Speeches (and more shaky videos) from the Easter Sunday Concert

I was able to obtain copies of the speeches of Dr. Francisca Santos (the CKC Vice President for Academic Affairs) and Fr. Antonio Rosales, ofm (the CKC Vice President for Administration). They delivered these speeches during the short program for the Easter Sunday Concert of the CKC-Jose Gomez Orchestra. I thought I wanted to share with you these speeches.

Here's Dr. Santos' speech introducing the orchestra:

"Our energetic Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, CKC President Fr. Prisco Cajes, Fr. Antonio Rosales, Bro. Dennis Tayo, our very supportive City Schools Division Superintendent Mrs. Edita Paculan, the Franciscan Missionary Sisters, Ladies and Gentlemen.

For so many years now, the move to revive orchestra music and to re-open special courses in instrumental music here in Calbayog has been set back by many factors, the most basic of which are the lack of musical instruments and the person who will lead, direct and teach how to play or use the instruments. This type of music form which is orchestra music seems to have died with the death of Calbayog's foremost maestro, Mr. Jose C. Gomez.

Attempts to re-establish this lost music form, which in the past placed Calbayog in the forefront of the music world were made, but unfortunately it has always hit a snag or could not push through for lack of the basic ingredients namely: instruments and a band or orchestra leader.

The plan to reorganize the orchestra here in Calbayog was given a strong shot in the arm when a group of Calbayognons who are residing in the United States donated some instruments. However, despite the availability of musical instruments - still no orchestra was formed because there was no one knowledgeable enough not just to organize (the orchestra) but above all to teach the aspirants how to use and play the instruments.

The assignment to Christ the King College of Fr. Marlowe Rosales was indeed heaven-sent. He was the answer to the problem regarding the formation of the orchestra. Fr. Marlowe has very impressive credentials when it comes to music:

He is a graduate in AB Philosophy from Our Lady of the Angels Seminary (Quezon City 1990-1994)

He finished his Bachelor of Music - Music Education at the U.S.T. Conservatory of Music (1998-2001). He also got his Bachelor's Degree in Music, specializing in Conducting from the same Conservatory.

Aside from his degrees in Music, he has also attended several Music Seminars one of which is Sacred Music Composition.

He earned his Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Our Lady of the Angels Seminary in 2003.

Fr. Marlowe did not end by simply forming an orchestra. He also opened special classes for piano and violin for high school students with potential talents in music. Last March 7, 2008, a group of high school students had their recital for beginners in piano and violin.

With your help and support, a music renaissance is well on its way in Calbayog. There is no turning back.

With this note, may I on behalf of the entire CKC community welcome you to an afternoon of fine music".

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And here is Fr. Tony's speech before he performed "Sunrise, Sunset" with the orchestra:

Rev. Fr. Prisco Cajes, ofm, and the members of the Francsican Community, Sis. Valeriana and (the FMSH) community, Mayor Mel Sarmiento, Mr. Manuel Gomez and the heirs to the musical estate of the great Samar Composer, Maestro Jose Gomez, distinguished guests and patrons, Good Afternoon and Blessed Easter to all.

Before we end this afternoon's delightful and entertaining concert, I have been tasked to say a few words.

This year has been a very special, grace-filled year for CKC. The first graduates of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery did very well in the national exams. There are clear signs that Calbayog may well become the music capital of Region VIII, as for the first time, the CKC Jose Gomez Orchestra and Chorus dared to present itself and its young talents in public with full-blown concert at the Poor Clare Monastery last March 8. Many Calbayognons felt a great and understandable sense of pride at the achievement. Earlier in the month, the young music students also gave a recital, to the great delight of their proud families. All of these through the efforts and talents of an almost son of Calbayog, being a Rosales, but coming from Ozamiz City, the new "crush ng bayan", second to Fr. Prisco and Dr. Dennis, of course.

This afternoon, with the CKC Resource and Development Office as sponsors, the CKC Jose Gomez Orchestra and chorus has presented itself again with the young musicians now possessed with greater self-confidence and incipient professionalism. There is no doubt you have enjoyed their display of these qualities this afternoon.

The success of these concerts should not have been a surprise, knowing how musically talented Calbayognons are, but, to our chagrin, we were surprised.

However, our President, Fr. Cajes has responded adequately by announcing the institution of an honest-to-goodness new degree in Education Major in Music. Not only that, this coming school year, members of the orhcestra will receive 50% scholarship, and, perhaps, a full scholarship next year. Parents who are trying to make ends meet will welcome this news. Again, this is not all. There are also plans to enhance the music program with guest professors and participation in music festivals or competitions in the region, in the country, and, in due time, in the world.

