Tonight after work, I went to the golf range to practice my golf swing. It's been a little over two years since the last time I played golf, and boy did it show. I was hitting the toe of my clubs for at least the first half of my practice session. Luckily I managed to convince my friend Butch to come out and practice with me so that he can see what I'm doing wrong. After a few pointers from him, I started finding my swing again, but I started getting tired and my swing started getting "tight" again. Oh well, at least my last swing with my 3-wood went straight and far (about 280+ yards). I guess I beter keep practicing before I even decide to get on a golf course to play. I promise myself that I will not stop golfing for such a long time again. It just sucks to forget all the fundamentals and having to start all over again.
On a side note, I would like to congratulate the Cruz's (Ed, Tina and Isaac) on their announcement last nite, that they are expecting a second child. It's cool that Isaac will be a kuya. Congrats guys.
29 June 2005
28 June 2005
Another day.....
Today I continued training on my route. I'm training one of our recently hired drivers on how to do my route. I needed to train because UPS will need coverage when I go to Brazil and when I have to go to conferences and audits.
After work I went over to Fremont to meet up with some rondalla peeps. We were going to record Bryan's new composition for Kuya Rudi so that he can start planning on what type of choreography he will do for this brand new piece. We don't even have a name for it yet, but I can tell you this, it's hella nice, it's hella fast (some parts) and it's very castillian. I like it.
Tomorrow I think I'm gonna hit the driving range. It's been 2 years since I've played golf, and since it's getting too hot to fish, I think it's time I hit the links.
Pees owt!
After work I went over to Fremont to meet up with some rondalla peeps. We were going to record Bryan's new composition for Kuya Rudi so that he can start planning on what type of choreography he will do for this brand new piece. We don't even have a name for it yet, but I can tell you this, it's hella nice, it's hella fast (some parts) and it's very castillian. I like it.
Tomorrow I think I'm gonna hit the driving range. It's been 2 years since I've played golf, and since it's getting too hot to fish, I think it's time I hit the links.
Pees owt!
26 June 2005
No love
I went to Cache creek yesterday. No love, I ended up donating to their bldg. fund. Oh well, at least I got to hang with one of my friends that I haven't hanged out with for a long time.
Had practice today, but almost all the bading dancers weren't there because it was Pride day. Oh well, I just hope they know their dances 'cause we're off next weekend, which will leave us with about 3 or 4 practices before we leave.
Oh well, gotta get some grub.
Peace out.
Had practice today, but almost all the bading dancers weren't there because it was Pride day. Oh well, I just hope they know their dances 'cause we're off next weekend, which will leave us with about 3 or 4 practices before we leave.
Oh well, gotta get some grub.
Peace out.
22 June 2005
Music and Me
After reading Prof ED's latest entry about his passion for music and how it started. It got me thinking as to how the heck did I end up having this passion for pilipino music. Growing up, I wasn't the least bit interested in anything that has something to do with the arts (at least not as passionately as I do now) In fact growing up, I didn't want to take piano lessons with my sister, my parents both can sing well, my dad plays the guitar, my younger brother played the banduria, my sister got the part of Maria in our High School district wide rendition of the West Side Story. But me, nada, I played basketball, football, and tennis. The closest I got to the high school band was when they would play during halftime at our football games. So what happened? Well here it goes.........(might be a long one, as I'm known to just ramble on and on)
Back in High school, my aunt (or adapted mom) was the adviser for the Fil-Am club, she was also my ride home, so when she has to teach folk dances I have to stay and watch until she's done. Well, there was a girl that I liked and it just so happen that she joined. Needless to say if I was to meet her, I have to start participating.
Thus began my folk dancing career at the ripe old age of 13. So I did this throughout high school. I even hooked up with Kulintang arts, when they were still starting out, because my aunt sponsored them to teach at my high school. I learned how to play basic beats on the drum and agong. But I didn't touch the kulintang because I didn't know how to read music and I suck at playing melodies.
After High School, I got involved with the Barangay dance company, where I met ED and Mur and other people that shared the passion of folk dancing with me. I also joined PACE the pilipino organization at SF State. They too have PCN's which featured folk dancing and so I stuck with it and participated as well. In fact it was through PACE that I ended up meeting Kuya Rudi.
Now you are probably asking, where is the musician part, well, I'm getting there.
