Last Saturday, my family and I watched a concert of the Bukas Palad Choir. I’m literally a fan of liturgical songs and I believe that these meaningful songs play a huge part in the mass. These are songs that empower you, inspire you and brings out emotions that you can’t express. Mass songs played a huge role in my life not only because my late father used to be a church choir organist, but it’s also because those songs gave me a lot of strength during the low points in my life. Anyway Bukas Palad opened the program with the lively “Let Your Praises Be Heard”. I love that song. It made me dance for joy because I felt God’s love right then and there. After a brief introduction the choir sang the immortal compositions of the Jesuits. The first note of Sayo Lamang gave me the chills. I was listening to such beautiful music that it made me cry. The lyrics was so deep and real, added with the accompaniment of a beautiful melody, I just cried. My mom who was seated next to me was also crying. The first part of the concert featured the popular songs while on the second part, they sang songs from their new album Christify. (I bought the CD and the music sheets by the way!) Anyway, one of the choir members said that Christify was about how we could live our lives according to the will of God. He said that giving praises to God does not end with the recessional song, the true challenge begins there. I love all of the songs from Christify. My favorites are Kailan Pa Man, Miserere, Magnificat and Sa Tahanan ng Poon.
My mom usually says that singing church music is twice as good as saying a prayer. Maybe it’s because you get to praise, pray and sing to God at the same time. I met some of the members after the concert and I can’t help but say thank you to them. Truly they have touched many people that night in many ways that they can ever imagine. How wonderful it must be to be a part of something so amazing! After the concert, I was so inspired that I one of the lines from the song “Amare et servire” which they sang kept on playing inside my head. In omnibus Amare et servire Domino.” In everything love and serve the Lord. That’s what I will do exactly. From this moment on, I will do everything for the love and service of God. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
A gift from Papa
Last night my siblings, my boyfriend and I watched the world renowned violinist Uto Ughi. Uto showed brilliance with his music. I remember sighing after I heard him play Beethoven's Spring Sonata and his last piece the meditation. I was literally clapping out loud. Many people came to watch the concert but we got our tickets for free. It was such an experience to share that moment with the people I love.
Anyway last night was also my late Papa's birthday. He would have been 46 now. While we were waiting for the shuttle, my sister whispered "Uto is right behind us". Apparently Uto together with his also exceedingly gifted accompanist that night Alexander was waiting for their ride home. I couldn't stop myself from approaching them and asking for their autographs. Uto and Alexander did not hesitate to give us their autographs. They were very friendly and they were even praising each other for their respective performance that night. My boyfriend took our pictures. After that moment my boyfriend told us that he saw Uto carrying his violin with the strap branded Garnieri. Whew! Uto plays with a Stradivarius and a Garnieri by the way. Tow of the finest violins in the world for its rich tone! These violins are so rare that one time a Strad was auctioned it was sold for about 3 Million dollars. I would die to have just one but Uto has two! I believe his violins were made during the 17th century. He deserves it anyway.
It was a gift from Papa. Because we were the only ones who got their autographs and pictures. Everyone was waiting for them at the lobby but apparently they left right after the performance. We were fortunate enough to spot them at the artist's entrance. After our heavenly moment with the two great artists their car was just on time to pick them up. Other people who saw what we did, did not have the chance to get their pictures with the artists. We were so lucky. I feel somehow guilty though because I was in Cloud 9 that I forgot to take the camera from my boyfriend so that he could have his chance of having a souvenir too. I remember him telling me again and again how he admired the pianist during the performance. Sorry hon. I'll make it up to you.
After that we immediately called our mom to tell her our winning moment. I knew my mom was somehow emotional that night because he missed our Papa. Six years after my father's death, sometimes moments like that still happen when you just remember him and you cry because you missed him. Anyway I know Papa did something in heaven that's why God made this whole surprise to us.
Thanks Papa for the gift. We love you and we miss you!
Keep an eye on all of us okay?