Today, Calbayog; tomorrow, the World! Musicians are artists and artists are dreamers. Nothing wrong with that, especially if they are able to match their dreams with a good performance, as our young talents have done this afternoon. Again, let's give them a big applause.

Also, this is the first time that we are having a concert on Easter Sunday, indeed a historic event in the annals of the City and the school. Furthermore, our trumpeteers were invited by our good Bishop to give the proclamation of the resurerection last night at the Easter Vigil, a really glorious touch with a blare of trumpets. Thus, our orchestra will now be a permanent fixture of the city's Easter celebration. Traditions are not just the old things we used to do; traditions are being made constantly.

The basketball players have asked me if there are similar plans for sports and recess, and I told them to keep hoping. Unfortunately, there are no plans to include tree-climbing and fruit-stealing in the curriculum. Maybe as electives.

For our finale, we want to give you a number that you might consider a penance, but it is in fact, a very special gift from all of us.

They insisted that I give a number, so I immediately said, how about 13? No! Not that kind of number. A song! Father, forgive them, they know not what they do! But you know I only sing in the shower, but if accompanied by the orchestra, I could change my mind. After all, it would be a first ever in my 47 years of existence! And they said yes.

Ladies and Gentlemen, good and patient friends, to accompany me in my version of "Sunrise, Sunset" from the musical "A Fiddler on the Roof", please welcome the CKC Jose Gomez Orchestra and Chorus."

"That is all, but if you want me to sing more, I have prepared five more songs. But I will sing them another time.

Before we close, we would like to acknowledge the great help and support given to this musical enterpise by a good and talented classmate of Fr. Marlowe in the UST Conservatory of Music, the successful violinist, Mr. Paul Allesa.

Again, a big final applause to the CKC JOSE GOMEZ ORCHESTRA and CHOIR, with their director, FR. MARLOWE ROSALES, ofm".

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PS. Let me share with you another "shaky" video I took when the orchestra did a novelty song entitled "spaghetti" (rlr)

made in Calbayog

I passed by the Cardinal Rosales Plaza early this morning where some farmers and entrepreneurs were having a mini tabo. I saw this interesting streamer announcing sosyal na oring. It's how they call the charcoal briquettes which is a new product of Biatungan Cooperative, one of the most successful or well-managed cooperatives in the Calbayog.

If you should be interested, the coop can be contacted at (+6355) 209-73-82/ 209-72-54

Holy Week images

Hi! Let me share some pictures taken during the Holy Week in Calbayog, courtesy of Nelson Petilla.

Please check this link.

Happy Birthday Sir Pio

Mr. Pio Santos turns a year older today. Happy Birthday!

My shaky videos from the Easter Sunday Concert

I have uploaded two videos which I took during the Easter Sunday concert of the CKC - Jose Gomez Orchestra. Please bear with the quality of the video - the shaky shots, poor sound and all - coz I used only my old mobile phone to take these; and yes, I also took it from the middle area of the audtorium.

Let me first give you my shot of the group performing "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana (my apologies for the "shoe shots" towards the end, I got too excited I forgot to stop shooting).

The second video is the refrain (?) from Jose Gomez' "Calbayog"

"O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana

"Calbayog" (chorus)

Earth Hour: 8:00-9:00pm March 29, 2008

On 29 March 2008 the Philippines will join countries around the world as we literally "turn the lights out" for Earth Hour - an event that will fuel awareness on climate change and prove that when the people of the world work together, they can make a difference in the fight against global warming.

Earth Hour will take place throughout the Philippines from 8 to 9 in the evening on Saturday night, 29 March 2008. WWF invites you to participate by shutting off lights for 60 minutes, organizing your own "lights-out" event or by forwarding this mail to your friends, workmates and family.

Launched in Australia on the 31st of March 2007, Earth Hour moved 2.2 million people and 2,100 businesses in Sydney to turn off their lights for one hour. This massive collective effort reduced the city's energy consumption by 10.2% for one hour. With Sydney icons like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House turning their lights off and unique events such as weddings by candlelight, the world took notice. Inspired by the collective effort of millions of Sydneysiders, many major global cities are joining Earth Hour in 2008, turning a symbolic event into a global movement.

YOUR participation will go a long way in spreading the message that we, as individual droplets working collectively we can create an impetus far more powerful than the mightiest of rivers. For more information, log on to the WWF Earth Hour page at: www.earthhour.org.

If you want to learn more about how else you can help make Earth Hour in the Philippines a success, reply to this email or drop us a line at (632) 920-7931, (632) 920-7923, or (632)920-7926

The Easter Sunday Concert

I did not go to the beach today. With some friends in tow, we treated ourselves to an afternoon listening to "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana, Pachelbell's "Canon in D", "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera, Beethhoven's "Ode to Joy" and a good number of classical and contemporary pieces. We listened to these pieces not on CD but at the CKC auditorium with the CKC-Jose Gomez Orchestra.

