The Warrior Is A Child

I was not familiar with the song "The Warrior Is A Child" until Rico Yan died six years ago. It became popular because it was known to be his favorite song. I thought it was Gary Valenciano's original composition. I only knew just last night that it was Twila Paris' original song. I heard her version while we were in Julie's car. She let us listen to it because it is the song that we're going to perform for tomorrow's Greenbelt Chapel's Silver Jubilee Presentation.

Julie Garcia is our current Musical Director. Since the Silver Jubilee council assigned the song to us, she made a special arrangement of the song for our choir, Ars Cantica Ensemble. I was really moved with her arrangement. I even sent her a text message how I was really touched by it. Although we only had little time to make a perfect execution of it, I already felt the message of the song. I liked the song before but now... I LOVE IT! I consider it as my #1 favorite song to date.

Just a few minutes ago, I started searching for videos of Twila Paris singing this song. I was not disappointed. I also saw a very good presentation with this song in the background. Here's the link: The Warrior Is A Child


While watching it, at first, I was holding back my tears. However, my chest exploded in the middle of the song and I wasn't able to contain my emotions and I bursted into tears. I didn't know exactly why I was crying. I didn't care. I really had a good cry. I thought maybe it was because of all the frustrations and heartaches that I've been through all these years. I am not used to crying when there are people around me. I'd rather not show my emotions. I'd rather cry when I'm all alone. Well, whatever the reason was, I enjoyed that moment.

Hopefully, we'll be able to give justice to this song when we perform for tomorrow's celebration. I pray that the Lord's Angels will sing with us. :)

Who I Am Makes A Difference

A little appreciation goes a long, long way...

















* Thank you to my choir mate, Puri for sharing this very inspiring story. :)

Ars Cantica Ensemble in Marian Concert

Ars Cantica Ensemble singing "Song of Mary" and "Mariang Ina Ko" during the Marian Concert at EDSA Shrine.

Soloists:
Lhen Lim (Song of Mary)
Chinn Kalingo (Mariang Ina Ko)

Pianist/Conductor:
Julie Garcia

Count Your Blessings

Through all the difficulties in life that I experienced and still experiencing, sometimes I can't help but to ask the Lord for the reasons behind all these. However, whenever I turn on the TV and see the more gruelling heartaches that other people undertake, that's the time I realize how lucky I am. Once in Homily, I heard the Priest said, "When you feel down, don't focus much on the dark side. Instead, try to count your blessings and you'll see how rich you really are."

So, now I decided to count my 7 Blessings that I should be thankful for every single day of my life.

1. Family
- I don't have a perfect family but I have a great one. Despite the loss of our Mother, we're able to stay strong and be bonded as one.
2. My Significant Other
- Jonathan and I have been steady for almost 8 years now. Long engagement is rare nowadays. I am lucky to have a boyfriend who would stick with me despite my "ka-jologan" sometimes.
3. True Friends
- I have true friends that I can always count on when I need a helping hand. Friends that have been there for a loooooooooong time.
4. Ars Cantica Ensemble (ACE) Family
- I have found a very caring group with them. They are one of the reasons I always look forward to when singing in the Mass every Sunday.
5. Knowledge / Skills / Talent
- These are all God-given. Things that can't be taken away from me.
6. Awards
- Again, something that can't be taken away because these were fruits of my hardwork and determination.
7. Good Health
- I get sick from time to time but I have NEVER experienced to be confined or be seriously ill.

Wow! I'm blessed! I'm sure, I still missed some things.
To God Be The Glory!

Now, are you ready to count your BLESSINGS? :)

Do You Have A Difficult Person In Your Life?

I got this wonderful e-mail today from Mammu Chinn (my Nanay-Nanayan in our choir). It's very enlightening and I thought that it would be great to share it with you.

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God allows difficult people to come into our lives to give us very special gifts. What could these gifts be?

It seems like everyone on the planet has a difficult person to strangle, er, I mean to grapple with. But “What special gifts do Difficult People give you?”

Here are the big 4 gifts you receive from difficult people. (Note: Check out especially Gift #2, because that’s what many people don’t do…)

Gift #1:
Difficult people can teach you how to love,
preparing you for Heaven!

