Happy 40th birthday, NUSCO!

NUS Chinese Orchestra celebrated its 40th anniversary last Friday, 29 March 2013, at Singapore Conference Hall, putting up its annual concert, titled 'Reminiscence 三月天 - 《溯》'.

It was kinda amazing, to think that I've been part of this orchestra for a decade. The journey started in 2002, when I joined in as a guest player, while I was still a JC student. It was a real great deal to me then, because it was a different experience performing with a more mature orchestra compared to the usual school orchestras. The repertoires were of course, more challenging, but I always find them exciting. I enjoy being part of the progression from figuring the pieces from scratch to the orchestra coming together seamlessly performing a full length piece.

My last concert as a performer was in 2009, thereafter I switched to working backstage as a photographer. Things change, at times I still do miss playing the Erhu, but I am not sure if I would pick it up again and re-join as a performer. Perhaps I need more motivation to do so. Heh.

Nonetheless, every concert we have put up are memorable, even more so for the two overseas trips to Switzerland and Poland. I guess I won't trade in anything for the experiences I've gained from the orchestra.

Over these 10 years, I've got to know many wonderful seniors, my batch mates, and then the juniors. The graduates who are not so active in the orchestra now have evolved to be part of FSC - Friday Supper Club. The irony is, our gatherings are not always on a Friday, and yes there's always food in our gatherings, but not necessarily over supper. Haha. Our gatherings are always filled with laughter, especially when we bring up the hilarious past. These awesome friends are important to me, I guess I won't be who I am without them.

Thank you, NUSCO, for the wonderful memories. :)

It's almost end of February??

I'm once again overwhelmed with work, the volunteer project in Bago City, and whatever not. It's back to the days of burying myself in piles of music scores, but this time round, it's together with the dictionary and all the Italian terms.

I felt I was mugging like a student once again. Ha.

The stress level must be on its way to hit the sky, unfortunately. I've been drowning myself with more coffee (I wish for free Starbucks everyday, including on weekends), sighing and ranting more often. I lose my temper much more easily, and I yearn to reach out to my inner peace at the end of the day, late at night. And after that I get insomnia, and couldn't wake up in the morning. A very bad vicious cycle.

If only there were 48 hours in a day.

One thing to keep me sane though, it's Korean pop songs. Ah, I know you are going to say that I'm intoxicated again with K-pop. Haa. I just went on a K-drama soundtracks and CDs shopping spree online a few weeks back. Oops. Haha. And recently I've been high on the songs by FT Island and CN Blue. I'm amazed by Lee Hongki of FT Island, he always sings with so much emotions, even if he has to sing them every few days when they go around promoting the songs on the various K-pop music charts.

These 2 songs by FT Island have been on constant replays on my player. Good songs linger in my mind. And I'm sharing the good songs. :)

That Person in Shinsadong


Severely

The Youth Choir

I've been following the Korean variety show 'Qualifications of Men' lately, intrigued by the latest mission on the show.

The mission was to form a 'Youth Choir', with members aged 52 and above, and to take part in the national choir competition. Auditions were held, and 40 senior citizens, with the oldest being 84, were selected.

Their journey in the past 3 months was a testimony to the growth of the choir. With an average age of 62, it was not easy for them to develop into a mature choir from scratch, let alone tackle the challenges of competing in a competition. I admire their courage and preseverence. Each of them has their own story to tell, and everybody has become well-loved by the viewers. Even the conductor Kim Tae-won, who is a band player, had to humbly learn conducting from another master in order to take up this challenge. He single-handedly did the composition and the arrangement for the 2 competition pieces.

I love the concept of the 'Youth Choir', it's never too old to sing on stage again, and to show to the young ones, that the seniors citizens can do it too. Totally love the idea of the K-pop idol medley, which they sang for the final round of the competition.

