can relate to. We're not interested on whether the C note is the one that should be sung, not the G note or that one's pitch is somewhere near the middle C. During the Renaissance period, the Madrigal style of singing not just centered on the notes but also on the text that goes with the notes. They call it word painting.

The idea behind word painting is that composers choose the words or the text of a song that would express the emotion or the story that they want the song to convey. For example, if you'd like to portray the image of a sunrise, you'd probably have notes that tend to rise up and the text that is used (like "sun rises") would be set into song that portrays the rising of the sun.

Songs that express emotion are quite appealing--joy, despair, hope, peace, love, justice, gratitude, and so many others. But the strong emotions are the ones that draw much attention. Such compositions that express a wide range of emotions also tend to be creative, diverse, and filled with various lines of poetry and music that blend together towards a genius work of art. One such composer is known to have created a compilation of madrigals that expresses various types of emotions--Carlo Gesualdo.

Carlo Gesualdo's tragic love story is a real story that we often see dramatized in some Shakespearean play or modern day telenovelas. Upon catching his unfaithful wife having relations with another man, all hell breaks loose and Gesualdo murders both his wife and her lover there on the bed where they're making out. Imagine the range of emotions involved in this tragic tale--unrequited love, furious anger, green-eyed jealousy, hurt pride, emotional anguish--the list of extreme heart-felt emotions is endless. Gesualdo decides to tell all and his outlet is the madrigal.

I shall feature one of these madrigals entitled "Dolcissima Mia Vita." Here I present the Italian and English translated text. The text presents a lover's heart that's all fired up with burning love. This love consumes his heart to the point that death is better than to not have loved the one desired. The counterpoints that happen in the line "Credete forse on'ardo..." portrays that fiery passion happening inside the lover's heart.

Dolcissima mia vita,                                                        Sweetest life,
a che tardate la bramata aita?                                         why do you withhold the relief which I long for?

Credete forse ond' ardo,                                                Perhaps you think that my burning desire will end,
sia per finir perche torcete il guardo?                              because you turn away whenever I see you?

Ahi, non fia mai che brama il mio desire                          Alas, this cannot be,
o d'amarti o morire.                                                       I must either love you or die. 

Madrigal Week: Why I Love Choral Music

A friend of mine asked me, "What is your (musical) genre?" She knows that I used to sing with the choir and she knows about this blog. I figured I'd tackle this question because my blog is about choral music--this is my musical inclination.

I speak about this from the point of view of personal experience. I don't claim to be its expert. I am not here to do a critique of any performance of a choral group. My goal is simply to share to the world what choral music has done for me. I think it's good that aside from watching movies and TV shows or listening to mainstream pop music on the radio, it would be nice if people would also take interest in choral music. That is why I'd like to share my personal experience about it.

I love to sing and there are many ways to do this; there are many musical outlets available. The outlet I chose is choral singing. I appreciate how individual voices are able to unite themselves and sing harmoniously. Each singer in the choir is different--each has their own personalities, attitudes, and lifestyles. But it's amazing how they can come together, utilizing their different voice range and talents for the sake of singing one song.

Just as there are several types of music that we listen to on the radio, choral music has several genres as well. One of them is the Madrigal. A Madrigal is an a capella style of singing that was popular during the Renaissance period. This type of singing is also characterized as polyphonic--different voices singing in different ranges singing two or more musical lines depending on the arrangement. In other words, the singers are divided amongst groups according to their range--some will sing the high notes (soprano), some the low notes (bass), and some the middle range (alto and tenor). They each sing their lines accordingly but when they join together to sing the entire song, they blend smoothly and harmonize fantastically. To me, the unity of these voices is just breath taking, like you're flying and it feels free, relaxing and soothing to the soul.

Today, I wish to share a Madrigal with you. This is one of the Madrigals I've sung when I was with the choir. The song is entitled "Hard By A Crystal Fountain" composed by Thomas Morley.  I chose this particular rendition that you are about to watch because you could see that choral singing does not always mean having many individuals singing. With Madrigal style, I often see smaller groups of singers sing this style. Here are the words and the video for your enjoyment.

HARD BY A CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN

Hard by a crystal fountain,
Oriana the Bright lay down asleeping.
The birds they finely chirped, the winds were stilled;
sweetly with these accenting the air was filled.
This is that Fair, whose head a crown deserveth,
which Heav'n for her reserveth.
Leave, shepherds, your lambs keeping,
upon the barren mountain,
and nymphs attend on her and leave your bowers,
for she the shepherd's life maintains and yours.

Then sang the shepherds and nymphs of Diana:
Long live fair Oriana! 

Pop Week: We Need To Rise Up Together

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. John 13:34

There are times when we feel lost in the dark--the dark recesses of our problems, setbacks, failures, trials, and many others. But while there is darkness, there is also the light. The light sheds its brightness upon these problems, setbacks, failures, trials and helps us see, how and where did we go wrong. Ah, but do we really want to see in the dark? Not everybody is open to admit that he has failed in something. Some people feel that only they can solve their own problems because other people will just get in the way. Some people admit to being a failure but simply accepted it as that, not moving towards a way to get up and take the fight again.

From time to time, it is best that we sort things out ourselves first. Hopefully, it wouldn't end there. We need to admit that we couldn't always do everything on our own. That is why the family is there as well as friends and colleagues. We need the help of other people just as they need our help too.

