Gerard Salonga
Lea Salonga at Malaysia, May 22-23
19 May 2010 02:38 PM
From May 21-24, I will be in Malaysia to play 3rd keyboard for Lea Salonga. It will be my first time to visit that country. I’m very excited to be playing for Lea again, and looking forward to the Malaysian food that a lot of my friends have raved about. I’m also looking forward to hanging out with the rest of the band, most of whom are also my colleagues at FILharmoniKA.
Gerard Salonga - Musical director/1st keyboard
Bond Samson - 2nd keyboard
Ria Osorio - 3rd keyboard
Ardie De Guzman - guitar
Joji Magadia - bass
Jorge San Jose - drums
- - - - - - - - - -
(photo and article taken from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/7/nation/6207855&sec=nation)
KUALA LUMPUR: Award-winning international theatre actress and singer Lea Salonga (pic) makes her debut concert, An Evening With Lea Salonga, on May 22 and 23 at the Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here.
The Filipino singer and actress is best known for her musical roles inMiss Saigon, Les Miserables andFlower Drum Song. The 39-year-old is also recognised as the singing voice of Disney's animated roles - namely Princess Jasmine in Disney's Aladdin and Fa Mulan for both the Mulan movies.
An Evening With Lea Salonga is organised by R&B Productions Sdn Bhd and presented by Malaysia Airlines' Enrich in partnership with CIMB Bank. The performance on May 22 is exclusively for Enrich and CIMB Bank card members while the May 23 performance is open to the public.
“We are excited about Lea's inaugural concert in Malaysia. Lea has had an illustrious musical theatre career and has been honoured with numerous awards, including the Olivier Award, Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and Theatre Los Angeles Ovation Awards.
“Hopefully, she will be an inspiration for Malaysian youth who aspire to launch a career in theatre and acting,” said Rahmah Datuk Mahmood, director of R&B Productions Sdn Bhd, during the press conference here.
This year, Malaysia Airlines' Enrich celebrates its 10th anniversary. Salonga's concert is part of Enrich's Music Indulgence to reward its customers. In March, Enrich brought in contemporary R&B singer Babyface.
“The Enrich Music Indulgence is just one part of an exclusive series of activities supporting the airline's 10th anniversary celebrations,” said Malaysia Airlines corporate marketing and loyalty programme general manager Raja Datuk Nordiana Zainal Shah.
Tickets are priced at RM853, RM553, RM353, RM253 and RM153 and are available at Axcess ticketing online. Early bird tickets for May 22 are entitled up to 35% discount till May 15. Customers can get a 25% discount from May 16 onwards. Enrich and CIMB Bank card members can receive a 20% discount for May 23's performance. For details, call 03-7711 5000 or browse aneveningwithleasalonga.com oraxcess.com.my.
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Richard Bamping With FILharmoniKA April 18 2010
19 Apr 2010 02:24 PM
Last Saturday’s concert was nothing short of amazing.
FILharmoniKA, under the baton of Gerard Salonga,
played Scheherazade (with Rechelle Alcances on violin
solo) and Dvorak Cello Concerto featuring Richard
Bamping, principal cellist of the HKPO. For the
event, I was the designated score-reader. Net 25 had
a fantastic 7-camera setup, and I assisted the
director in cuing the shots, especially of soloists
and important sectional highlights. It has been my
second time to do this (the first was FILharmoniKA’s
Inaugural Gala), and I must say I had a great time
studying the scores, attending the rehearsals, and
learning this new skill.
Now I don’t really feel compelled to write a music review; it would be much better for you guys to watch the concert instead. It will be aired on Net 25 in a few weeks, and I will just post the schedule here. In the meantime, I’d like to ruminate on a few things I’ve learned, or been reminded of, from the time that FILharmoniKA started rehearsing for the concert, up to the event itself, and the lovely dinner we all had with Rick afterwards.
1. Orchestral activity is on an upswing here in the Philippines. My colleague/boss/mentor/friend Gerard mentioned this a few weeks ago. While FILharmoniKA has been busy these past months with some recordings for teleseryes, and a few live shows, plus this season’s two first concerts (Inaugural Gala and Dvorak Cello Concerto), other orchestras like the Manila Symphony Orchestra, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra have held several concerts and mall shows this year.
2. The masters in any field, the really REAL ones, are not the ones who are jaded, who scoff at the rest of the world, and have puffed-up egos. The real ones, even after having achieved so much success in their field and critical acclaim, are always outside of themselves.. They don’t have their ego in the way. In musicians, it’s all about the music. Hence, they retain a childlike quality. Having Richard Bamping over was an indication of this. The breadth and depth of his knowledge in classical music was such that he knew all of the pieces that anybody asked him about during his stay here.. and could even play the other orchestral parts on his cello! And his playing is so transformative that I think even the orchestra’s playing went up several notches while playing with him. Yet never once did we witness an “it’s-all-about-me” attitude. In the Philippines, I’ve observed this in the masters I’ve come to admire: Tots Tolentino, Maestro Angel Peña, even younger masters such as Gerard. It’s all about the music. Maestro Angel Peña, in his 80’s, came to my graduation recital in the early 2000’s, and told me he wanted to learn more about that kind of music that I was into.. This, from the composer who started the Pinoyjazz movement! Again, it’s all about the music.