After meeting up with him, he asked me if I could be the stage director for "Handog" which was a dance concert that his group, P.P.A. put together. This was the first time that I actually heard the Tan bros. play live music for the first time. And I thought that it was just magnificent. I still remember the songs they played from Chotis, to banga, to vinta. It was one of the most amazing sounds that I've ever heard and soon after that I told myself that I want to play exactly like them. Now I'm nowhere near how they play, in fact I think I'm an ok musician. I'll never be a Bayani or Ed or Bryan, because I'm too stubborn to learn how to read music properly. I usually just try to play it by ear. But I do know one thing. Music is a big part of my life and I don't think that I can go on without it. Just ask Laurie who keeps teasing me about my threats of "retirement", believe me I tried, but what it all boils down to is that I can't live without the music and walking away will just kill my spirit.
So to my fellow musicians both here and abroad. Thank you for the music and letting me be a part of it all.
Back in High school, my aunt (or adapted mom) was the adviser for the Fil-Am club, she was also my ride home, so when she has to teach folk dances I have to stay and watch until she's done. Well, there was a girl that I liked and it just so happen that she joined. Needless to say if I was to meet her, I have to start participating.
Thus began my folk dancing career at the ripe old age of 13. So I did this throughout high school. I even hooked up with Kulintang arts, when they were still starting out, because my aunt sponsored them to teach at my high school. I learned how to play basic beats on the drum and agong. But I didn't touch the kulintang because I didn't know how to read music and I suck at playing melodies.
After High School, I got involved with the Barangay dance company, where I met ED and Mur and other people that shared the passion of folk dancing with me. I also joined PACE the pilipino organization at SF State. They too have PCN's which featured folk dancing and so I stuck with it and participated as well. In fact it was through PACE that I ended up meeting Kuya Rudi.
Now you are probably asking, where is the musician part, well, I'm getting there.
After meeting up with him, he asked me if I could be the stage director for "Handog" which was a dance concert that his group, P.P.A. put together. This was the first time that I actually heard the Tan bros. play live music for the first time. And I thought that it was just magnificent. I still remember the songs they played from Chotis, to banga, to vinta. It was one of the most amazing sounds that I've ever heard and soon after that I told myself that I want to play exactly like them. Now I'm nowhere near how they play, in fact I think I'm an ok musician. I'll never be a Bayani or Ed or Bryan, because I'm too stubborn to learn how to read music properly. I usually just try to play it by ear. But I do know one thing. Music is a big part of my life and I don't think that I can go on without it. Just ask Laurie who keeps teasing me about my threats of "retirement", believe me I tried, but what it all boils down to is that I can't live without the music and walking away will just kill my spirit.
So to my fellow musicians both here and abroad. Thank you for the music and letting me be a part of it all.
21 June 2005
Bad Karma
As I was working on some stuff for work on my computer, DjJohn calls me up and tells me to turn on the tv and watch the news. lo and behold, they are reporting that 3 people were found dead in a foyer on a third floor of a commercial across from the South San Francisco City Hall. WTF!!! that's where we practice and the foyer is exactly where we have to walk through to get to our studio space. Man, that place will forever bother me as 3 people met a very violent ending to their lives. (think the grudge). I hope we don't have to stay late nights over there. (hint hint Kuya Ruds)
20 June 2005
Lending cars
So for the past 2 months, I've been lending out one of my cars to an aunt who doesn't have a car (until recently when she finally bought her own car). Now I'm not swapang or selfish and I don't mind helping out other people, especially family. But man, can you at least take care of my things. I lent her my truck this last 2 and half weeks and I don't know what she did, but when I got it back, there was this weird noise in the engine. Ya know, the kind that tells you its vibrating more than it should be. Well, to support my suspicion, I checked the oil level and it was downright empty. Now I know that my old truck has a slight oil leak, but in all the years that I've driven it, I've never and I mean never, have ran out of oil. I guess when it comes to driving styles, I'm a little anal about how one should drive my car. All I can say is, if you are going to borrow, treat it as if you've bought it. RESPECT...nuff said.
Venting done.
Signing off
Venting done.
Signing off
18 June 2005
Video showing
Last nite, I went to the Cruz's (2) and watched the video of the show we did up Vancouver. It was a fun night of pointing out mistakes and laughing about them. Praising the good performances. Being amazed at how Kuya Jun seems to keep impressing us with how he comes up with something to surprise us with every show.