Anyway last night was also my late Papa's birthday. He would have been 46 now. While we were waiting for the shuttle, my sister whispered "Uto is right behind us". Apparently Uto together with his also exceedingly gifted accompanist that night Alexander was waiting for their ride home. I couldn't stop myself from approaching them and asking for their autographs. Uto and Alexander did not hesitate to give us their autographs. They were very friendly and they were even praising each other for their respective performance that night. My boyfriend took our pictures. After that moment my boyfriend told us that he saw Uto carrying his violin with the strap branded Garnieri. Whew! Uto plays with a Stradivarius and a Garnieri by the way. Tow of the finest violins in the world for its rich tone! These violins are so rare that one time a Strad was auctioned it was sold for about 3 Million dollars. I would die to have just one but Uto has two! I believe his violins were made during the 17th century. He deserves it anyway.
It was a gift from Papa. Because we were the only ones who got their autographs and pictures. Everyone was waiting for them at the lobby but apparently they left right after the performance. We were fortunate enough to spot them at the artist's entrance. After our heavenly moment with the two great artists their car was just on time to pick them up. Other people who saw what we did, did not have the chance to get their pictures with the artists. We were so lucky. I feel somehow guilty though because I was in Cloud 9 that I forgot to take the camera from my boyfriend so that he could have his chance of having a souvenir too. I remember him telling me again and again how he admired the pianist during the performance. Sorry hon. I'll make it up to you.
After that we immediately called our mom to tell her our winning moment. I knew my mom was somehow emotional that night because he missed our Papa. Six years after my father's death, sometimes moments like that still happen when you just remember him and you cry because you missed him. Anyway I know Papa did something in heaven that's why God made this whole surprise to us.
Thanks Papa for the gift. We love you and we miss you!
Keep an eye on all of us okay?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Rainy days are here again
It was a hot and sunny day when I woke up. Yeah it was still summer but it's the last week of May. Soon, rainy days will be here again. I was packing my things as I prepare to go to work, ate my breakfast and headed off to work. Then suddenly "drip, drop, drip, drop". It was raining. I couldn't help but to make my face come out of the jeepney's window and marvel at this sight. Rainy days are here again. Suddenly everything became darker. Dark clouds started to fill the city. The jeepney driver even had to open his jeepney lights so that he could see the passengers. One even said"may bagyo yata." The wind was blowing hard and everyone started to complain "wala akong dalang payong!" "Naku wala akong dala na tsinelas" I can't help but to put a smile on my face. I felt so happy that it was raining. Maybe it was because after all the heat and exhaustion for two months, like how it was meant to be, like how God designed it to be. The rain came. It was like it took forever for it to get here but it did.
Maybe the reason why I felt that way is because sometimes in our lives we are face with situations that would make us feel trapped. As if we're never going to get away with it. And that time stops at that moment and we just feel, sad and depressed. Accepting that misfortune is our fate. But the rain reminded me that "it will come" Happy days will come. What I want in my life will come. I was reminded to be patient aand to wait with a hopeful heart. Maybe someday whatever we want will come just when we least expected it.
Thank you Lord for the rain today. If the fulfillment of having what I want would feel like what I felt when I saw the drops of water falling from the sky, then let your will be done. I'm willing to wait...
Maybe the reason why I felt that way is because sometimes in our lives we are face with situations that would make us feel trapped. As if we're never going to get away with it. And that time stops at that moment and we just feel, sad and depressed. Accepting that misfortune is our fate. But the rain reminded me that "it will come" Happy days will come. What I want in my life will come. I was reminded to be patient aand to wait with a hopeful heart. Maybe someday whatever we want will come just when we least expected it.
Thank you Lord for the rain today. If the fulfillment of having what I want would feel like what I felt when I saw the drops of water falling from the sky, then let your will be done. I'm willing to wait...
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Lord teach me to be generous
"Dearest Lord teach me to be generous, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds..."
I really love this song. I was just singing at our church choir one Sunday mass when out of nowhere this line came to my head. I don't even know why... Was I feeling the need to be generous? I don't know.
Then I came to realize, I was worrying about my expenses. I would often say when I'm kind of short with my budget "wala na akong pera". This line which my mom hated so much is always my expression when I think of having to pay for a lot of things. My mama would often say "wag sasabihing wala laging meron."
Sometimes we feel like we're giving too much to other people that we don't leave anything or save anything for ourselves. This comes out of our pity. Bigla na lang tayo naaawa sa sarili natin. I would be a hypocrite if I say that money doesn't matter at all. It does matter but it doesn't have to be the top of mind. But reflecting on the song prayer for generosity, sometimes all we could do is to ask the Lord to guide us and help us to be better. What happiness would I feel if someday I would be able to give my all and not ask for anything in return. What freedom it must be! What peace of mind. No strings attached, no holding back just giving all that I am and all that I have. I cling to this thought that someday I would be able to be as generous as God wants me to be. It might take some time...but I'm getting there and I won't stop at nothing.