I hope you all watch out for the remaining concerts of this season. We’re going to have Cecille Licad over for the next concert! Stay tuned for more updates..
Now I don’t really feel compelled to write a music review; it would be much better for you guys to watch the concert instead. It will be aired on Net 25 in a few weeks, and I will just post the schedule here. In the meantime, I’d like to ruminate on a few things I’ve learned, or been reminded of, from the time that FILharmoniKA started rehearsing for the concert, up to the event itself, and the lovely dinner we all had with Rick afterwards.
1. Orchestral activity is on an upswing here in the Philippines. My colleague/boss/mentor/friend Gerard mentioned this a few weeks ago. While FILharmoniKA has been busy these past months with some recordings for teleseryes, and a few live shows, plus this season’s two first concerts (Inaugural Gala and Dvorak Cello Concerto), other orchestras like the Manila Symphony Orchestra, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra have held several concerts and mall shows this year.
2. The masters in any field, the really REAL ones, are not the ones who are jaded, who scoff at the rest of the world, and have puffed-up egos. The real ones, even after having achieved so much success in their field and critical acclaim, are always outside of themselves.. They don’t have their ego in the way. In musicians, it’s all about the music. Hence, they retain a childlike quality. Having Richard Bamping over was an indication of this. The breadth and depth of his knowledge in classical music was such that he knew all of the pieces that anybody asked him about during his stay here.. and could even play the other orchestral parts on his cello! And his playing is so transformative that I think even the orchestra’s playing went up several notches while playing with him. Yet never once did we witness an “it’s-all-about-me” attitude. In the Philippines, I’ve observed this in the masters I’ve come to admire: Tots Tolentino, Maestro Angel Peña, even younger masters such as Gerard. It’s all about the music. Maestro Angel Peña, in his 80’s, came to my graduation recital in the early 2000’s, and told me he wanted to learn more about that kind of music that I was into.. This, from the composer who started the Pinoyjazz movement! Again, it’s all about the music.
I hope you all watch out for the remaining concerts of this season. We’re going to have Cecille Licad over for the next concert! Stay tuned for more updates..
David Benoit with FILharmoniKA
28 Feb 2010 03:26 PM
Last February 11, FILharmoniKA, led by Gerard
Salonga, had a concert with David Benoit at the PICC!
Our team of arrangers orchestrated some numbers. I
had the opportunity to write the orchestration to
David Benoit’s version of Human Nature.
Arrangers with David Benoit. From L-R: me, Denis Catli, Marvin Querido, JD Villanueva, David Benoit, Gerard Salonga (also musical director/conductor)
Denis Catli, Marvin Querido, me, Tots Tolentino, JD Villanueva
(Photos by Roxy Modesto)
Hop on over to Marvin Querido’s Page for photos of the orchestra in action.
Arrangers with David Benoit. From L-R: me, Denis Catli, Marvin Querido, JD Villanueva, David Benoit, Gerard Salonga (also musical director/conductor)
Denis Catli, Marvin Querido, me, Tots Tolentino, JD Villanueva
(Photos by Roxy Modesto)
Hop on over to Marvin Querido’s Page for photos of the orchestra in action.
Some Photos from our Hong Kong Trip
20 Jan 2010 01:32 AM
Gerard Salonga was invited to conduct the Hong Kong Philharmonic for
their concert with Elisa Chan, one of the top
singers in Hong Kong. Gerard, along with me, JD
Villanueva and Marvin Querido, also arranged
some tunes for this show. Dex and I, together
with the other arrangers, came over to Hong Kong
to watch the concert and the rehearsals. It was
such a treat for us - HKPO is a stellar
orchestra!
I’ve set my Facebook albums to public, so just hop on over there for the photos. I don’t really have time to blog about the trip in detail, so..
Hong Kong trip Day 1
Hong Kong trip Day 2 - watched HKPO rehearsals and had lots of dimsum
Hong Kong trip Day 3 - watched HKPO rehearsals and headed over to Sai Kung, seafood city.
Hong Kong trip Day 4 - saw Hong Kong Disneyland musicians, our friends from the Philippines. Also watched the HKPO matinee concert but I have no photos of that..
Hong Kong trip Day 5 - after the concert, we went on a junk boat trip with some of the members of HKPO.
Here are photos of the trip from Marvin Querido.
Cheers!