But I think the highlight of the show will forever be the "dong" moment in Paseo. We had to rewind it so we can keep our laughter going. Good Times.
Now I'm just waiting for Ledge and Aileen so we can go and watch a movie. But that post will be for another time.
But I think the highlight of the show will forever be the "dong" moment in Paseo. We had to rewind it so we can keep our laughter going. Good Times.
Now I'm just waiting for Ledge and Aileen so we can go and watch a movie. But that post will be for another time.
15 June 2005
Still feelin' it, atbp.
Ever since I got back from Vancouver, I've been on some sort of a natural high. I still picture everything that happened, in my mind. I kept replaying the music in my head and on my ipod.
I was talking to Kuya Jun about the show when we were waiting for our luggage at SFO. I was telling him that this was probably the best show I've seen up there. He agreed with me in that it was a good show and that everyone from KP seemed to have really liked the lighting. Again, I wish I was in the audience to really see the show that way it should've been seen.
So Friday we are going to the Cruz's (2) to watch the bootleg of the show. Should be nice to have a copy (veejay...hint..hint)
So is it just me or our weather pattern has gone quirky. Monday was really nice and hot, today was just plain windy and the forecast calls for rain on friday. How weird is that, Rain in the middle of June. In fact, they are forecasting for snow up in Lake Tahoe for thursday nite.
Sayonara for now, sa susunod na kabanata muli tayong magkitakita. Babay
I was talking to Kuya Jun about the show when we were waiting for our luggage at SFO. I was telling him that this was probably the best show I've seen up there. He agreed with me in that it was a good show and that everyone from KP seemed to have really liked the lighting. Again, I wish I was in the audience to really see the show that way it should've been seen.
So Friday we are going to the Cruz's (2) to watch the bootleg of the show. Should be nice to have a copy (veejay...hint..hint)
So is it just me or our weather pattern has gone quirky. Monday was really nice and hot, today was just plain windy and the forecast calls for rain on friday. How weird is that, Rain in the middle of June. In fact, they are forecasting for snow up in Lake Tahoe for thursday nite.
Sayonara for now, sa susunod na kabanata muli tayong magkitakita. Babay
13 June 2005
I'm Back from a weekend of Bliss
Well, I 'm back from Vancouver, as a lot of you already know, from doing a show with my KP family. I don't really know what else to say, since a lot of people have said it already. The show was great, from the lighting to the dancing and the music.
Let me just say that this is by far the best show KP have ever had and I've been to a few of them personally. Everything was on hit, even some of the miscues didn't put a damper on anything. The audience were great, they even clapped the musicians as we were walking to our stools playing "ang alibangbang". Hats off to KP for being great hosts and even greater artists. To you all...I Raise The Glass!!!!!!
Here's a summary of some of the memorable and funny things that went on during the show (I only played a limited amount of music, so I was able to observe, yeah I know, unheard of right)
The infamous "conjoined twins" incident during the friday show.
Ed falling off his broken stool and kept playing while going down gracefully.
Veejay's emotional speech during green room, made Warren do the crying game. HAH
The beat then move the gong prelude of the muslim suite (thank Randy for that one)
Ernie "Dong" Andrade's extra note for the fast part of Paseo.
Me and Bryan playing the wrong notes for Lapay and not caring about it.
Rodney's malong music except he played it for Sagayan (good recovery though)
The musicians getting scorched by Kuya Jun during sound check (I was in the sound booth the whole time)
Rodney not getting his stool because Cristina sat on his stool during alibangbang.
Jeanette's sinkil performance (my little princess is all grown up)
Ed writing the lineup on his fingers and hand, not even sure if it was necessary.
Christian "feeling" his Indarapatra dance, then I found out that he was having leg cramps during the dance.
Bev's seemingly dark cloud hanging over her on friday as she was involved with a string of bad luck, from the conjoined twins, too Ed falling dwon during her song, to her partner not making it out in time for Pandango. Hmmm............
Mak, missing his flight to Vancouver and almost missing his flight back to San Francisco. I think he should be banned from traveling. ;P
Me missing the hwy off ramp to Vancouver and making a huge "u-turn" involving 3 streets, two stop lights and a driveway. (Ask my passengers about it)
All dressed Ruffles, nuf said.
