Thank You For The Music

I was in the mall to buy some groceries when I chanced upon a backdrop on a stage, set up in the middle of the mall atrium, that says:

Avenida Musika - Brass Band Symphonic Competition
March 7, 1pm.

The competition is in connection with the annual musical festival of Tagum City which we celebrate every March, the Musikahan festival.

I finished my errands before 1pm and since I did not have other plans for the day, I decided to just stay a while and enjoy the free show.

I sat on a vacant monoblock chair provided for the audience and waited for the event to start. I waited, and waited. And waited. Until it was 245 when the event started.

How I hate tardiness.

After the introduction of the judges that lasted 30 mins (I am not exaggerating) the competition was on. And o boy how I enjoyed the show.

I can't explain the excitement I felt when the first band started playing. I was actually expecting a loud, marching band type of music. It was not like that at all. And then I remembered; oh right, this was the symphonic brass band. It was like listening to the soundtrack of a movie.

I was able to recognize the songs played by the first contestant. New York, New York transitioned to My Way. Then my heart skipped a beat when they played Obla di Obla (life goes on bra! La la la life goes on!) and I thought I hope they'll play more Beatles songs.

Billie Jean was next and then a very beautiful rendition of the Visayan song, Usahay. I was really having a good time but their next set of songs was what made my day: they played a medley of Beatles songs.

I thought; I knew it! I knew they were going to play The Beatles, it's inevitable! I'm so happy I wasn't wrong.

They started with Hey Jude. It was‎ followed by one of my favorite songs, Martha My Dear. I used to sing that to our puppy, Wolfie Rabbit. But that's another story.

Then the played The Fool On The Hill and Norwegian Wood. Norwegian Wood! By a brass band! I wouldn't have imagined it being played without the sitar but the band made it work. I liked it so very much.

The next set of songs from the next group just went by so fast. I wasn't able to recognize most of them except for the themes from Star Wars and Jaws but I remember being so thrilled!
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I can't call myself a music lover as I can only appreciate a few styles and genres. I don't know what to call this type of music as I have little to no knowledge about music. But as far as I can remember, I've appreciated this kind of musical performances.
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I can't remember the last time I had so much fun. I am deeply grateful for those who made this possible. It was such an awesome experience. I went home with a happy heart, my soul richer because of the gift of music.

Welcome 2015

Welcome 2015!

Yes. I know It's a bit late. This should have been posted a month ago. However I lost my draft so I had to recall what was in my first draft.

Anyway, this is just a list of what I want to do this year. You'll notice that they're small plans. That is intentional as I want to be able to be happy with small victories.

1. Post at least 1 article on this blog per month- This post shall be considered my entry for January. This will be challenging for me as I can't figure out what to write. If I think of something and I don't write it down immediately, I forget.

2. Read and FINISH at least 1 book per month- Emphasis on the word finish as I tend to stop reading a book when it's almost finished. In fact last year, there were around 5 books that I wasn't able to finish. This has to stop. I am sure this year I will succeed!

3. Make at least 1 artwork per month. I used to be good at drawing and painting. Since I fell in love with Alistair and Joker, I never had the time to draw and paint anymore. This year will be different.

4. Email or text my friends at least once a month. Whether or not they respond will not matter. I will make an effort to reach out.

I actually feel good about 2015. I really think I will be successful in achieving my listed goals.

Happy new