It was their third concert, after the celebration of the Feast of Cristo Rey and the March 7 concert at the Poor Clare Monastery. The titles I have enumerated earlier are what I'll consider as "add-ons" to the main feature of the performance which was W. A. Mozart's "Missa Brevis in D Major K 195".

So, how was it? I'm no music critic, but simply a lover of good music. I think I appreciate a talented person when I see one; and I saw a lot of them this afternoon. If I may add, these high school students were lucky enough to have as trainor Fr. Marlowe whom I see as one of the most pasensioso priests there is in town.

The concert had no pretensions. It was not one of those "perfect" concerts like the ones held in the great concert halls of the world. What with the sound system and all and PAs checking it minutes before the concert with the audience already seated; and not to mention a good number of "unappreciative" audience. Some notes from the horns and other sections and the choir were sometimes played off-key (or is it out of tune?), BUT IT WAS THE RAW & YOUNG TALENT THAT MADE THE CONCERT AN IMPORTANT ACTIVITY IN THE SOCIAL & CULTURAL CALENDAR OF CLABAYOG. CERTAINLY WE FOUND JOY AND PRIDE KNOWING THAT CALBAYOG HAVE THESE YOUNG AND PROMISING STUDENTS WHO CAN MAKE A LOT OF DIFFERENCE IN THE ALREADY FLOURISHING CULTURAL HUB THAT IS CALBAYOG CITY.

Now for the sad part. I used a different phone to take pictures, and see for yourselves how the pictures came out. Anyway, I just want to give you an idea as to how young the orchestra members are. I'll try to come up with another post for the videos I took during the concert.

In case you think that tarpolin is the "in" thing, they settled for the traditional streamer to announce the activity.

Fr. Marlowe congratulating the orchestra members after the performance

Sugat 2008

For the first time in as far as I can remember, Calbayognons were treated to a different salubong, or what we fondly refer to as the sugat. It was held at the Nijaga Park stage with the kids of the members of the Couples for Christ (CFC) playing the roles of the angels on hand to sing the Regina Coeli and the Halleluja with the KITA Parish Choir. The CFC took charge of the stage preparations. The personnel from the City Arts and Culture Office were on hand to do the sounds and the lights. And among those who attended the activity was Bishop Isabelo Abarquez.

Here are some pictures taken by Peter.

The angles in the dimly lit stage as they await the arrival of the images of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Resurrected Christ.

the angels as they sang the Regina Coeli

The Bishop giving his short reflection on the Easter celebration

The images of Mary and Christ as they "met"

The angels removing the veil from the image of Mary

... and without any instructions or cue, the faithful gave a loud applause as the veil was lifted, followed by the throwing of petals with the KITA Parsih Choir singing Handel's Hallelujah with the trumpets and organ in accompaniment.

The Bishop as he incenses the images

The Bishop as he gave his blessing before the procession to the Cathedral

in memoriam: Lucia Inovejas - Isidro

Mommy Luz returned to her creator today. Her remains lie in state at the Isidro residence in Brgy. Capoocan.

Holy Thursday

Today's last mass, officially called "misa san katapusan nga panihapun" was presided over by Bishop Isabelo Abarquez at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. It's actually a mass that "ends " or gets "completed" on Easter Vigil. The mass ends not with the final blessing but with the transfer of the Holy Eucharist to a "monumento" in front of which the faithful will take turns to do what is traditionally referred to as "pagbantay san santissimo". Another important part of the celebration is the washing of the feet of the apostles or pamusa san tiil san mga apostoles.

I managed to takes some pictures (courtesy of my old mobile phone, as usual) from the area which I occupy as the commentator, and that explains the not-so-near shots.

The ceriales as they approached the sanctuary, followed by the apostoles (pix below)

The Bishop makes his entrance

The Bishop "disrobes" as he prepared for the washing of the feet

The Bishop as he led the faithful in the veneration of the Blessed Sacrament, before it went on procession inside the Cathedral

The silent veneration which ended today's celebration

Holy Monday at the Cathedral

It's Holy Monday. Following an age-old tradition, violet-colored cloth were put in place to cover the images at the retablo (main altar) and the side altars of the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral.

kwaresma na

I woke up late today, so I failed to observe the traditional blessing of palms which was spearheaded by the Bishop at the Cardinal Rosales Plaza at 6:00 am today. Anyway, there was palm all over the place.

At the Altar, it was palm that served as decor. Outside the Cathedral, some enterprsing Calbayognons were quick to put in place their respective pwesto where they can sell what else, but palm branches.

There was blessing of palms in all the masses today and featured here are pix during the blessing after the last mass which was at 8:00 pm tonight.