Things will not be resolved if it is not corrected. However, when we do correct someone whom we care about, we must do it with the right intention. We do it because we love the person and so we point out their faults not to bring them down but in order to make them change their bad way and win them back. In the same way, we must be open to what other people say about us. Maybe we don't like being told what to do. It's okay to feel bad about it, but we have to keep an open mind. Knowing our faults is not fun to hear--it shouldn't be precisely because it is a fault. What's better is we take it as an opportunity to change for the better.


In keeping with Pop Week, let's listen to a song that would uplift our spirits and inspire hope amidst our daily struggles in life.

Pop Week: You Got It All--80's Mania

Do you remember The Jets? The Jets is one of the popular bands during the 1980's. What's nice about this group is that all eight members are brothers and sisters. You can read up on the Jets from this website. Some videos of their greatest songs are also contained in this website.

In 2007, Novo Concertante Manila sang one of the popular songs by the Jets "You Got It All," arranged by Paoi Eulalia. This week's pop songs continue as I bring to you a taste of the 80's with "You Got It All."

Pop Week: Party On Fridays with ABBA

Yes! It's Friday! Although it's not pay day weekend, it's always a day being looked forward to. It's the day some of us look forward to do other activities in our lives such as maybe cook your favorite dish, read today's best-selling novel, Facebook all day and chat with friends, drink coffee out in the garden and just enjoy a relaxing weekend.

Friday is still party time to some. And what better way to celebrate it than to the tune of Abba. Here is a nice rendition of Abba Medleys by the Philippine Madrigal Singers. TGIF--thank God it's Friday! Enjoy the weekend everybody!

Pop Week: Everyday Struggles

Yesterday was really something! It was traffic all day and I can't understand why. Was it due to the long weekend? The extended vacation from Saturday to Monday? I don't know. I was so dead tired yesterday that I couldn't write my blog.

Well, we all go through struggles in life. Everyday hassles could either wear us down or get back up. Let's hear what the Beatles have to say. Here is a song about a woman, probably a single mom with kids. The woman struggles to earn a living and make ends meet. Perhaps in a way, we could identify with her travails in life.

LADY MADONNA

Lady Madonna, children at your feet
Wonder how you manage to make ends meet
Who find the money when you pay the rent
Did you think that money was heaven sent

Friday night arrives without a suitcase
Sunday morning creeping like a nun
Monday's child has learned to tie his bootlegs
See how they run

Lady Madonna, baby at your breast
Wonders how you manage to feed the rest
Pa pa pa pa...
See how they run

Lady Madonna lying on the bed
Listen to the music playing in your head

Tuesday afternoon is never ending
Wednesday morning papers didn't come
Thursday night you stocking needed mending
See how they run

Lady Madonna, children at your feet
Wonder how you manage to make ends meet

Pop Week: A Capella Style Macarena

This week I'll be featuring Pop Songs--I use the term loosely here. I'm talking about songs that we hear over the radio or tunes that we dance to. But I won't be featuring the group or singer that popularized it. What I'll be presenting instead are choral groups singing these pop songs.

I guess the reason is obvious. Choral groups also get into the grove of contemporary and modern times and sing in a capella style songs that the modern generation has come to recognize and love. When these songs are sung, the impact on the audience is one of amazement--as long as the rendition was executed beautifully. You could say that it's better to watch these performances live rather than on video. As with any type of choral music, watching a live concert is always the best way to appreciate a choir's performance. Here, I hope to give you what we in the world of choral performers, composers and arrangers have to offer to you, our beloved audience.

Do you remember Macarena? I remember it quite well because a lot of youngsters seem to just want to dance to this music. I'm not a good dancer really, so I love it when I see dancers just sway and shake their bodies to the tune of this song. Have you seen a choir perform this song? If not, then here is the University of Visayas Chorale performing Macarena.

Incidentally, show choirs have blossomed over the years. Some of them would sing pop music with choreography and instruments. I'd prefer those who sing it a capella style--and some little choreography if possible.

Our Duty To Help and Stay on Course

This is the happiest day of my life. Today is my birthday. And normally, I'd simply have dinner or lunch with my family and of course, I get to treat them. At least once a year, I'd do this for my family. However, this day turned out to be more than just a normal birthday celebration.

First, I went to Ayala Triangle Park to join a get together with friends. I wasn't bent on going at first because I wanted to take a rest and stay at home. Going to Ayala on a Sunday meant that I had to trek the long way from Antipolo to Makati--i.e. commuting through various public transports. But I went anyway because we only have this get together once a month. The last month I've been with them was October 2011. Besides, being with friends is also a good way to spend one's birthday. The peculiar thing about it was that, not one of them greeted me today. Deep inside, I didn't feel bad about it. It was a monthly get together and I was thinking that that get together wasn't about me. It was simply having a good time with friends where everyone is treated as special and whose stories are a joy and delight to listen to. So I didn't mind that no one greeted me--the world doesn't just revolve around me.

It should have been a surprise, but during the last few days I began to saw hints of what's going on. Last Thursday night, I met some of them and I saw them passing birthday cards to be signed. There were two of them, but I only signed one. Hmm...