The nice "sights" on Robson St. (ain't that right Randy, wink wink)
Me getting sick, because, I decided to smoke outside Boston Pizza with just a t-shirt on. DUMB
But the best memory I have is the one where I performed with everyone that is dear to me on stage. It has been an honor and privilege to share the stage and lights with you all, this is what drives me to better my craft as a musician wannabe and I hope that whatever little music I play, helps drive your passion for dancing.
Again Congrats to all involved and Let's keep doing it.
Let me just say that this is by far the best show KP have ever had and I've been to a few of them personally. Everything was on hit, even some of the miscues didn't put a damper on anything. The audience were great, they even clapped the musicians as we were walking to our stools playing "ang alibangbang". Hats off to KP for being great hosts and even greater artists. To you all...I Raise The Glass!!!!!!
Here's a summary of some of the memorable and funny things that went on during the show (I only played a limited amount of music, so I was able to observe, yeah I know, unheard of right)
The infamous "conjoined twins" incident during the friday show.
Ed falling off his broken stool and kept playing while going down gracefully.
Veejay's emotional speech during green room, made Warren do the crying game. HAH
The beat then move the gong prelude of the muslim suite (thank Randy for that one)
Ernie "Dong" Andrade's extra note for the fast part of Paseo.
Me and Bryan playing the wrong notes for Lapay and not caring about it.
Rodney's malong music except he played it for Sagayan (good recovery though)
The musicians getting scorched by Kuya Jun during sound check (I was in the sound booth the whole time)
Rodney not getting his stool because Cristina sat on his stool during alibangbang.
Jeanette's sinkil performance (my little princess is all grown up)
Ed writing the lineup on his fingers and hand, not even sure if it was necessary.
Christian "feeling" his Indarapatra dance, then I found out that he was having leg cramps during the dance.
Bev's seemingly dark cloud hanging over her on friday as she was involved with a string of bad luck, from the conjoined twins, too Ed falling dwon during her song, to her partner not making it out in time for Pandango. Hmmm............
Mak, missing his flight to Vancouver and almost missing his flight back to San Francisco. I think he should be banned from traveling. ;P
Me missing the hwy off ramp to Vancouver and making a huge "u-turn" involving 3 streets, two stop lights and a driveway. (Ask my passengers about it)
All dressed Ruffles, nuf said.
The nice "sights" on Robson St. (ain't that right Randy, wink wink)
Me getting sick, because, I decided to smoke outside Boston Pizza with just a t-shirt on. DUMB
But the best memory I have is the one where I performed with everyone that is dear to me on stage. It has been an honor and privilege to share the stage and lights with you all, this is what drives me to better my craft as a musician wannabe and I hope that whatever little music I play, helps drive your passion for dancing.
Again Congrats to all involved and Let's keep doing it.
08 June 2005
Headaches
I've been off from work since monday. What've I been doing you ask, well, besides packing my stuff and getting ready for Vancouver, I've been busy smoggin my Toyota so that I can give it to one of my aunts that needs a car. I just didn't think that it would take me 3 days to do it.
I took the car for a test at a test only center(translate=hella strict guidelines)
So I pass emissions and everything else, EXCEPT for a minor thing called the ignition timing belt function. When he tested it, he said that it was off by 6 degrees. So it's considered a fail and charges me $57. So I went to a mechanic to get it adjusted. Well when he adjusted it, he forgot to re-calibrate his timing gun so in essence it added an extra 10 degrees. Not knowing what the mechanic did I ended up re-testing and sure enough it failed again, now it's off by 18 degrees. Then he charges me $39 for the re-test. So I go back to my mechanic, he realizes his mistake and re-calibrated his timing gun and adjusted the timing. By that time I couldn't go back to the smog place because he doesn't have anymore openings until wednesday morning. So I went home. Tuesday, I decided to go around get stuff for the trip and then realized that the luggage I have is too small. My parents ended up taking my big suitcase when they went back to the Philippines. So I ent to Target and had to buy a bigger suitcase for the trip.
I then went to Ledge's house to visit him and the family. But everytime I go there I get allergy attacks. My right eye started drying up and my nose got clogged up. So after a while, I decided to go home.
Wednesday morning comes and I go for the third smog test on the car. Finally it passes since it's only off by 2 degrees. SO he then charges me $47. So basically this smog test cost me about $143, Dang dood, now I have to work overtime when I get back just to make it up. I'm telling ya, cars are bad investments. Get a good one and stick with just one. Don't have 3 like I do, it will just deplete your funds quickly.