Here is the song by the way you might want to check this out
Click here
I really love this song. I was just singing at our church choir one Sunday mass when out of nowhere this line came to my head. I don't even know why... Was I feeling the need to be generous? I don't know.
Then I came to realize, I was worrying about my expenses. I would often say when I'm kind of short with my budget "wala na akong pera". This line which my mom hated so much is always my expression when I think of having to pay for a lot of things. My mama would often say "wag sasabihing wala laging meron."
Sometimes we feel like we're giving too much to other people that we don't leave anything or save anything for ourselves. This comes out of our pity. Bigla na lang tayo naaawa sa sarili natin. I would be a hypocrite if I say that money doesn't matter at all. It does matter but it doesn't have to be the top of mind. But reflecting on the song prayer for generosity, sometimes all we could do is to ask the Lord to guide us and help us to be better. What happiness would I feel if someday I would be able to give my all and not ask for anything in return. What freedom it must be! What peace of mind. No strings attached, no holding back just giving all that I am and all that I have. I cling to this thought that someday I would be able to be as generous as God wants me to be. It might take some time...but I'm getting there and I won't stop at nothing.
Here is the song by the way you might want to check this out
Click here
I'm defying gravity!
After months and months of decision making, discerning and practically tossing and turning, I decided to resign from my company and start a new phase in my career. It was so hard at first trying to weigh all my options. But my boss was very kind and supportive of my decision to leave. This was my first job so I was kind of hesitant to leave. I love the people there and I just knew that if I go I would have to start anew.
I would leave people behind and meet new colleagues. I would feel the same feeling that I have when I first stepped into my first office. Somehow I knew things would not be easy but I am certain and somewhat excited to find out what's there for me, what other things could I do or what adventure I'm going to take.
I'm the type of person who's always afraid of taking risks. But I'm not getting any younger. In fact, I'm getting older as time passes by *sniff sniff. But you know what I like it and this time I don't want to live my life with what ifs. I want to say that "I did it." Instead of "I should have done it."
During the time when I was kind of scared whether I was making the right decision, I listen to this song. Defying gravity is from the musical Wicked. This song gave me all the confidence that I need. It gave me so much confidence that I felt like I could do anything...there's nothing holding me back.
Someone once told me that we are the ones who set the limits for ourselves. I agree with that fact though I refuse to stand by it. I'm through accepting limits. My life is too short. And I want to make the most out of it.
There's a great line that I heard from the movie Serendipity wherein a man said “You know the Greeks didn't write obituaries, they only asked one question after a man died, ‘Did he have passion?’” I want to live my life with passion. I want that someday when I die I would say "Here I a God, I did everything I could, I've made the most out of my life...and now I'm ready to go.
I hope you live a life full of passion and taking risks. While you're at it...here's the song I would like to share.
Click here to defy gravity
I would leave people behind and meet new colleagues. I would feel the same feeling that I have when I first stepped into my first office. Somehow I knew things would not be easy but I am certain and somewhat excited to find out what's there for me, what other things could I do or what adventure I'm going to take.
I'm the type of person who's always afraid of taking risks. But I'm not getting any younger. In fact, I'm getting older as time passes by *sniff sniff. But you know what I like it and this time I don't want to live my life with what ifs. I want to say that "I did it." Instead of "I should have done it."
During the time when I was kind of scared whether I was making the right decision, I listen to this song. Defying gravity is from the musical Wicked. This song gave me all the confidence that I need. It gave me so much confidence that I felt like I could do anything...there's nothing holding me back.
Someone once told me that we are the ones who set the limits for ourselves. I agree with that fact though I refuse to stand by it. I'm through accepting limits. My life is too short. And I want to make the most out of it.
There's a great line that I heard from the movie Serendipity wherein a man said “You know the Greeks didn't write obituaries, they only asked one question after a man died, ‘Did he have passion?’” I want to live my life with passion. I want that someday when I die I would say "Here I a God, I did everything I could, I've made the most out of my life...and now I'm ready to go.
I hope you live a life full of passion and taking risks. While you're at it...here's the song I would like to share.