While I was at MRT station today, I received a text from Gina (not her real name) saying that she's already at the Park--it was around 2:45pm and our scheduled meet up was at 3:00pm. Gina is one of those people who's normally late when it comes to these gatherings. So I was teasing her about it. When I finally came, after rounds of kisses, I saw what seemed to be gifts underneath the table. Still, I pretended as though it was nothing--the day is for friends and not for me, even if today is my birthday.

After rounds of laughter and storytelling, I noticed Alex (not his real name) come up behind Leslie (not her real name) with a guitar. Hmm...is he singing for someone? Someone's birthday perhaps? Well, there were two of us who had a birthday there--the other one was Leslie. After her sharing, bouquets of flowers arrived and two slices of cakes with small candles on them. They were given and set before Leslie and me. But wait! There's more! The gifts were distributed and I was the first one who received it--it happened to be a small statue of St. Joseph. Tears ran down my eyes for I've been praying and hoping that one day, preferably on my birthday, I'd get a glimpse of my future partner in life. It was my constant prayer in 2011...and receiving this small statue reminded me that St. Joseph's intercession is a great help regarding my prayer for my life partner.

The Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses.  Our duty is not to abandon ship, but to keep her on course.  – St. Boniface of Mainz

This is one of my favorite quotes. We need to be reminded that the church is not just some building or structure or the clergy or its leaders and laws. The church is the people and people help each other out in times of great need. And this is done through prayers and coming together as one big happy family of God. If we abandon the church, we are abandoning people who may need us, who look for love and happiness, who needs to be shown the way to God. The Blessed Mother Mary is one such person we go to so that we may find our way back to God. She is that "star of the sea" that guides the ship to its course. But she couldn't do that alone. As St. Boniface puts it, it is our duty as part of the church to help keep her (the church) on its course too. I truly felt what family means today when I celebrated my birthday with my family and with friends--people who would never abandon me and would help me "stay" on course. Here is my song for you--Ave Maris Stella.

 

Ave maris stella, Dei Mater alma, Atque semper Virgo, Felix cœli porta.	Hail, star of the sea, bountiful mother of God and ever Virgin, happy gate of heaven.
Sumens illud Ave Gabrielis ore, Funda nos in pace, Mutans Evæ nomen.	Taking that Ave from the mouth of Gabriel, preserve us in peace, giving Eve a new name.
Solve vincla reis, Profer lumen cæcis, Mala nostra pelle, Bona cuncta posce.	Loose the chains of the bound, bring light to the blind, drive out our ills, invoke all things good.
Monstra te esse matrem, Sumat per te preces, Qui pro nobis natus, Tulit esse tuus.	Show thyself to be a mother, may he who was born for us receive our prayers through thee.
Virgo singularis, Inter omnes mitis, Nos culpis solutos, Mites fac et castos.	Singular virgin, more gentle than all, absolve us from sin and make us gentle and pure.
Vitam præsta puram, Iter para tutum, Ut videntes Jesum Semper collætemur.	Grant us a pure life, prepare a safe way, that in seeing Jesus we may rejoice for ever.
Sit laus Deo Patri, Summo Christo decus, Spiritui Sancto, Tribus honor unus.  Amen.	Praise be to God the Father, glory to Christ on high, and with the Holy Spirit honour to the three in one.  Amen.

A Memorable Folk Song (Thanks to Mom!)

Folk songs present the character and beauty of one's culture. In choral singing, folk songs are entitled as one of many categories in music festivals and choral competitions. Furthermore, choral competitions open the door to cultural exchange in the form of swapping and/or trading folk songs among the different choirs.

Rosas Pandan is one of the Filipino folk songs that's been around the world. When you go to YouTube for example, I've seen many non-Filipino choirs sing this song--choirs from Europe, the USA, and Asia. It's upbeat and catchy tone gives the audience a "wow" experience. It's final notes are sang in a grandiose blend of polyphonic harmony.

Personally, this song is special to me because of the one person whose love for singing has influenced and touched my life--my mom! My mom loves this song that every time I sing this with the choir, she's all smiles like her day has brighten up more than any other day. My mom was a singer before she got married. She told me that Rosas Pandan was one of the songs she used to sing in a competition. And she won that competition, so the song--apart from being enjoyable on its own--truly holds a special place in my mom's heart.

Cheers to mom and to all the mothers in the world! Here is Rosas Pandan.

CEBUANO VERSION:                                      ENGLISH TRANSLATION: (from this blog)
Ania si Rosas Pandan                                           Here is Rosas Pandan
Gikan pa intawon sa kabukiran                             Just arrived from the mountains
Kaninyo makiguban-uban                                     To be with all of you
Sa gisaulog nga kalingawan                                   To celebrate the fiesta

Balitaw day akong puhunan                                  This song is my livelihood
Maoy kabilin sa akong ginikanan                          An inheritance from my parents
Awit nga labing kara-an                                        A most ancient song
Nga garbo ning atong kabungturan                       The pride of our hill country

Dika ding dika ding dika ding                               Dika ding dika ding dika ding
Ayay sa atong balitaw                                          Hey!, our song
Manindot pa ug sayaw                                         Is still nice to dance to
Daw yamog ang kabugnaw                                  Like fog on a cold day

Dika dong dika dong dika dong                           Dika dong dika dong dika dong
Ayay usab si Dodong                                           Hey!, also the young man
Nagtan-aw kang Inday                                        He's looking at the young lady
Nagtabisay ang laway                                          His drool is falling

Ayayay ayayay ayayay                                         Ayayay ayayay ayayay
Aya-ay sa akong balitaw                                      Hey!, my song
Kanindot ba mosayaw                                          Is it nice to dance to
Daw yamog ang kabugnaw                                  Like fog on a cold day

Tigadong tigadong tigadong                                 Tigadong tigadong tigadong
Ayay usab si Dodong                                          Hey!, also the young man
Nagtan-aw kang Inday                                       He's looking at the young lady
Nagtabisay ang laway                                         His drool is falling

My Madrigal Challenge

To be honest, I can't read notes on my own. I'd need a keyboard or a piano or a MIDI or an NWC File in order for me to learn a song. While I was still in the choir, this has been quite a struggle especially if the choral piece that we're learning is a Madrigal. To know more about Madrigals, you may go to this webpage: Music from the Renaissance and Baroque.