So now I'm all packed up (I think) and i'm just going to head out to rondalla rehearsal tonite and then off we go in the early morning to YVR. But that's a different kind of headache (joke lang). 'til I get back. Headache one signing off.
I took the car for a test at a test only center(translate=hella strict guidelines)
So I pass emissions and everything else, EXCEPT for a minor thing called the ignition timing belt function. When he tested it, he said that it was off by 6 degrees. So it's considered a fail and charges me $57. So I went to a mechanic to get it adjusted. Well when he adjusted it, he forgot to re-calibrate his timing gun so in essence it added an extra 10 degrees. Not knowing what the mechanic did I ended up re-testing and sure enough it failed again, now it's off by 18 degrees. Then he charges me $39 for the re-test. So I go back to my mechanic, he realizes his mistake and re-calibrated his timing gun and adjusted the timing. By that time I couldn't go back to the smog place because he doesn't have anymore openings until wednesday morning. So I went home. Tuesday, I decided to go around get stuff for the trip and then realized that the luggage I have is too small. My parents ended up taking my big suitcase when they went back to the Philippines. So I ent to Target and had to buy a bigger suitcase for the trip.
I then went to Ledge's house to visit him and the family. But everytime I go there I get allergy attacks. My right eye started drying up and my nose got clogged up. So after a while, I decided to go home.
Wednesday morning comes and I go for the third smog test on the car. Finally it passes since it's only off by 2 degrees. SO he then charges me $47. So basically this smog test cost me about $143, Dang dood, now I have to work overtime when I get back just to make it up. I'm telling ya, cars are bad investments. Get a good one and stick with just one. Don't have 3 like I do, it will just deplete your funds quickly.
So now I'm all packed up (I think) and i'm just going to head out to rondalla rehearsal tonite and then off we go in the early morning to YVR. But that's a different kind of headache (joke lang). 'til I get back. Headache one signing off.
06 June 2005
The Longest Yard
This remake was a pretty good one, I like the action that was associated with the football game and Adam Sandler did a pretty good job acting. He has gone a long way from his Happy Gilmore/Billy Madison days.
3 more sleeps
3 more sleeps and it's off to YVR for me and my crew. It's gonna be a fun filled albeit very busy weekend. I can't wait to go home (that one is for Tina)
05 June 2005
practice
Today, we had a dress rehearsal for our show up in Vancouver. It was a little tiring, but I think the musicians had a very good practice. The dancers....well, let's just say there's still room for improvement.
Although I've been up there many times, and I've been part of the the KP shows for the last ten years (can't believe it's been 10 years already!) I think I've been to more KP shows than some of their own alumnis. In fact one of the other alumni's pointed out that I'm not even considered a guest artist anymore. I'm just part of them now, albeit 1000 miles away. Anyways, I still get excited everytime I go up there, I guess you can say that it's my third home (P.I. and the U.S. being the other). I can't wait to go up there and hang out with everyone again. It seems like it's been ages since I went up there.
Well here's to good times and I shall post about the adventures up there when I get up. Ciao for now.
Although I've been up there many times, and I've been part of the the KP shows for the last ten years (can't believe it's been 10 years already!) I think I've been to more KP shows than some of their own alumnis. In fact one of the other alumni's pointed out that I'm not even considered a guest artist anymore. I'm just part of them now, albeit 1000 miles away. Anyways, I still get excited everytime I go up there, I guess you can say that it's my third home (P.I. and the U.S. being the other). I can't wait to go up there and hang out with everyone again. It seems like it's been ages since I went up there.
Well here's to good times and I shall post about the adventures up there when I get up. Ciao for now.
04 June 2005
Rondalla fraktis
Last nite, we had our weekly rondalla rehearsal, it went pretty well. We are preparing for a show in canada with our sister company Kababayang Pilipino. Should be fun. 4 more days and we are there.
Right now I'm over here at Vacaville, visiting the Laxa's and just chilling out. I try to visit them since they moved so far out that I hardly get a chance to hang out with them. Unless there's a party going on down in the city.
Right now I'm over here at Vacaville, visiting the Laxa's and just chilling out. I try to visit them since they moved so far out that I hardly get a chance to hang out with them. Unless there's a party going on down in the city.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