- - -
Related posts:
I’ve set my Facebook albums to public, so just hop on over there for the photos. I don’t really have time to blog about the trip in detail, so..
Hong Kong trip Day 1
Hong Kong trip Day 2 - watched HKPO rehearsals and had lots of dimsum
Hong Kong trip Day 3 - watched HKPO rehearsals and headed over to Sai Kung, seafood city.
Hong Kong trip Day 4 - saw Hong Kong Disneyland musicians, our friends from the Philippines. Also watched the HKPO matinee concert but I have no photos of that..
Hong Kong trip Day 5 - after the concert, we went on a junk boat trip with some of the members of HKPO.
Here are photos of the trip from Marvin Querido.
Cheers!
- - -
Related posts:
Just Some Updates (a.k.a. Why I Haven't Been Updating my Blog)
05 Dec 2009 08:12 PM
I can’t believe it’s been a month since I last wrote
a blog post! Bad blogger...
Just so you know I’m not merely being a lazy blogger, here’s what I’ve been up to the past weeks.
1. Writing for the Hong Kong Philharmonic orchestra.
The piece I wrote for their Christmas concert features the HKPO with the 70+ piece Hong Kong Philharmonic Children’s Choir. This will be the first time that none of my arranger teammates will be present for an HKPO concert that we have written for. In the past 2 years that we’ve been arranging for HKPO, Gerard Salonga usually conducted the HKPO’s concerts where our arrangements were involved. There was also one concert where JD and I were able to watch them, which was Lee Hom Wang’s Christmas concert last year. HKPO is a bunch of really superb musicians.
2. Writing for Jeremy Monteiro’s big band Christmas special concert at The Esplanade, Singapore.
Jeremy Monteiro is one of the leading jazz artists in Asia. I was very fortunate to have been selected for this project, which features top artists from all over Asia! From the Philippines, we have our own Tots Tolentino and Eddie Sangcap in the saxophone section. Visit this site to view details about the concert, as well as the featured guests. Here’s a current favorite tune of mine, from one of Jeremy Monteiro’s various groups, Asiana. (Tots Tolentino is part of said group)
3. Writing for Lea Salonga Your Songs Concert
This is the concert where Lea is singing all the most requested songs. Since July 2009, requests have been sent, and from those requests, the production team selected the most popular tunes. So this is Lea as you haven’t seen before! FILharmoniKA will be accompanying her, conducted by Gerard Salonga. I’ll be playing second keyboard in this concert as well. FILharmoniKA is currently becoming one of the most in-demand orchestras in the Philippines. I feel I’ve grown a lot during these past years because of their musicianship, and because of the opportunities for me to write for them, and also the guidance/tips from Gerard and the rest of our team of arrangers.
4. Various playing gigs
Flow, the big band/acrobat/musical special of PAGCOR, has been going strong. Last November, I played in ten shows. I’m not actually the main pianist for this show, but Nikko Rivera, a very talented virtuoso.. I’m supposed to be his alternate, but I guess that’s how busy he is, that I get to play in that show a lot! Even though I’m already up to my neck in arranging deadlines, I still try to squeeze in some time to play keyboards. Especially for Flow, since I get a kick out of participating in two worlds (many times, on the same day) - Orchestra in Carmel House studio during the day and Big Band at night. Oh, and not to mention, I get to see my father too - Mel Villena, who leads the 22-piece band. He wrote most of the music for the show.
Aside from this, I was also able to play in some FILharmoniKA shows, and some shows with Lea Salonga. It’s a nice break from writing, and sitting in my computer chair for 10-14 hours in a day. (It’s also the only social life I have at this point, aside from Facebook and the occasional mountain-bike ride with buddies).
Just so you know I’m not merely being a lazy blogger, here’s what I’ve been up to the past weeks.
1. Writing for the Hong Kong Philharmonic orchestra.
The piece I wrote for their Christmas concert features the HKPO with the 70+ piece Hong Kong Philharmonic Children’s Choir. This will be the first time that none of my arranger teammates will be present for an HKPO concert that we have written for. In the past 2 years that we’ve been arranging for HKPO, Gerard Salonga usually conducted the HKPO’s concerts where our arrangements were involved. There was also one concert where JD and I were able to watch them, which was Lee Hom Wang’s Christmas concert last year. HKPO is a bunch of really superb musicians.