I've heard that if a choir can sing a Madrigal with all the necessary emotions, counterpoints, and word painting, then the choir can sing any kind of choral music--from classics to modern down to contemporary and avant-garde choral pieces.

One of the first Madrigals I've learned--with so much difficulty that is--is Thomas Vautor's "Sweet Suffolk Owl." Glancing at the musical score, I was completely lost in its counterpoints and the right timing as to when the line begins and ends. Incidentally, almost everyone in the choir was having difficulty with the piece--not all of us read notes either. But being determined to learn how to sing it, I resorted to listening to how other choirs sing it. My choirmaster appreciated the effort, but warned me not to completely copy another choir's style and interpretation. The latter is what mainly differentiates one choir from another even if they sing the same choral piece.

As I searched in YouTube for renditions of the song, I realized that choirs sing this piece in various tempos from as fast as a minute and 44 seconds to as slow as two minutes and 32 seconds. Among these choirs, I chose the group that sang the song in just a little over two minutes. For me, it's not too fast and not too slow. Also, I like the way the choir's voices blended and each lines presenting a counterpoint without completely overpowering one voice over the other. Although the words aren't that clear, I can say that this is one of the renditions of "Sweet Suffolk Owl" that I really like. I shall post the words of the song here for your reference.

Sweet Suffolk owl, so trimly dight

With feathers, like a lady bright;

Thou sing'st alone, sitting by night,

'Te whit! Te whoo!'

Thy note that forth so freely rolls

With shrill command the mouse controls;

And sings a dirge for dying souls.

'Te whit! Te whoo!' 

Whilst listening to this choral piece on tape (yes, that was a long time ago!), I merely wanted to make sense of the notes I see on paper. You may think it's cheating because I don't read notes. With the many resources at our disposal, I'd say it would be best to take advantage of the opportunities that we have. Besides, it's because of this experience with singing "Sweet Suffolk Owl" that I truly appreciated learning to sing a Madrigal.

Let The Mother Wash Away Your Cares

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life -- Berthold Auerbach

It rained quite hard today. To many, rain is associated with sadness like its a non-stop shedding of tears from heaven. To me, rain is a blessing, a cleansing and washing away of life's "everyday dust."

I'm not sure what to write in this blog save that I know what its subject is. I spoke with my financial adviser and I wish I could say that all was well. That conversation left me in a downer mood. It was ironic that that mood set in just when the rain has stopped. So what do we do when times are rough? When the unexpected mars our plans for the future? Then, I remember addressing a blog to one of my good friends. I shared a song and the first line goes "When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary talks to me speaking words of wisdom: let it be."

Music truly has a way of answering our deepest thoughts and sought after dreams. Choral singing in particular has that cleansing and reflective effect upon me. Each song has its own way of catharsis. Each song has its own way to ease the soul.

Sometimes when you feel down, you'd need the comfort of someone who cares for you the most. And I find this beautiful trait in the Most Blessed Mother Mary--the Mother of Jesus Christ. She is a mother not only to Catholics, but to everyone. Yes, believe it or not, she can and is the mother of everyone who seeks for a mother in his/her life. Just think of what a perfect mother should be like: kind, tender, lovingly caressing and nurturing her children, understanding and concerned about their feelings, worries and wants in life; a constant shoulder to cry on, giving hope and encouragement for the young ones to continue to struggle amidst the trials and difficulties...oh I could go on and on and on. Anyone could seek this mother--if he/she wants to--in the Blessed Mother Mary.

You may or may not agree with me. But allow me to invite you to listen to one of the most popular hymns dedicated to our dear Blessed Mother. This prayer has been set into song for several generations and until now, composers continue to revisit and write new arrangements. Without further adieu, I present to you "Ave Maria" arranged by Ralph Hoffman and performed by Novo Concertante Manila. I invite you to bask in its highs and lows, its soft and loud moments...for it is in these moments in our life that our Mother's love can truly be felt if you wish to seek it.

Ave Maria Lyrics (Latin)                                           English

Ave Maria                                                                Hail Mary
Gratia plena                                                             Full of grace
Dominus tecum                                                        The Lord is with you
Benedicta tu in mulieribus                                         Blessed are you among women
Et benedictus fructus ventris                                     And Blessed is the fruit of your womb
Tui, Jesus                                                                Jesus...
Sancta Maria                                                          Holy Mary
Mater Dei                                                               Mother of God
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus                                     Pray for us sinners
Nunc et in hora mortis nostrae                                 Now and at the hour of our death
Amen.                                                                    Amen.