§ You learn to become more patient, more understanding, more persevering.
§ You have pity for them because you realize that “Hurt people hurt people”
§ You learn to see the good qualities even among difficult people.
§ You learn how to be compassionate as God is compassionate.
§ You learn how to forgive, to remove bitterness from your heart.

Gift #2:
Difficult people can teach you to protect yourself
and learn to say “No” to abuse.

§ You learn to love yourself, respect yourself, by no longer allowing abuse.
§ You learn to be courageous and stand up against bullies.
§ You learn to give tough love—refusing his abuse again. It may be the most loving thing you can do for a difficult person.
§ You wizen up, learn tact, and learn how to distance yourself from harmful people.

Gift #3:
Difficult people can help you
get to know your weaknesses.

§ Difficult people remind you that you too could be difficult to others.
§ Difficult people teach you many important lessons in life. By seeing the tragic results of their actions, you’re inspired to do the very opposite of what they do.

Gift #4:
Difficult people can bring you closer to God.

§ Difficult people force you to pray a lot. (“Lord, help! I can’t take it anymore!”)
§ Difficult people force you to trust in God. (“Lord, I give up! I’ve done everything but she’s still a monster…”)
§ Praying for difficult people may not change them, but YOU will.
§ “Your cross (difficult person) is your key to heaven…” St. Poveda
§ You realize that YOU are God’s difficult person—yet you’re still loved by God!
Friend, God allows difficult people into your life to give you these 4 gifts.
Don’t miss receiving them!


Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification

Copyright!

As I was researching for copyright articles, I noticed this post from PinoyExchange.com. It's regarding ABS-CBN's copyright violation of certain festival photos that were shown in "Boy and Kris". Here is the link to the said post:
http://pinoyexchange.com/forums/showpost.php?p=24930944&postcount=9

And this was the resolution:
http://www.byahilo.com/2008/04/18/the-abs-cbn-issue-so-that-the-public-may-know/

Mabuhay ka, Byahilo.com! :)

I am really glad to have read these. Huli man daw at magaling... huli pa rin ako. Hehe! Now, I am more aware of my rights and I will be very vigilant this time. Just remember that we have AUTOMATIC COPYRIGHT of our OWN works/products. So, to unscrupulous people who will try to publish/upload my audio-visual works, photographs, and songs WITHOUT my permission; don't even try... No, no, no! Bang! :P

Zion's Post in PinoyExchange.com

*Click the photo to enlarge

I've just come across this post from PinoyExchange.com and noticed that our choir, Ars Cantica Ensemble, was mentioned. It just feels good to read something like this coming from somebody who we really don't know. Whoever "zion" is, thanks a lot! :)

IRON MAN Rocks!!!

I never liked any other superhero besides Superman.
I never knew who Iron Man was.
However, when I learned that Robert Downey, Jr. was chosen to play the role of Iron Man, I got so excited (even if I was not yet sure how that superhero looked like)! I have been a big fan of him since I watched him in "Chances Are" and "Heart and Souls". One day, when I saw a photo of Iron Man, I was like: "Ugh! How can I see his face?" Then, I started to doubt if I would be able to like the movie. Besides, Iron Man was not a familiar character for me.

Jonathan and I watched Iron Man on its first day of showing (April 30). I was really looking forward to see Robert Downey, Jr. and not the Iron Man. But, to my surprise, after watching it, I'd say that the movie met my expectations! It's not perfect but it was great! Story-wise, it's much better than Transformers. RDJ's acting is flawless and the production is simply amazing! The robot is gorgeous, too! I honestly would want to watch it all over again.

If you haven't seen this film yet, go out and watch it now. It's worth it! :)

"He Loved Me" by Ars Cantica Ensemble

Ars Cantica Ensemble singing (one of my favorite Mass songs) "He Loved Me" during Communion on Sunday Mass (April 6) at the EDSA Shrine.

Ars Cantica Ensemble is a Church-based choir serving at Greenbelt Chapel, Our Lady of EDSA Shrine, Rockwell Chapel, and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Chapel.

*Pardon for the muffled sound quality for this was only recorded using a mobile phone.

The Demise Of Honesty and Decency In Our Society plus The Rise of Gullability & Recalcitrance

I do not need attention.
I do not need recognition.

I do not need sweet conversation.
I do not need affection.

I do not need an apology.
I do not need promises.

I DO NEED, HOWEVER, SINCERITY.

