It's really difficult knowing that somebody will be laid to rest on the eve of Christ's birth.
December 25th, 2009 by admin
Christmas Eve of this year started off with a pretty sorrowful beginning. In the morning, I played music for a funeral at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. It’s really difficult knowing that somebody will be laid to rest on the eve of Christ’s birth. Usually, this is the time of the year when everyone is getting excited about the season rush, getting last minute gift purchases in order, going about the hustle and bustle.
I asked my wife to sing Panis Angelicus, a song that she is more familiar with and one that I’m in the process of learning. We also did a beautiful rendition of the Prayer of St. Francis as well.
Last week, Chyrell and I got a chance to see the Vancouver 2010 Olympic torch upclose and it was totally awesome. It was already freezing weather in the morning, waiting for the torch bearer to come up our street and suddenly I had goosebumps galore. It just occurred to me – If we ever get the Olympics in Toronto, my dream is to be a Torch bearer. What would be totally awesome is to be the final torch bearer and the one to light the opening ceremony flame.
If you get a chance, check out a band called the “Cast of Angels”. They are a rock band that has a huge sound with soul. I swear, these guys sound amazing and I can feel their music. I got to hear them at Yonge and Dundas Square for the first time and they blew the roof off the venue. I got to see them again last Sunday afternoon at a Filipino Unity Concert and man, did they get the whole place rockin’.
Wow, as we go down the final stretch of two months in 2009, suddenly more projects and upcoming shows start piling up. Here’s whats on the list:
DARIUS and FRIENDS – LIVE! at Rembrandt Hall
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I’m both a Music Director and a Performer in this upcoming Christmas show with an old buddy of mine, Darius Ciria. It’s the first time that we’ll be performing in a Christmas Concert together since 2007, only this time it’s going to be Darius and a long list of guest performers. Noted names are Chyrell Samson, Myself, Josie De Leon, Inah Canlapan, Zena Zegala and many more. It’ll be produced by Cecile Araneta and Edward Que.
I got burnt out with directing other people's shows, even through they are fun and always something to look back on.
November 2nd, 2009 by admin
I’ve found myself at what I consider the crossroads of my life. Looking back, I’ve done many things. I’ve been a 3D computer animator, a visual artist, a graphic designer, web designer, a web developer (to some degree), a music director, a stage director, a director, (wow, that was some transformation), a songwriter, a composer, a singer, a keyboard player, a producer. Yet with all these things, i will admit, i’ve to a point where i’m not as excited as i used to be. If anything, i’ve given plenty of me and for sure i’ve recieved in return. But i’m still not satisfied. Sometimes, that’s what you need in order to keep life exciting and on to better things. Otherwise, that would usually be the end of the road for most people.
Working with a cast of singers who like to chat and giggle during the practice isn't always easy
October 6th, 2009 by admin
I never thought I’d be doing this, but I’ve agreed to be part of a cast of 19 singers from our Toronto Filipino musician community for a concert fundraiser, in which all funds go to the Philippine Flood efforts.
I’ve decided to help out director and friend Rei Ching as an acting musical director for two group songs. Working with a cast of singers who like to chat and giggle during the practice isn’t always easy and it does prolong time, but it’s something that has to be taken care of by the director and music director.
Gosh, even if I work from home, life still gets busy!
September 19th, 2009 by admin
Almost 9 years ago, I had written a song meant to promote multiculturalism and world peace. In my mind, I could hear different voices, sung by different people. When i say different people, I mean people from all walks of life and different ethnicities. I had originally recorded it with a couple of people in my home basement at the time. They were mostly my musician friends. Then all stopped and I went through a depression for a while. Weird thing was that I had learned all about positive thinking, yet I ended up being put to the test.
if you wake up the next morning, then life and times aren't tough enough to hold you down
August 28th, 2009 by admin
This video sure did remind me of my why’s in life.
Even if times get tough, even if life is tough on you, if you wake up the next morning, then life and times aren’t tough enough to hold you down.
Know your dream within your heart, no matter what it is, even if others or your own thinking says you can’t do it, change your thinking now and do what your heart is telling you.
It's amazing what you can do with a hand held pocket video camera these days.
August 24th, 2009 by admin
I finally got it uploaded to Youtube. I was able to get all the footage recorded while at an Amusement Park called “The Big Apple” in Colborne, Ontario. I decided to take video shots over there since it had a beautiful pond. Plus the surroundings were big enough to move around in.
So you’ve had a stressful day at work, or you’ve been through some rough times with friends (or people who have decided to walk out of your life) and you feel like you need to get away from it all. What better way to relax than to go straight into nature’s realm and let your spirit soar.
You will need either Windows Media Player or iTunes installed on your machine in order to hear these songs. If you do, just click on a song, select your player and enjoy!