Choral Singing Crosses Barriers

As I was looking for a Filipino folksong in YouTube, I couldn’t find a nice version of the song. (I’ll reveal this song in another blog.) Anyway, after searching long and hard for the song, I stumbled upon another folk song--a Latvian folksong.

And then it hit me...I remember this one quite well. This song symbolizes two firsts for me: my first trip abroad and my first... I’ll let the video explain to you the second. But for your reference, here are the lyrics and it’s translation. It’s a touching song...I hope the young man still gets to marry the maiden promised to her. ;-)

Put Vejini
                   
Put, vejini, dzen laivinu,           Blow wind, drive my boat,
Aizdzen mani Kurzeme.         Drive me to Kurzeme.
Kurzemniece man solija         A woman from Kurzeme promised me
Sav' meitinu malejin’.              Her daughter as a bride.
Solit sola, bet nedeva,            She promised, but didn’t fill the promise,
Teic man’ lielu dzerajin'.         Calling me a drunkard.
Teic man’ lielu dzerajinu,        She called me a drunkard
Kumelina skrejejin’.                And a horse racer.
Kuru krogu es izdzeru,          Where is the tavern in which I drank too much,
Kam noskreju kumelin'?        Whose horse did I run down?
Pats par savu naudu dzeru,   I drink for my own money,
Pats skrej' savu kumelin’       And ride my own horse.
Put vejini, dzen laivinu           Blow wind, drive my boat,
Aizdzen mani Kurzeme.       Drive me to Kurzeme.
(Translation cited from this resource.)

The one who bowed is none other than yours truly. :-D Incidentally, it is the most memorable solo performance I’ve ever done. I remember singing this song in Preveza, Greece. Ah, the memories of Greece are coming back...forever to be cherished.

The choir and I met other choirs mostly from Europe. There was a choir there from Latvia. We sang "Put Vejini" and luckily, they were quite appreciative of our singing. It just goes to show how universal choral singing can be. Choral singing can cross barriers in time and space. It also brings unity and friendship to people from different countries all over the world. 

To Keep In My Heart

This week will feature my favorite choral pieces. Most of these are the ones I sang with Novo during my last year with them in 2009. This year is by far the most memorable and meaningful to me. I’d never thought that it would be the year where I’d fly off to one of my dream destinations: Spain.

In Torrevieja is an annual choral singing competition called the Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polyfonia. Choral groups from around the world come to to Torrevieja for an awesome display of choral singing in two categories: Habaneras and Polyphony. Today, I’ll feature my favorite Habanera choral piece. The habanera is a genre of Cuban popular dance music of the 19th century. It is a creolized form which developed from the contradanza. (From Wikipedia) For more information about the habanera, you may also go to eNotes and StreetSwing.

In many competitions, choral groups need to sing a required choral piece and a choice piece. The choice piece that we chose to sing was “A Tulado” composed by Javier Busto.

Me sabe a sal tu pelo y es verde tu mirar

Me miras y me muero por se tu respirar

Tu chispa es loque quiero para ir contigo al mar

Me sabe a miel tu boca y para me es poco un beso

Si me hablas o me tocas me nublo me embeleso

Tu fortaleza de roca me retiene preso

No quiero escapar de ti, no quiero vivir sin virte

Porque seria un triste fin, haber vivido y perdete

Deja me aqui como un perro da me comida en tu mano

Ponme a taduras de hierro y ol vida que soy humano

Quiere me como a una sombra o ye me como a un latido

Pero deja que me esconda en tu pecho y que me duerma contigo

Whenever I sing and remember this song, I feel like swaying and dancing to the rhythm. I just move and groove deep within. And my favorite part is “Pero deja que me esconda en tu pecho y que me duerma contigo”--roughly translated means, “But keep me in your heart and there I shall sleep with you.” Truly, this is one song I’ll always keep in my heart. ;-)

Feast of Sto. Nino -- Being a Child of God

Today, the Philippines celebrate the Feast of Sto. Nino (Feast of the Holy Child). It is celebrated every third Sunday in January. This commemorates the time when the Sto. Nino was brought to the Philippines some time in the mid-1500s, when Spanish Conquistadors discovered the Philippines. It somehow marked the beginning and the spread of Christianity throughout the Archipelago. You can find some good insights into this festival through this article: Sto. Nino Feast: A Colorful Philippine Fiesta.

I wrote a blog yesterday wherein I shared my own secret to being young, that is having that childlike disposition. This disposition is characterized by humility, healthy curiosity and willingness to know and learn from other people. Children have simple joys in life--you may disagree since a lot of them nowadays would ask for gadgets as presents. ;-) But children perceive the world in a simple way and if we adults do our duty to protect their right to learn and grow, we'd be doing them and ourselves a really big favor. After all, as the song goes, "I believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way."

So, have we taught them well over the last couple of years? I may not be a parent yet, but I have nephews and nieces. Also, as a trainer I encounter trainees in their early 20's. This is the generation that is still on its way to discover their place in this world. As a trainer, I'd make an effort not just train them for the job, but to tell them about how to live life and encourage them to live it to the full.

The song I will feature today is "Kyrie eleison" (Greek for "Lord, have mercy"). It is a prayer being said at the first part of the Holy Mass as a spiritual preparation for the entire celebration. Here churchgoers recall those things they've done that are not in keeping with the virtues of faith, hope, and love. We remember them and seek the grace of God to show mercy upon us and give us another chance to make up for it. Thus, the words of the prayers go: Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. In line with the Feast of Sto. Nino, let us be humble and acknowledge our failures and ask forgiveness from the Lord. Then, we shall do our best to make amends and change our life for the better.

