3/20 Challenge: Dreams Bygone

I was born in a family who loves music. All of us know (at least) how to sing properly. My siblings were sent to conservatory at the early years to learn playing the piano and violin. Everyone was, except me. I was plain lazy and uncooperative when I was young. I just wanted to sing without the aid of music sheets, without having to learn to read music notes and without requiring me to go through rigid music lessons on top of my academic subjects. My refusal was firm and I didn’t realize it’s impact until I saw my sisters consistently being applauded by the crowd during their recitals.

Their every bow on the stage makes me a little regretful of the years I wasted to become skilled at music. Had I studied seriously, I should have been there too on stage, sharing my accomplishments to my family. At the moment I focus more on voice development. I may not have learned to play any music instruments but at least I’m working diligently to hone my talent to sing.

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five-day writing marathon

I am pleased to close a special contract that requires me to submit 20 articles (or short stories for that matter) in a week’s time. The task itself is not really pressing except that it actually goes down to the bottom line: I have to deliver at least 4 stories a day in order to complete this project.

The rainy days bring me enough time to exercise my creative mind. As each has to be a personal story, there’s a need for me to think back and refresh every single and qualified experience I had and put everything in words. Let me reiterate ─ that’s twenty articles in a week… some 4 stories to write each day. I have submitted a sample story which I wrote a few years back and am hoping that my boss would include it in the requirement to cut the number down to 19. Last night I just composed another one (which I am going to share in a separate post), so I only have to make 18. Whew!

This is gonna be fun, challenging and income-generating all at once, so I need some pat on my shoulders today. Wish me well, everyone!

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a voice to sing

It’s fun and fulfilling when you are engaged to things you love doing. What makes the situation a little different is when you are a frontliner – when everyone’s eyes are focused solely at your actions, at your life.

I am a choir member in the church for over a decade now.

Given this second soprano (S2) voice that is “able” to blend to music once played, the only way to pay gratitude to the Lord, I believe, is to sing for Him. The songs I’ve sung in the choir are numberless while those I’ve rendered solo are just few, although very much memorable. Each song comprises pieces of my life as a Baptist believer. There came a pause some years back which I would describe now as the time when my life was in flat line. Nearly dying faith. But because I am an heir of God’s promises, I saw the Lord’s hand pulling me up each time I fall. He is marvelously gracious!

Since I am often seen in front, it puzzles many people when I form part of the audience. If not unwell, I am thought to be in emotional pain, confusion dilemma or currently in the cradle of sin. No matter how silent I become, chances are someone would come and approach me why I didn’t sing. So if I really can’t make it, I often think of just taking a sabbatical leave which is very much unacceptable. God has always been good to me even in life’s most difficult circumstance so He doesn’t deserve a coward servant.

Last time, when I was struggling against an unnecessary pain and idling time away for not joining not even the choir’s rehearsal in the afternoon, when people started asking why I didn’t sing, it hit me. I knew they were God-sent messengers reminding me of my self-dependence again.

I was then a wounded soldier, forgetting that the commander-in-chief is the One who created me, who puts courage in my heart every now and then, who desires nothing but the best for me. There harked back the reason why I sing. I do, not just when I feel blessed and happy. I was a given a voice to sing for His glory to keep in mind that my Saviour lives when all my hopes die. I sing not only when life is easy but even more when the going gets tough... because in my every weakness the Lord shows me His strength.

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when I led the singing of Lupang Hinirang

Since it’s Independence Day, I want to answer the prevalent question: “What is the one thing you have done that made you proud to be a Filipino?”

I once led the singing of Lupang Hinirang. Four days before my birthday last year came the bowling tournament sponsored by our office. I was part of the committee but it wasn’t planned or advised earlier that someone from us would lead the song. All I could recall was there’s a minus one song to be played but the staff from Mall of Asia was just too unhurried, the program couldn’t wait any longer to begin. So they pulled me instead and I had no time to refuse them. I grabbed a piece of paper and jot down the lyrics because you don’t get to trust your memory especially when you’re crazy nervous! I had a few minutes of surveying from colleagues the correctness of the anthem’s lines and softly rehearsing the piece in one corner.