Click here to defy gravity
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
To everyone discerning
Everyday in our lives we are faced with a lot of decision making. What time to wake up? What to wear? Which road to take? Decisions are like doors. You take any door and it leads you to a place different from everything else you've chosen. Sometimes the door would lead you to where you began, sometimes it would lead you to a position that would propel you towards a better life.
Let me share with you some tips that I find to be very helpful during the times when I don't know what to do, or if I know the answer but I'm just too scared to face it or even try.
Since I'm a music lover I listen to liturgical and inspirational music during these tough times. At this moment I'm discerning about something really important. The song "Here I am Lord" really helped me feel confident that whatever I do, no matter where I am, I am exactly where God wants me to be. The song really helped me gain the guts to face head on all the obstacles that come my way. The song is also about answering to God's call. You would find yourself asking yourself "What does God want me to do with my life?"
Here is the link to the avp of the song. Click here
Life is about taking risks. One way or the other, sooner or later we will be able to find out why things happen to us. I hope you find this song helpful and inspiring. God bless everyone!
Let me share with you some tips that I find to be very helpful during the times when I don't know what to do, or if I know the answer but I'm just too scared to face it or even try.
Since I'm a music lover I listen to liturgical and inspirational music during these tough times. At this moment I'm discerning about something really important. The song "Here I am Lord" really helped me feel confident that whatever I do, no matter where I am, I am exactly where God wants me to be. The song really helped me gain the guts to face head on all the obstacles that come my way. The song is also about answering to God's call. You would find yourself asking yourself "What does God want me to do with my life?"
Here is the link to the avp of the song. Click here
Life is about taking risks. One way or the other, sooner or later we will be able to find out why things happen to us. I hope you find this song helpful and inspiring. God bless everyone!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
What happened to Imeem?!
Imeem is one of my favorite websites because I could create a playlist containing all the songs that make my day (God knows how much I need music while working ehem...ehem...)
I had a lot of playlists there from a variety of music I listen to such as classical, alternative, liturgical etc. I was surprised that one day when I clicked on Imeem the page brought me to My Space. I mean I just need to listen to my playlist! I don't want to sign up on My Space!
Anyway I searched the net and here are some of the people who had the same reactions.
Now I'm sad, my playlist is gone forever! And I don't have any time to download all of it! Click here
I had a lot of playlists there from a variety of music I listen to such as classical, alternative, liturgical etc. I was surprised that one day when I clicked on Imeem the page brought me to My Space. I mean I just need to listen to my playlist! I don't want to sign up on My Space!
Anyway I searched the net and here are some of the people who had the same reactions.
Now I'm sad, my playlist is gone forever! And I don't have any time to download all of it! Click here
Monday, January 11, 2010
One day I wore a skirt...
I'm usually the type of girl who would wear whatever I feel is most comfortable to wear. Mu usual work get up would be a blouse with a pair of jeans. One day however, I decided to wear a purple dress which I bought at a local ukay-ukay! :-) Uneasy at first, I started to get the hang of it. I was walking by the corner of our house when a man greeted me good morning. Okay not much of a violent reaction so I just shrugged.
The moment I entered the office my co-worker immediately noticed me and told me how "sexy" I was. I just smiled at laughed at his remarks. I was going down our building when a friend from another office greeted me and asked me if I have a date. Ofcourse I replied no but I was sure the reason why he asked me that is because I was wearing a skirt. I told him I was quite embarrassed at how people especially men seem to act differently that day. He just told me "well maganda kasi". Hmmm ok now I get it. For the nth time co-workers male and female noticed me that day and I just felt comfortable about it.
Change is somehow nice sometimes... You're not just doing it to be noticed but to bring something a little extra to yourself, for you to look good and feel good. No matter what change it is that you're planning to do, make sure that it's for the better. Have a great day!
The moment I entered the office my co-worker immediately noticed me and told me how "sexy" I was. I just smiled at laughed at his remarks. I was going down our building when a friend from another office greeted me and asked me if I have a date. Ofcourse I replied no but I was sure the reason why he asked me that is because I was wearing a skirt. I told him I was quite embarrassed at how people especially men seem to act differently that day. He just told me "well maganda kasi". Hmmm ok now I get it. For the nth time co-workers male and female noticed me that day and I just felt comfortable about it.
