Love of Music

My nephews and nieces love to manipulate anything that creates sound. It could be a guitar, drums or keyboard; they just love to explore these musical instruments. When I was in college, I have a keyboard. It was from my father and even though I don't play with it, I keep it for years until my brother asked if my nephews can keep it. I just gave it to them.

When I was shopping at the mall about a week ago, I saw a nice keyboard on display in a music store. I was tempted to buy it and give it to my brother for his musically inclined children. I was torn between buying a korg keyboards from musicians friend or the one on display. I would probably ask my brother's opinion first. I am sure my nephews would be delighted to have it. After all, they already made a piano recital before so; having the new keyboard would be exciting. It could flare up their music enthusiasm even more.

Hands-on Activity for Children at Museo Pambata

The family of my brother had a 5-days vacation in Manila Philippines. They went to Museo Pambata and here is one hands-on activity which the kids participated.Museo Pambata has the following areas to explore: Old Manila, I Love my Planet Earth, Environment, Children in the Global Village, Marketplace, Career Options, and My Body Works.The kids doesn't like to go home after 5 days, LOL. They are staying in a superior room at Bayview Park Hotel Manila which is located at the front of US Embassy. Haven't been there? Bring your children and let them explore the discover some of the hands-on exhibits in this museum. Thanks for stopping by everyone.

CISDAC 8th Anniversary at Covina

I got lucky to attend the CISDAC 8th Year Anniversary at Covina, California. I am not a member of any Seventh Day Adventist church but, my friend invited me to attend their celebration. I arrived Thursday and on the evening, we had a dance practice right away. It was a Filipiniana dance presentation which will be presented on the weekend. One time practice and the final is the actual presentation. Was it a whirlwind schedule?LOL!

The picture above is the group I was with. The most applauded, I may say (what do you expect if you had a one time practice? )LOL! The event was fun and I got to met a lot of FILIPINOS. The place has a Filipino community which I longed for two years. The weekend event had been a good activity that opened my eyes for so many things. Everyone missed the Philippines!
Saturday evening was a Cultural Night celebration where those who are lucky to be chosen to present will be unlucky on the stage...hahahaa! Not really! The man above is my favorite performer in a solo contest. He sang Yoyoy Villame's song MAGELLAN, a hilarious performance and he won! LOL! I still have the greatest laugh if I remember that performance! He really sang like Yoyoy and they call him Yoyoy too. What a great talent!
In one of the corners of the venue, here we are... anxious for our presentation.
Another contestant of the solo contest who showed great talent. He was so hilarious and by singing one song to another...he lost! He forgot the lyrics LOL! The event was not about memorizing the lyrics or singing the song perfectly. That night is all about promoting Filipino Culture amongst us who live a thousand miles away from HOME! The Pakikisama or being united with the group is what matters on this night. The weekend experience was Fun and I had a wonderful time meeting Filipinos and eating for FREE FOOD....ahhh, truly a wonderful experience.

I Will Be Here

I am a very romantic person and I believe in happy ending fairy tale that do come true. Well, that belief echoed in my brain when I am in "Lala land", LOL. I was dreaming that when my prince charming will come to my life, he will sing for me on our wedding day. Okay, I am married now and this never happened, LOL. But, you see real life will never be a "laland". And I am glad that God gave me someone who loves me and took care of me. I felt the message of this song in everywaking moment of life since I got married and for that, I do not need a "laland" anymore.
Happy listening everyone.

APO Hiking Society is Winding Down

Today, I visited the Website of Jim Paredes of Apo Hiking Society. I found his Website when I tried to Google about 1986 EDSA Revolution in the Philippines a year ago. On that day, all I did was read his posts whole day. I gathered so many insights and reflections in every thoughts he posted. Apo Hiking Society is an extra ordinary group that will always be in the hearts of Filipino.

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As a Recap: The Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, popularly known as Apo Hiking Society is a Filipino musical group who started in 1969 at the the Ateneo de Manila high school. The original members were:

• Lito de Joya
• Sonny Santiago
• Gus Cosio
• Renato Garcia
• Chito Kintanar
• Kenny Barton
• Bruce Brown
• Butch Dans
• Kinjo Sawada
• Ric Segreto
• Goff Macaraeg
• Doden Besa
• Jim Paredes
• and Boboy Garrovillo.
• Danny Javier joined the group.

The name APO was in reference to the paralytic Philippine revolutionary intellectual and hero, Apolinario Mabini. "Apo" is also an Ilocano term for a wise man. After graduation, the majority of its members left to pursue individual careers, with only three members remaining: Jim Paredes, Boboy Garovillo and Danny Javier.

Apo has become the principal adherent of the Original Pilipino Music (OPM). The Apo also became involved in record production, talent management and organizing artists under the "Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit" or O.P.M. which means "Organization of Philippine Singers/musicians". The group expanded its activities into establishing and furthering the careers of new OPM artists in the Philippines. - source: wikipedia.org

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Apo Hiking Society had so far released 22 albums and continues to remain active at present time. Last December 16, 2009, the APO Hiking Society announced that they are already retiring as a group. They will be performing series of shows that will start on February 14, 2010 and will end on May. If you want to visit Mr. Jim's Website, check him in my "Interesting Link List" at the right side of this blog.