This was my Facebook status after the small victory on that unexpected "singing" event.

Then the program started. I was called to lead the singing of the national anthem right after the opening prayer. I grabbed the microphone with shaking hands and started singing after my “Handa, awit…” queue. The minutes following were just so dramatic as if I was seeing the Philippine flag swaying in the air. The crowd was serious in their singing. Behind me were the bosses following my melody. I could feel the last grain of sweat running down my head on the last stanza of the song… and it’s done!

I did it not to showcase my voice because I know I’m so far from being an excellent singer. I stood there as a proud Filipino, braving the butterflies in my stomach and singing the song I have always been proud to sing.

Happy 114th Year of Independence, my dear countrymen!

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Jekyll and Hyde: Another Must-See Broadway Musical

After chancing upon an online promo ticket advertisement of another Repertory Philippines performance, I contacted a friend right away to book the show. Watching stage musical, as I always claim, is at the top of my interests. But for some reasons, I opted again not to review or do a research about Jekyll and Hyde. I just have pieces of expectations based on posters circulated earlier. Aware that Cris Villonco, Kalila Aguilos and Jett Pangan are the star performers, I knew firsthand that this is gonna be another true musical theatre phenomenon. And I wasn’t mistaken; in fact, the show overshadowed everybody’s expectation. It was superb!

Repertory Philippines is running Jekyll and Hyde from March 16 to April 22, 2012 at Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1.
For tickets, inquiries and other information, you may call their office at 571-6926 or 571-4941.

Who owned the night and has earnestly gotten everyone’s attention, and mine too of course, was Jett Pangan’s performance. He acted so real as if he was as genius as Dr. Henry Jekyll and as violently murderous as Edward Hyde. His words were full of conviction and authority driving the audience crazy while waiting for the next victim to be slaughtered. Perhaps I would not have watched the show had this been shown in film. How morbid would that be! On stage, Jett really gave his soul and utmost dedication for both characters. There was even this song in Act 2, Lost in the Darkness/The Way Back & Confrontation where he sang in duet with himself. Yes all by himself in two persons! Amazing right?

I have wonderful experience too with Cris and Kalila who both portrayed as love interests of Jekyll and Hyde interchangeably. Emma Carew, played by Cris, is Jekyll’s bereaved bride who in her quest to tread the difficult life’s journey with him along, had failed to see the victor in her love’s struggle. I felt the pain (really!) as she sang him the finale song. Of the unforgotten too is Lucy Harris, the character rendered by Kalila. Her very powerful voice remained in grace while singing her dialogue in the show. Everyone was mesmerized. The disposition of being a prostitute perfectly matched her person – wild and liberated.

The show ended with the crowd applauding the entire cast in standing ovation. I have watched a number of Repertory Philippines’ performances in the past but only with this one that I saw and enjoined the audience to rise and honor the performers with a big round of applause. Kudos RP! Thank you for another impressive act worth keep coming back to.

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Liebster Award

It’s been a while after I last sent gifts to my co-blogger friends. The last I think was in October, 2011 ─ Heart Locket Blog Award, I got from Sie and was given back to my deserving followers. Now I am pleased to have my first-ever commendation this year, the Liebster Award from FherYmas.
Aside from learning a new word – liebster which means “dearest” in German, I was given another friend, well-grounded of the Biblical principles and godly beliefs. This adds encouragement to me as a writer, as a believer. Thank you for sharing your knowledge to the world. I surely know that if some lost sheep will stumble upon your page, they will claim the blessing as I did in reading your blog.