我也算是在舞台上成长。在小学时，曾是口笛队的队长，有好几次在台上领奏、弹钢琴。进了中学后，就和华乐结缘，一直到大学时期，甚至到毕业后，上了无数次的台演出和比赛。也因为参加华乐团，让我有机会出国表演，除了二胡也接触到板胡及竖琴，更让我结交了一群志同道合的好朋友。就和这支合唱团一样，乐团注重的是团队精神，而不是个人表现。这样的成长过程，比较扎实。

虽然现在并不活跃于乐团活动，却有想念排练、上台演出的时候。看着这支‘青年合唱团’，因为喜欢唱歌而聚在一起，因为不想再错过上台表演的机会而勇敢接受挑战，让我想象，50年后，我会不会有像他们一样的机遇，一群喜欢音乐的陌生人聚在一起，一同表演呢？我会有那股勇气吗？

‘青年合唱团’的努力不负众望，在比赛中得了银奖。他们的歌声，打动了许多听众的心，多得了观众如雷般的掌声。我也因为他们的演出感动得落泪。比赛结束后，他们解散了，但是天下无不散之筵席，我相信，他们就算不是为了比赛，也会为了共同爱好，还会继续聚在一起。

And with that, I'll leave you to enjoy their performance for the competition. :)

In a heartbeat

Having been to quite a number of countries, there were times I wished I was living in somewhere else. But there are still things here that we should be thankful for.

Happy 46th birthday, Singapore!

Richard Poon - Beautiful As You

It's scary how fast time flies. And now, it's already August. My gosh.

Anyway, just wanna share the latest song of Richard Poon - Beautiful as You.

A song that will melt your hearts (as least for me, it did). :)

Handog Ng Pilipino Sa Mundo

"Handog Ng Pilipino Sa Mundo" ("The Philippines' Offering to the World") is a song written, based on the success of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

With my level of understanding of Tagalog, the song is about the fight of the Filipinos against injustice under the dictatorship of Marcos, for their freedom, without violence but through the unity of the country.

Through the years, I've read on the history of the country, and with the passing of the former president Mrs Cory Aquino in 2009, people are again reminded of the significance behind the EDSA revolution. If you could watch video footages of the revolution, the sight could be quite overwhelming.

I happened to be in Manila when the Philippines celebrated the 25th anniversary of EDSA revolution on 25 February 2011. People were in yellow, congregating near the EDSA Shrine, yellow ribbons were tied around poles and fences as well. I did not participate in any of the celebrations (for fear of the huge crowd), but I could feel the patriotism everywhere I go.

But 25 years on, the Philippines still faces problems of poverty and corruption. The son of Marcos made a comment, that the Philippines would have become another Singapore had the country remained under the Marcos' rule. I have no comments to that, but I do think the Filipino government and the people should focus on improving the country, instead of just remembering that historical event without honoring its legacy and its significance.

And I definitely hope to see a better Philippines.

Pinoy Christmas songs

I hate Christmas this year, because I can't go back to my lovely 'homecountry' to spend Christmas there.

During such depressing moment like this, I shouldn't be listening to Christmas songs. But everytime I get to hear them, I have the urge to just buy the tickets and fly over right away. Argh.

Sharing with you guys 2 Tagalog Christmas songs, very touching. It has been sung by many artistes, but I can't find the music videos by the original singers.

I want my Christmas.

Pasko Na Sinta Ko (My darling, it's Christmas) - Christian Bautista



Sana Ngayong Pasko (Hopefully this Christmas) - Erik Santos

Pasko na!

With the release of ABS-CBN's Christmas station ID, the Christmas spirit is starting to get festive.

Very heartwarming to watch the video, to see my favourite stars coming together. :) Because I'm a true Kapamilya. Haha.

But I still prefer last year's station ID 'Bro, ikaw ang star ng Pasko'. It was more catchy, and more meaningful because of the unity the Filipinos have shown after Typhoon Ondoy has wreaked the islands.

Sadly, I can't be there this Christmas. I miss spending Christmas with my friends in the Philippines. And now, I wish I could have a 'parol' hanging in my room.

December Rains

I have been soaking myself in December Rains since last night. No, I don't mean the rain literally, and December is still far away. I'm referring to the Mandarin musical 'December Rains' awesomely staged up by Toy Factory Productions, featuring the amazing Kit Chan, George Chan and Jeffrey Low.