Say what you mean and mean what you say.
If you can’t be generous with your words, at least be HONEST: even if others do not, even if others cannot, and even if others will not.

ALWAYS BEAR IN MIND "THE GOLDEN RULE".
Do I still need to elaborate? Nah!

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Batu-bato sa langit
Ang tamaan...
Beh, buti nga! :P

A Chock-Full Easter with Ars Cantica Ensemble

We had a great time celebrating Easter Sunday singing in three different Masses (Discovery Suites, EDSA Shrine, and Rockwell Chapel). Plus, our super missed "kapatid", Lhance made a surprise visit! Indeed, the Christ is risen!

*Ars Cantica Ensemble is a Church-based Choir serving at Greenbelt Chapel, Our Lady of EDSA Shrine, Rockwell Chapel, and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Chapel.

To view more photos, please go to:

http://choyzee.multiply.com/photos/album/20/A_Chock-Full_Easter_with_Ars_Cantica_Ensemble

TMX Elmo Live!

These are great toys, indeed! The first video is the new edition and the second one is what I have. It was given to me by my boyfriend, Jonathan as a Valentine's gift two years ago. Enjoy watching! :)

The New TMX Elmo Live!



My TMX Elmo!

Ars Cantica Ensemble's Entry for the "Pringles U Pop" Music Video Contest

Here's our entry for the "Pringles U Pop Music Video Contest" on Myx.

We managed to finish the recording and shoot in just one day (right after our Mass services at the EDSA Shrine and Rockwell Chapel) and submitted our entry on January 29. Though we were not chosen to be in the Finals, we had a lot of fun making this video!

Title: Pop Heart (Once You Pop, You Can't Stop)
Performed by: Ars Cantica Ensemble
Music & Lyrics / Direction: Choy Zablan
Music Arranged by: Ars Cantica Ensemble

My Youngest Sister Made It! :)

It's the only school she applied for college entrance exams and she still made it! Not only that... Only 3 in their whole school batch passed the exams and luckily, she's one of them! Whew! I'm very proud of my sister!

* The above screenshot was saved on January 6, 2008 when her name finally appeared in the list of successful examinees of ACET (Ateneo College Entrance Examination).

A Christmas Experience with Ars Cantica Ensemble

ACE's one of a kind Yuletide rendezvous in 2007.

*Ars Cantica Ensemble is a Church-based Choir serving at Greenbelt Chapel, Our Lady of EDSA Shrine, Rockwell Chapel, and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Chapel.







To view more photos, please click this link:
http://choyzee.multiply.com/photos/album/12/A_Christmas_Experience_with_Ars_Cantica_Ensemble

Ars Cantica Ensemble - PAGCOR Carol Festival '07 Finals

Ars Cantica Ensemble singing "A Christmas Carol" in PAGCOR Carol Festival '07 Grand Finals Night.

Award : 2nd Runner-Up

Ars Cantica Ensemble is a Church-based choir serving at Greenbelt Chapel, Our Lady of EDSA Shrine, Rockwell Chapel, and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Chapel.

*Sorry for the unstable sound quality since it was only recorded using a mobile phone. No video clip was taken for it was prohibited.

Ars Cantica Ensemble - Paskong Himig sa Pasig '07 Finals

Ars Cantica Ensemble singing "Ang Aking Bayan" (by Nicanor Abelardo) and "Gloria" (by Norman Agatep) in Paskong Himig sa Pasig '07 Grand Finals.

*Ars Cantica Ensemble is a Church-based choir serving at Greenbelt Chapel, Our Lady of EDSA Shrine, Rockwell Chapel, and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Chapel.

Ars Cantica Ensemble in "The Sobrang Gud Nite Show w/ Jojo A. All The Way"

First TV Guesting of Ars Cantica Ensemble in "The Sobrang Gud Nite Show with Jojo A. All The Way!", singing "Carol of the Bells" and "A Christmas Carol". Aired on Christmas Eve, QTV 11. The show is hosted by Mr. Jojo Alejar.

Ars Cantica Ensemble is a Church-based choir serving at Greenbelt Chapel, Our Lady of EDSA Shrine, Rockwell Chapel, and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Chapel.First Part: TV VersionSecond Part: Studio Version

Jojo, you're the beyst!!! Thanks a lot! :)

*Sorry for the poor quality of the TV Version videos for they were only taken from a mobile phone.