Now, let me do the honor to pass on this Leibster Award to the following people:

• Jolly Princess of Jolly Princess @ World Wide Web
• Iantie of The Journey
• Clai Estabillo of Making Love Stories
• Miss Lego of Bappy Dood
• Jec of Jec and the Beanstalk

Please link back to the rewarder, let the whole wide world know about your award, choose five people you think are equally deserving of this award, and notify them accordingly. And last, enjoy reading and writing about life!

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Heart Locket Blog Awardee

It is a big joy that I have received another award from Sie. This isn’t the first but it still feels overwhelming that people from across the blogosphere could recognize others at the opposite end of the globe. With this, I share to you the homework I promised Sie to accomplish this weekend.

What makes you feel great about yourself?
I honestly don’t feel great about myself. As a human, I have committed so many shortcomings in life. My nearing twenty-nine years of existence proved how many times I’ve grieved the Lord’s heart for doing things that never glorified Him. My being temperamental provoked people to, at least, become strong when they face me. Well, I am born sanguine. I have the sanguine disposition. I speak, write and act confidently in almost everything. That’s how I project myself and in such way I am oftentimes perceived as arrogant, self-centered and annoying. Don’t misjudge my words. I have a number of friends still, and they love me the way I am. I fight for what I believe is right and humbly backs off when I am sure I’m wrong. Perhaps it feels great that I know where to put myself in every situation. I was gifted with sharp discernment to weigh what’s good and bad.

Who inspires you most?
The Lord inspires me most day after day. He inspires me with the family I have ─ loving, supportive and selfless. He inspires me with my church whom I work hand in hand with in His service. He inspires me of the songs I sing and have sung for the past 15 years I spent in the choir. He inspires me of the people surrounding me in the office. He inspires me continually with the daily blessings I am given and trials I was able to conquer triumphantly because of Him. He inspires me of the life I live today.


Now, I am passing on this award to the following writers:

─ Feel Free by Enzii
─ Jec and The "Beans" Talk by Jec
─ Shadows & Thoughts by Heisei
─ Zezebel Lair by Zezebel
─ IS10 by Matsutarō Fáfá
─ Miss Lego by Herself
─ Zen Encounters by Zennia


Same rules, guys. Please have the two questions above, answered and pass on the award to as many deserving bloggers you so desire.

Thank you so much for this, Sie!

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i love bowling!

With the exception of swimming and cycling, there is no more sport I can proudly say I am excellent into. The previous sports fest we attended fortunately included some parlor games that made me enjoy the day. Aside from being unexposed to physical activities due to health constraints, I am just lazy, too unenergetic when it comes to too much sweating… until I discovered this interest to bowling.

The department held its first indoor sports in preparation for the ROHQ bowling tournament scheduled this coming October. Upon the manager’s confirmation of this event, I couldn’t hide my excitement and volunteered cheerfully to book the date and venue for an after-work dry run.

Randomly divided in four groups, everyone dealt diligently with knocking all the pins down! Unlike many who had hard time trying to hit all the pins and prevent the ball from rolling down the edge of the lane, I achieved my goal to throw consistent strikes and spares for the two games. Although mine was not really that of the hardcore style, commanding the ball to swerve in the direction I wanted it to take, I knew pretty well how to take control of my hand in my every throw. Adapting the spinner style, I only needed to hit the headpin to result in a domino effect on the other pins in which the bowling ball walked down one of the two 'clothes lines' due to the deflection of the light-weight bowling ball. Some even said my chosen eight-pound ball seemed not to hit everything down until it reached half of the lane and consistently positioned itself at the center aisle, and viola!

Garnering a total of 220 points for the two games, I ranked third among the 18 bowlers and first among the ladies. The secret to playing the sport good is to enjoy the entire game without getting embarrassed of the misses you make. Have your entire system relaxed and win good camaraderie with your group.

By the way, Team 4 won, where I belong! Teamwork efficiently works!

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without the aid of interpreter

Everyone’s world stopped while waiting for the outcome of the Miss Universe Pageant 2011 to where Philippines sent its best and highly dependable representative, Architect Shamcey Supsup.