《雨季》是本地经典的华语音乐剧，1996年首次登场，2010年再次呈献在观众面前。TOY 肥料厂以这部音乐剧庆祝成立二十周年，是献给所有支持TOY 肥料厂及本地创作的朋友们最恰当不过的礼物。

《雨季》的编剧是本地华语音乐流行歌曲教父梁文福，他除了动笔写出扣人心弦的歌词，也和创作歌手叶良俊一起创造《雨季》的幽美旋律。《雨季》的另一大卖点，就是把陈洁仪、田伟鸿和刘俊葳，连同梁文福的作品撮合在一起。



故事，简单地说，是个三角恋。这个爱情故事，充满着无穷的欢乐和持久的痛苦。设在五十至八十年代的故事，总离不开政治的变化，社会的动乱，年轻人的感情逃脱不了家人的干涉及反对。没什么特别，反正牵动人心的是剧里的歌曲。

我爱上了那首《请你告诉他》，歌词带出三角恋的凄美，主角对爱情的期盼与挣扎。果然是梁文福的创作。其实所有的歌词都很有意思，很佩服梁文福的创作天赋。当然也欣赏陈洁仪、田伟鸿和刘俊葳难以抗拒的歌声。

《雨季》从开场主角们对未来，理想和爱情抱着希望，到落幕感叹过去的幼稚，委屈和无奈，是不是在提醒我们，人都会犯错，都得牺牲，要学习走出那场雨季，才能看到雨后的彩虹。

欣赏一部好的作品，不只是体验它完美地呈现在观众面前，也应该了解制作背后的努力。







恭喜TOY 肥料厂及所有演员们《雨季》演出成功，就让我暂时沉浸在这场美丽的雨季里吧。:)

Song for Singapore

National Day is coming, once again the whole country will come together and feel the spirit of patriotism soar. I'm not 100% patriotic (you could tell from my declarations of love for the Philippines and the Filipinos), National Day is nothing but a holiday to stay home and rest, and watch the National Day Parade on TV.

The military parade, the aircraft flypast, the show segments, and of course, the fireworks, are a staple of the NDP. But the theme songs are the ones that connect the people to the parade, to the entire National Day celebration.

The theme songs started with the familiar tunes of "Count On Me Singapore", "Stand Up For Singapore", "One People, One Nation, One Singapore", and a few more. It was then in 1998 when a different theme song was composed for every NDP, featuring our very own talents. I find that most of the Chinese lyrics are much more meaningful, and some songs, forgettable. Ha. Of all the singers, Kit Chan is still the best. :)

Listing out the various theme songs here, and my favourites. If you want to feel patriotic, you can click on all the links. Haha.

1998: Home



家



1999: Together

心连心



2000: Shine On Me, 星月

2001: Where I Belong

属于



2002: We Will Get There

一起走到



2003: One United People, 全心全意

2004: Home



2005: Reach Out For the Skies, 勇敢向前飞

2006: My Island Home, 辛福的图形

2007: There's No Place I'd Rather Be, Will You



2008: Shine For Singapore, 晴空万里

2009: What Do You See, 就在这里

2010: Song For Singapore



Happy 45th birthday, Singapore!

Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now

Everytime when I hear this song, somehow it would make me happy. Very nostalgic. Haha. I hope it's not because I feel connected to it. It doesn't belong to my era, I was only a toddler when it became a hit. ;)



Then I chanced upon another rendition by one of my favourite Filipino acoustic bands (yes, I have mentioned it quite a number of times), which sounds nice too!



And we can build this dream together, standing strong forever, nothing's gonna stop us now~~

The Filipino rendition of 'Maria'

Are you familiar with the musical West Side Story?

I was caught by surprise when I heard the Filipino pop singers' rendition of the song 'Maria'. Sung by Gary Valenciano, Christian Bautisa, Erik Santos and Jed Madela, this doesn't sound Broadway at all! But I thought this was better. Haha.

Aiza Seguerra - Man In the Mirror

Sharing with you a video of one of my favourite Filipino singers, Aiza Seguerra.

This song is recorded in her latest CD released in August last year, Aiza Seguerra: Live, and it is my favourite from this CD.

Love her to the max. Haha.

Pilipinas Got Talent II

It would be a pity if I don't showcase the amazing talents the Pinoys have. More wonderful performances from the reality show Pilipinas Got Talent.

(Videos are with English subtitles! Yeah!)