Thank you Mr. Ralph Hoffman for this beautiful arrangement.

Being Thankful for Life's Challenges

We all go through life with its highs and lows. Many would tend to be thankful for the highs--who wouldn't? But how many thank the lows? When our business is running slow or not doing well, are we thankful? When we get robbed of our gadgets like cellphones, laptops and others like it, are we thankful? When our friend cheats as of thousands of bucks worth of merchandise, are we thankful? When we got broke by mid-year because our business has gone downhill, are we thankful? When our families have problems with relationships--with others or with each other within the family--are we thankful? I'm sure I'd hear a resounding "no" to all of this and perhaps you'd stop at the first question and forget the rest, depending on which circumstance you belong to.

I don't claim to know anyone's circumstance for that matter. But I met an extraordinary guy who despite all the problems he has encountered manages to face the world with a smile and strength of a lion who will never give up. Manuel (not his real name) has gone through all the things I've mentioned above. Despite which, this friend of mine often greets me in the morning and asks me how my day has gone. We'd exchange a word or two throughout the day about what we're up to during the day. He also gives me inspiring messages on hope, strength of character, and encouragement to face a new day of challenges. And if I asked these questions to him, his answer would be a resounding YES!

Why be thankful for our trials and problems? Well, we wouldn't grow in character without problems. Without testing our resolve, how can we be strong to face the world everyday? Problems are there not to hinder our progress, but to challenge us; they're there not to discourage us, but to see new opportunities that we might have missed. I admire my friend Manuel for his courage to stand up to face his trials in life and still looking forward to a brighter future ahead.

This song "Circle of Life" is Elton John's composition for the movie "The Lion King." The arrangement follows the version sung in the movie itself, but of course with changes that would showcase the singing prowess of the choir. To you Manuel and all the "Manuels" in the world, I offer this song to you.

 Circle of Life (Elton John)

Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba
Sithi uhm ingonyama

Nants ingonyama bagithi baba
Sithi uhhmm ingonyama
Ingonyama

Siyo Nqoba
Ingonyama
Ingonyama nengw' enamabala

[Chant repeats]

From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to see than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round

It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life

It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life

Be Young, Feel Young

Ah, it's one of those days when you've been busy all this time that you don't have time to relax and do the simple things. I haven't written a blog in two days, which has not happened since I started this blog. Time to populate it with my fave choral groups and songs.

For today, still honoring friends I've decided to honor a particular group of friends. Admittedly, I am young--young at heart. There are many ways to be young at heart. For me, I've had the privilege of being in the company of young people. Ever since I taught as a college instructor, the younger generations has so fascinated me in their growth, their progress in life, alongside the changes that we have these days in terms of technology. At first, I find today's generation of youth quite spoiled--everything seems to be convenient and easily accessible to them, from cellphones, to portable music players, to tablet PC's, etc.

Despite all the convenience, there are those who continue to dream of something better like Minnie and Casey. Minnie (not her real name) is in her mid-twenties. She works for a travel agency in a busy city, while her family remains in the province. She loves her family to the point of providing for them financially--to the point that so little is left for her needs. When I met her last time in Christmas 2011, she shared quite a touching story of how she gave her dad a brand new TV as a Christmas present. Ah, the youthful smile and happiness that I saw in her face still remains a comforting image to me. I know someone else whose youthful smile is just as contagious--Casey.

Casey (not her real name) is in her twenties as well. Talkative, bubbly, and she never seems to run out of stories to tell. Check out her Facebook and she's one of millions of youth who wouldn't miss a day not posting new pictures, statuses and such. She has lots of dreams and she wouldn't hesitate to talk about almost anything. When I met her last time in Christmas 2011 (the same time as Minnie), she has this smartphone--I'm not sure if it's an iPhone or some other gadget--that I was experimenting on. We chanced upon a funny game called "Angry Chickens" and we were figuring out how to play it. It's unlike "Angry Birds" wherein you have birds reeking havoc on a bunch of enemy pigs. But that experience was enjoyable in itself. As we grow old, we shouldn't detach ourselves from the reality that the youth are experiencing these days. Rather than just grow up and leave the youth behind, we should grow alongside them, share experiences with them, feel what they feel whether happy, sad or angry. Casey (and many others!) has given me that rare opportunity to be a happy child once again.

It's not that I'm that old (Ahem!). But I know that the times I lived in are so different from that of Minnie and Casey. They and others before them is what makes me feel and keep a childlike attitude--dreaming, asking, being curious and unafraid to explore. If you want to stay young, I think medical remedies are not enough. You have to live alongside the youth of today and tomorrow.

There is one song that I've sang with the choir wherein we'd sing it and have fun with it. Of course, there are lots of songs that are like this. For today, I shall post one song and I dedicate this to Minnie and Casey.

LOLLIPOP

Lollipop Lollipop oh Lolli Lolli Lolli Lollipop Pop! 

(Ba-um boom boom!)
Call my baby Lollipop, tell you why, 

her kiss is sweeter than apple pie
and when she does a shaky rockin' dance
man I haven't got a chance
I call her Lollipop Lollipop oh Lolly Lolly Lolly Lollipop Pop!