I have neither seen her in TV before nor even heard about her. I just knew she was the country’s beauty ambassador when the news broke that she bagged the third place in the pageant at Brazil. Thanks to the replay telecast, I was able to follow her road to success along with the eighty plus ladies representing their lands around the globe. Noticing that she’s the sole English-speaking lass among the last five chosen candidates, I had this gut that she deserved to win. I am not saying this just because I am a Filipino and that of course I should cast my support for her ─ it’s but the ENGLISH thing!

If water is the universal solvent, then English is the universal language. I do not completely understand why this international advocate of well-being never leveled up its standards when it comes to speaking English. I don’t trust interpreters ─ they may add or deduct thoughts from what was relayed. The crowned princess sounded good in her answer but the interpreter hummed better.

Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner Up, Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup

Our very own, Shamcey, had gracefully delivered her speech without the aid of interpreter. With much conviction, the audience applauded her snappy and humbling response.

Miss Universe 2011 Q&A portion:
"Would you change your religious beliefs for the one you love?"

Miss Philippines:
“If I would have to change my religious beliefs, I would NOT marry the person that I love because the first person that I love is God, who created me. I have my faith and my principles, and this is what makes me who I am. If the person loves me, he should love my God, too.”

We want to take chances so after the event, I shared what I would have asked if I were one of the judges: "If you were an alien and could only learn one language before your visit to Earth, which language would you choose and why?" And for this instance, Miss Philippines is allowed to speak in Filipino and have her answer personally interpreted in English afterwards! Why not? Hahaha!!!

Congratulations Shamcey! This gives me another reason to be prouder that I am a Filipino.

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Still You Are

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Click the play button at the top to listen to STILL YOU ARE, the trio version.

Having spent more than half of my life as a Baptist, I understood better what my talent is for the Lord ─ to sing. I have been singing as S2 (second soprano) in the choir for twelve years now and I count it as one big blessing in my life as a Christian. Although I failed so many times in trying to isolate my voice from the worldly melodies, the Lord has always led me back to serve Him with the talent I was given. Whether it is a regular Sunday or exceptional Lord’s Day occasions, I try my very best not to miss singing. However, even when my performance on stage is numberless, stage fright still eats me! No matter how I wrestle against my pounding heartbeat, sometimes I just can’t keep my voice from noticeable shaking and it is when I start to lose my notes altogether!

Last Sunday, I stood in awe while singing Still You Are with our church’s pianists: my younger sister Geah and our pastor’s son, Justin as alto and tenor, respectively. Again, I was nervous and it did show as when I felt my cold hands perspiring. I was in the middle of two keen musicians and I had to battle my anxiety in front of the crowd. Silently I begged for the Lord’s help to have this song rendered wonderfully as we three ought to, because it’s God whom we are rendering this special number to in the first place. My prayers were quickly answered! I know that very moment the Lord was working in us. We did it, majestically for God’s glory!

Here's a copy of the lyrics just in case you feel like singing along with us:

Geah:
In the middle of the darkness when I'm looking hard for hope,
When I'm drifting toward the rocks of fear, afraid that I'm alone

Ning Li:
When I can't see beyond today, I'm sure of what is true
I turn my heart in silent prayer to all I know of You

Trio:
Still You are the Faithful Father, timeless in Your loving plan
Still You are the place of shelter in this lost and barren land
Still You are the God of heaven, forever's in Your hand
You revealed Yourself to be the Great I Am, and still You are

Justin:
I can never understand it how Your love remains the same
In a world that's full of restless hearts in a constant state of change
You've proven that You're worthy of the trust I place in You

Trio:
You've been through all the ages past, the only source of truth

Still You are the Faithful Father, timeless in Your loving plan
Still You are the place of shelter in this lost and barren land
Still You are the God of heaven, forever's in Your hand
You revealed Yourself to be the Great I Am, and still You are

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diehard fanatic of stage musicals

I admittedly am a diehard fanatic of stage musicals and to date I have watched:

Mulan Junior "Just because I look like a man doesn't mean I have to smell like one."