*He really sounds like the original lead singer of the band Journey.



*My favourite so far. :)

Piolo Pascual - Can't Take My Eyes Off You

Papa Piolo!!! :D

What a beautiful sunset, but that's not the point. Papa P throughout the entire video. Love it! :D

This song is part of his latest album Decades, featuring songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s. And yes, I've already gotten hold of the album during my trip back to the Philippines last December. A Christmas present from a friend. :)

You're just too good to be true.. Can't take my eyes off you~~ :)

Richard Poon - Kahit Di Mo Napapansin

This is one of my favourites of Richard Poon's - Kahit Di Mo Napapansin (yuhui's translation: Even If You Are Not Noticing).

This song is from his first album released in 2007, it may not be one of the major hits, but I still love it. :) Richard penned the song!

So happy that they decided to make a MTV for it, and it was officially released last Sunday. :)

Still hoping to get to see him in person. 'Bro, pwede ba?' :)

Bro, ikaw ang star ng Pasko

In times of hardship and despair, there's always hope and strength to keep us going, leading us out from the darkness.

Presenting to you, the heartwarming Christmas ID of ABS-CBN - Bro, ikaw ang star ng Pasko. :)
(Bro = Jesus, you are the star of the Christmas festive season.)



Christmas is coming! 51 days to Christmas!!

Richard Poon - You and I

Another beautiful song by Richard Poon, the Big Band Crooner of the Philippines. :)

'You and I' speaks about eternal love, but the video comes with a different and interesting twist. The video was shot in Nasugbu in Batangas and Antipolo. It just simply shows how beautiful Philippines is. Haha..



Richard, together with other brilliant singers in Philippines, they are the ASAP Sessionistas and I just love them! Haha.. They have their own individual styles, and they are damn good at it. Just look at the names given to them.

Richard Poon - the Big Band Crooner
Aiza Seguerra - the Asia's Acoustic Sensation
Nina - the Soul Siren
MYMP - the Acoustic Wonder
Duncan Ramos - the R&B Master
Sitti - the Bossa Nova Diva

But they have great chemistry performing together, I love watching their performances on the weekly show ASAP. They will be staging the first major concert together as ASAP Sessionistas on 28th August in Manila. Well, I can't be there, but I still hope that I will get to hear them live, one day! :)

Go Richard, go ASAP Sessionistas! :)

Ole! The Latin Music Comedy Explosion

I enjoy watching concerts with a fun twist. Sometimes I would rather go for such comedy concerts and have a good hearty laugh, than listening to the usual classicals.

And certainly I did have lots of laughs watching Ole! The Latin Music Comedy Explosion. Putting 3 funny guys together simply means a hell lot of madness. I haven't had such good laugh for quite some time.

They had so many tricks up on their sleeves, making their shows too good to miss, too good not to give them a standing ovation.

Happened to find some videos of them, their performances were similar to what I saw today, but of course with variations. If not, won't all their performances be a bore? haha.. enjoy!

Cats - The Musical

This is not one of my favourite musicals, but nevertheless, it was still quite entertaining.

There were moments the entire theatre was filled with giggles, laughter and applauses. There were also moments I was nearly bored to death.

The music wasn't that fascinating (I still love the music from The Phantom of the Opera), the set was too cluttered that I felt it was quite distracting. The plot wasn't that great either. Only the colourful costume/make-up and the choreography were worth watching. But since I'm not a dance-person, a couple of times my mind was drifting somewhere else.

What makes this musical different from the others, is that there were interaction between the audience and the cast. The cats would actually come down from the stage, fiddling with your bag, scratching your arms. A few cats were even spotted around the circle seats. Imagine they would have to run from the backstage all the way up to the 4th level to mingle with the crowd for a few seconds, and then back down to the stage again. Very physically demanding for these poor cats. They were actually panting when they got to the top level.

Sadly, most of the interaction were limited to the stall seats and the front row areas, and the dynamics of the show were very much reduced when looking down from the 4th level. I can't complain much, what I've got was a complimentary ticket.

I still stand by my rationale, I would only get tickets for stall seats when watching musicals. Pointless to pay for a ticket that doesn't allow you to enjoy the musical to the fullest.