(Ba-um boom boom)
Sweeter than candy on a stick, huckleberry, cherry or a lime
if you had a choice she'd be your pick, 

but the lollipop (pop!) is miiiiiine
Lollipop Lollipop oh Lolli Lolli Lolli Lollipop (Ba-um boom boom)
Crazy when she thrills me, tell you why, 

just like a lightning from the sky,
she likes to kiss me till I can't see straight, 

Gee my lollipop is great 

I call her Lollipop Lollipop oh Lolli Lolli Lolli Lollipop

Bum bum bum bum bum!

Pardon the noisy fan near the camera. It's difficult to see me on this video. But I just wanted to share this really fun song. There are many choral pieces like this--simple, loving, fun and makes you feel young again.

A Prayer to a Beloved Friend

A friend's birthday is coming up. We haven't seen each other for quite a while. We were friends in college, but my graduation got delayed due to certain problems. I missed classes in the first semester of my senior year and for the shame of it, I never told anyone why--except Naomi.

Naomi (not her real name) is the kindest, the most gentle, and the sweetest person I've ever met. Her smile could brighten up overcast skies any day. She speaks quite softly that you really need to come close in order to hear what she has to say. But it also means that this is one person who rarely gets angry, hardly loses patience, and always ready to forgive. She has taught me how to be patient--with myself and other people. She taught me how to always see the bright side of things. I feel as though I can be myself with her, be open and outright honest with her. During my college days, she's become my one and only confidant.

After college, we chose two different paths in life. For the next couple of years after my graduation (she graduated ahead of me), we manage to speak to one another occasionally. We send each other birthday cards. Until the time came and we lost touch with each other. Around four or five years had lapsed since we last spoke to each other. By an awesome twist of fate, I've managed to find out where she works. While I was working in the office, I overheard my boss' daughter talk about her teacher. Upon hearing some bits and pieces of her story, it seemed that the teacher she's describing resembles my former college friend. I asked the daughter her name--true enough, the teacher's name was Naomi. On her birthday, I asked a favor to my boss to have a birthday card sent to Naomi through her daughter. The next day, the daughter told me that she was surprised at her teacher's reaction to the card. She said that her teacher literally jumped for joy. Of course I felt great that day! I miss my friend a lot and apparently, she (Naomi) misses me too.

So our paths continue to meet every now and then, but it's unlike that time when I gave that birthday card to her (which was around five years ago). I found out that she works as a part-time instructor in our Alma Mater. Since then, I've been working in Makati and the possibility of she and I getting together for catching up seems remote at this point.

Since it's her birthday on January 12, I've decided to offer something to her--a simple prayer. I doubt if she would ever read this blog I wrote about her. Nevertheless, my theme this week has been remembering and honoring friends. She's the one friend that I'll never forget.

Happy Birthday Naomi! ;-)

THE PRAYER (as sung by the Philippine Madrigal Singers)

I pray you'll be our eyes and watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer when we lose our way
Lead us to the place guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe
 

La luce che tu hai
  Nel cuore resterà
A ricordarci che
Eterna stella sei
Nella mia preghiera
Quanta fede c'è
  

Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
 

Sogniamo un mondo senza più violenza
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno lo dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace, di fraternità
La forza che ci dà

[We ask that life be kind]
È il desiderio che
[And watch us from above]
Ognuno trovi amor
[We hope each soul will find]
Intorno e dentro sé
[Another soul to love]

Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Need to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
 

È la fede che
Hai acceso in noi,
Sento che ci salverà

Women of Charity

In one of the concerts, I remember a song being dedicated to a special guest. I likened this special guest to two wonderful people I met in 2011--Mel and Gene.

On February of 2011, I met Mel (not her real name) together with my new found friend Queenie (not her real name and subject of yesterday's blog). Like me, Mel loves to read books. I envy her in a way because she works for a publishing house and she has access to books of various genres. ;-) But more than just a book lover, she is a lover of people. Mel belongs to a special group whose purpose in the community is to pray for other people. She is active when it comes to outreach programs--taking orphans to an amusement park, soliciting and distributing medicines for the less fortunate ones in public hospitals, giving gifts to senior citizens, street children, and orphans to name a few during Christmas...and so much more!

Alongside Mel is another great person who serves with her in these outreach programs. Gene (not her real name) is the perfect antidote to a bad day. She always has good, positive, and joyous things to say and share. She's funny in her own way, especially when she sends you messages via cellphone that confuses you sometimes. :-) But she always attends to her friends with love and concern, asking about how their day went by, what makes them happy...in a word--she cares.

In a world that's filled with greed, cold hearted, and selfish people, it's comforting to meet many people out their who'd go out of their way to serve and be happy with what they do--like Mel and Gene. Here's to you Mel and Gene. This song is for you.

Paraiso (arranged by Fidel Calalang, Jr.)