Joseph the Dreamer
"If we don’t believe God has our best interests at heart, we won’t dream big dreams."


Jack and the Beanstalk
" I owe you my life. But I don’t know where I fit in anymore. "

The Wedding Singer
"Did you have any idea she wasn't the right one when you were together? "


...and just yesterday, Sweet Charity
"We were given: Two hands to hold. Two legs to walk.
Two eyes to see. Two ears to listen. But why only one heart?
Because the other was given to someone else. For us to find."

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sunshine award

This being my second award from my online friends, Balqis and Odliam, has added me special gusto again to continue what I really love doing ─ to write. I bestow equal praises to both for being avid followers of my unrivalled solace. I feel honored that the stories of my life and all my scribbled opinions here, although might appear dull to others have brought and continue give interest and encouragement to many.

Now what makes receiving this award more exciting is the “imperative” to disclose things about me ─ exciting because, as people know, I really love telling things about myself, letting everyone know who Dai Ning Li is offline. For this, let me direct you to a previous post, Incantatory Recital, summing everything about me.

To the following whose stories online I also follow, I pass on this award:

• Guiltless Getaways
  
• Kayleigh's Story
  
• The Drama Queen Can Tell Stories
  
• Jolly Princess @ World Wide Web
  
• Just Like Your Extra Ordinary Day
  
• Jec and the "Beans" Talk
  
• Shadows Overhead
  

I find blessing in being your follower as much as I feel privileged to share encouragement and personal thoughts too to my readers.

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team bubuli

Deprived to participate in intense physical activities during my childhood, it so envies me to observe those who can freely join outdoor adventures. From afar, I observe the crowd with equal excitement as each member exert full endeavor in pursuit of bringing home the biggest bacon.

The battle of a willing spirit against a weak flesh visibly approaches again as the company holds its interdepartmental teambuilding activity this June. Everyone is encouraged to be physically ready on the challenges awaiting us in the jungle adventure. Deployed in a group named BUBULI (newt or salamander), I am determined to brush off my fears and contribute something to bag the victory.

If I can’t give much from the corporal aspect, then I am more than willing to share my brain while strategizing the schemes we are to make to win. Other teams ─ Matsing (monkey), Alakdan (scorpio), and Paniki (bat) ─ have tactics unique from each other to succeed in their plans. To us, there is no better start than to stand in a common principle that talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships... and we shall make this happen!

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wonderful rendezvous

Rendezvous Quartet ─ Danny, Brodie, Andrew and Calvin

Rendezvous Quartet formed in the fall of 2008 when Saskatoon-born best friends Andrew, Brodie and Danny were singing in a stairwell at Humber College in Toronto. Little did they know that their a-cappella hobby would take an interesting and most delightful turn when Niagara-born Calvin approached the treble trio asking, “Do you guys need a bass?” The quartet then joined up with Northern Lights Men Chorus.

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writer's source of joy

No prize is greater than being awarded with unexpected appreciation from your friends. As a writer, the readers are my source of joy in continuing to connect to the virtual world, inspire people with the grandeur of life and freeing myself away in sharing my thoughts to everyone.

Receiving this special award from Mommy Balqis, I am honored to dedicate the same to the following bloggers:

─ Journal Intime by Odliam
─ A Different Scene by Rod
─ Window of Happiness by Audrina Julia
─ My Journey by Mika
─ Journey Through the Pages by Patricia Lynne
─ Wings to Fly by Sudheera

Kudos to everyone!

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tell me why

Every day, I ask myself what will I have to do to be a man
Do I have to stand and fight to prove to everybody who I am
Is that what my life is for ─ to waste in a world full of war?

Declan Galbraith sings, "Tell me why 'cause I don't understand when so many need somebody we don't give a helping hand. Tell me why?" The song simply touched me!

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