Change is somehow nice sometimes... You're not just doing it to be noticed but to bring something a little extra to yourself, for you to look good and feel good. No matter what change it is that you're planning to do, make sure that it's for the better. Have a great day!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Gleefully Glee!
Recently I'm so hooked up with Glee's Soundtrack and as usual the tracks keep on playing and playing on my head. There's something about music that makes you feel like you're not alone, that someone out there is feeling the same way you do. Anyway, I highly recommend that you guys listen to the soundtrack of Glee arrangements are very good and the collection of songs itself is excellent.
Music is somehow my life saver, other than God ofcourse. :-) For example when a co-worker goes on bragging and whining about his/her life I put on my trusty earphones and everything just seems like a perfect day...nothing could bring me down. When I feel like I can't write anything I click on my classical playlist and lo! and behold I'm typing as fast as the pianist playing a Mozart piece.
My favorites on the soundtrack is Somebody to Love, Defying Gravity, Don't Stop Believin, Lean on me and Keep Holdin on. Lots of favorites so I suggest you try listening to it. The series by the way is also good. I watch it on JackTV.
www.amazon.com/Glee-Music-1-Cast/dp/B002NJ8X9G - for Glee's soundtrack Vol 1
www.amazon.com/Glee-Music-2-Cast/dp/B002RL8V1U - for Vol 2
Music is somehow my life saver, other than God ofcourse. :-) For example when a co-worker goes on bragging and whining about his/her life I put on my trusty earphones and everything just seems like a perfect day...nothing could bring me down. When I feel like I can't write anything I click on my classical playlist and lo! and behold I'm typing as fast as the pianist playing a Mozart piece.
My favorites on the soundtrack is Somebody to Love, Defying Gravity, Don't Stop Believin, Lean on me and Keep Holdin on. Lots of favorites so I suggest you try listening to it. The series by the way is also good. I watch it on JackTV.
www.amazon.com/Glee-Music-1-Cast/dp/B002NJ8X9G - for Glee's soundtrack Vol 1
www.amazon.com/Glee-Music-2-Cast/dp/B002RL8V1U - for Vol 2
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
More than one inspiration for all
Last night I watched the movie Julie and Julia and I was so inspired by the movie that it left me thoughts that my mind carried on until the morning. The movie was about Julie, a married woman who finds comfort in cooking the 524 recipes by Julia Child. Julie felt so stuck up with her job at a call center. She was about to turn thirty and all her friends are successful with their career. In a way I kind of feel like I'm Julie. Everyone seems to be more than her, she felt fat and she can't seem to finish anything she started. With her husband's help she was able to find her passion in cooking and use it as her comfort zone. The movie was all about finding yourself and being saved by another person's dream. Each one of us has their own Julia Child. Whether it may be your relative or a person who doesn't even know you. We have a lot of frustrations in life and sometimes we don't even know what we're doing or why we're even here in the first place. But the movie gives us the inspiration and the hope that in there is a purpose for everything and in God's time every question will be answered. Being a music lover, a book lover and ofcourse and avid movie goer, I feel like in some way I'm being saved by those things in some ways.
Those things give me the words and the emotions that I alone cannot express. These things... they taught me how to feel. I cry over the music of Rachmaninoff, Chopin and Morricone. I dream over the stories of Jane Austen, Edith Wharton and Shakespeare. I relate myself to movies made with much heart and honesty. And for these things, I have a lot of people to thank. They inspire me in so many ways and they give me the hope that I need in moments where I feel like my time is running out and I didn't do anything about my life.
Until the time comes that I feel like I've really accomplished anything like Julie or Julia, I'll keep on reading, writing, listening and watching. Just a spark of hope is what I really need to keep keep believing.
Those things give me the words and the emotions that I alone cannot express. These things... they taught me how to feel. I cry over the music of Rachmaninoff, Chopin and Morricone. I dream over the stories of Jane Austen, Edith Wharton and Shakespeare. I relate myself to movies made with much heart and honesty. And for these things, I have a lot of people to thank. They inspire me in so many ways and they give me the hope that I need in moments where I feel like my time is running out and I didn't do anything about my life.
Until the time comes that I feel like I've really accomplished anything like Julie or Julia, I'll keep on reading, writing, listening and watching. Just a spark of hope is what I really need to keep keep believing.
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