Return to a land called paraiso
A place where a dying river ends
No birds dare fly over paraiso
No space allows them to endure
The smoke that screens the air
The grass that's never there
Refrain 1:
And if I could see a single bird
What a joy!
I try to write some words and create
A simple song to be heard by the rest of the
world
                                                                                  

I live in a land called paraiso
In a house made of cardboard floors and walls
I learned to be free in paraiso
Free to claim anything I see
Matching rags for my clothes
Plastic bags for the cold
Refrain 2:
And if empty cans were all I have
What a joy!
I never fight to take someone else's coins
and live with fear like the rest of the boys
 

Chorus:
Paraiso, help me make a stand
Paraiso, take me by the hand
Paraiso, make the world understand
That if I could see a single bird
What a joy!
This tired and hungry land could expect
Some truth and hope and respect
From the rest of the world
Repeat Refrain 2
Repeat Chorus

I was still part of Novo when this was sung. Unfortunately, the one who owns the camera is also a singer in this video. So the camera remained steady. :-D I hope you liked it though!

Women of Mind and Heart

Allow me to introduce you to my friends Jenny and Queenie. Jenny (not her real name) is smart, inquisitive, reflective, and always curious. She likes asking questions that would really make you think--questions about justice for example. She is open to new ideas and it would be a good idea to let her speak her mind. When something is troubling her and she feels the need to express it, just let her be--she usually does have a point to make. If she has the time, she could write inspiring messages and send them via cellphone or Facebook--about what went on in her mind while waiting in traffic for example. Last but not the least, she is very generous with her time and energy. Meeting friends, doing her duties, participating in outreach and other social activities--she's all for it!

Queenie (not her real name) is also just as generous with her time and energy. But whereas Jenny exemplifies keenness of mind, Queenie is a person with a pure heart. She is sensitive to other people's feelings and she never fails to make you laugh. Her sense of humor is natural, heartfelt, and downright funny--she doesn't even need to try hard. She greets you with a smile and you couldn't help but feel lifted up. Tell her in a subtle way that you have a problem, she'll surely be the one to lend a hand or even a shoulder to cry on. She will definitely take time to hear what's on your mind and your heart. She won't be afraid to advise or to guide you if you ask her to.

Yes, these are my friends whom I've met only last year. But they've been such a blessing to me that I fondly call them "Mind and Heart"--only in this blog anyway! In line with offering my fave choral pieces, I'd like to dedicate this song to my friends Jenny and Queenie. I believe this song captures some aspects of their character which I've roughly outlined here. Here's to Jenny and Queenie and I hope you like this song.

LET IT BE (by the Beatles, sang by the Philippine Madrigal Singers)

When I find myself in times of trouble, 
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness 

She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

And when the broken hearted people                
Living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, 
There is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

And when the night is cloudy 
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, 
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

This song is about Paul McCartney's mom--which happens to be named Mary and a devout Roman Catholic. I guess this is a perfect song to all women--not just mothers. After all, at one point many women have become "mothers" to a lot of people by sharing their intelligence and love for the other people's benefit. :-)

Children Are Our Hope

Epiphany Sunday, also known as Feast of the Three Kings, is a celebration of the three magi who found the Baby Jesus in the hands of his mother Mary in Bethlehem, so that they could pay the child homage. They found the child with the guidance of a star--the symbol of light amidst the darkness. When the magi followed the star and led them to the child, they were so overjoyed!

Light is a universal symbol of hope, of purity, of honesty, of humility. When we have hope, we strive to do better and get up each time we fail. We never give up and the experience could be humbling and could teach us to be better persons.

The one thing I enjoy about Christmas is the presence of lights--decorative, running, sparkling--a true delight to the eyes. For me, it reminds us of the very same light that led the three magi to the Saviour of the world and when he was found, they were overjoyed. I could imagine the choirs of angels singing praises to this light of the world--a song we still sing today. One version that I like is the one sung by an all-boys choir group--Libera. The song is entitled Sanctus.

 
Sanctus

Benedictus, benedictus
qui venit in nomine benedictus
In nomine
Domine

Benedictus, Benedictus                                             
qui venit in nomine benedictus
In nomine
Domine

Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabbaoth
Pleni sunt coeli et terra Gloria
Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabbaoth
Pleni sunt coeli gloria.

What could be more humbling than the sound of children who sings better than many of us? More than that, the sound of youthful voices can really uplift your spirits. Children are after all the hope of our future. Let's make a better world for them!

The Choir Rocks!

Ah, the weekend! My time to rest and enjoy what I want to do the most. Usually, I just stay at home and read a book--yes, I'm a bookworm! I have so many books at home: fiction (including some classic literature), non-fiction (academic, inspirational, history, etc.) Nowadays, I simply want to read action, adventure, suspense thrillers, and mystery novels. Sometimes you just want to take a break from the serious, intellectual, and reflective topics found in many non-fiction books as well as some classic literature pieces.

The same is true when you watch a concert featuring choral groups. The whole range of songs arranged and composed for choral singing is so vast and plentiful. From church, to international folk, to pop, there are just as many genres to enjoy in choral singing. Sometimes it's hard to get people to watch a choral concert. Some say it's not their thing especially when the choir sings songs in a different language like "Latin"--which is characteristic of many sacred music choral pieces. Or even international folk songs from Europe and Asia...one of these days, I'll share some favorites. For now, let me give you a break from all these "serious" pieces.

Have you seen a choral group sing "We Will Rock You"? I have! The first time I saw this, I had no idea just how flexible and extensive choral singing can be. Choral composers have a lot of choices out there when it comes to creating their next choral piece. Well, on the lighter side, some composers would make arrangements for popular music genres like rock and jazz.

Here is one of my fave choral groups performing "We Will Rock You."

Awesome indeed! This song has not failed to capture its audience.