2. Writing for Jeremy Monteiro’s big band Christmas special concert at The Esplanade, Singapore.
Jeremy Monteiro is one of the leading jazz artists in Asia. I was very fortunate to have been selected for this project, which features top artists from all over Asia! From the Philippines, we have our own Tots Tolentino and Eddie Sangcap in the saxophone section. Visit this site to view details about the concert, as well as the featured guests. Here’s a current favorite tune of mine, from one of Jeremy Monteiro’s various groups, Asiana. (Tots Tolentino is part of said group)
3. Writing for Lea Salonga Your Songs Concert
This is the concert where Lea is singing all the most requested songs. Since July 2009, requests have been sent, and from those requests, the production team selected the most popular tunes. So this is Lea as you haven’t seen before! FILharmoniKA will be accompanying her, conducted by Gerard Salonga. I’ll be playing second keyboard in this concert as well. FILharmoniKA is currently becoming one of the most in-demand orchestras in the Philippines. I feel I’ve grown a lot during these past years because of their musicianship, and because of the opportunities for me to write for them, and also the guidance/tips from Gerard and the rest of our team of arrangers.
4. Various playing gigs
Flow, the big band/acrobat/musical special of PAGCOR, has been going strong. Last November, I played in ten shows. I’m not actually the main pianist for this show, but Nikko Rivera, a very talented virtuoso.. I’m supposed to be his alternate, but I guess that’s how busy he is, that I get to play in that show a lot! Even though I’m already up to my neck in arranging deadlines, I still try to squeeze in some time to play keyboards. Especially for Flow, since I get a kick out of participating in two worlds (many times, on the same day) - Orchestra in Carmel House studio during the day and Big Band at night. Oh, and not to mention, I get to see my father too - Mel Villena, who leads the 22-piece band. He wrote most of the music for the show.
Aside from this, I was also able to play in some FILharmoniKA shows, and some shows with Lea Salonga. It’s a nice break from writing, and sitting in my computer chair for 10-14 hours in a day. (It’s also the only social life I have at this point, aside from Facebook and the occasional mountain-bike ride with buddies).
Samu't Sari: A Benefit Concert
29 Oct 2009 11:58 AM
November 4, 2009. Samu’t Sari is fund-raising concerts for musicians in the Philippines who have suffered losses during typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana). Your ticket purchases, or participation, will help our colleagues a lot. Plus, it’s an exciting lineup of pieces!
----
Tentative Program (since a lot of musicians are joining, this list can still grow):
Brahms, Academic Festival Overture
Chopin, Piano Concerto no. 1 Mary Anne Espina, piano
II Romance – larghetto
III Rondo – vivace – 9:53
Bernstein, Glitter And Be Gay, Joy Abalon Tamayo, Soprano
Johnny Alegre:
Natural Jazz
Beacon Call
Rachmaninoff Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Jovianney Cruz, piano
Tchaikovsky, Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy
Bernstein, Three Dance Episodes from On The Town
Williams, Excerpts from Star Wars
I. Main Title
II. Across The Stars
III. The Imperial March
Beethoven, Excerpts from Symphony No. 9, 4th mvt
Pop Artist:
Reymond Sajor
Choir:
Globalink Choir
More Lee Hom Wang clips from HKPO Concert
21 Jan 2009 12:37 AM
I mentioned in my last post that I'll be posting the
other videos, specifically Descendants of the Dragon
and A Simple Song. So here they are:
Descendants of the Dragon - arranged by JD Villanueva
A Simple Song - arranged by me
Thanks, Clarissa!
Related posts:
Lee Hom Wang Clips from HKPO Concert
Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
Hong Kong Day One and Two
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
Off to Hong Kong
Descendants of the Dragon - arranged by JD Villanueva
A Simple Song - arranged by me
Thanks, Clarissa!
Related posts:
Lee Hom Wang Clips from HKPO Concert
Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
Hong Kong Day One and Two
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
Off to Hong Kong
Lee Hom Wang clips from HKPO Concert
10 Jan 2009 08:28 AM
Arranging for the HKPO and Lee Hom Wang has been a
great experience for me, and I hope there'll be more
gigs of this kind what a great way to end the year
2008.
My arrangements: (I also did A Simple Song but couldn't find the video)
Falling Leaf Returns to Its Root (Luo Ye Gui Gen)
Heroes of Earth (Gai Shi Ying Xiong)
This is one of Gerard's arrangements. The other two were Jingle Bell Rock and Last Night.
Open Your Heart (Fang Kai Ni De Xin)
This one is Marvin's (as well as Forever Love)
Mi Mancherai
I couldn't find JD's yet, will update this as soon as I do.
Related posts:
Hong Kong Day Three - Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
Hong Kong Day One and Two
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
Off to Hong Kong
what a great way to end the year
2008.
My arrangements: (I also did A Simple Song but couldn't find the video)
Falling Leaf Returns to Its Root (Luo Ye Gui Gen)
Heroes of Earth (Gai Shi Ying Xiong)
This is one of Gerard's arrangements. The other two were Jingle Bell Rock and Last Night.
Open Your Heart (Fang Kai Ni De Xin)
This one is Marvin's (as well as Forever Love)
Mi Mancherai
I couldn't find JD's yet, will update this as soon as I do.
Related posts:
Hong Kong Day Three - Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
Hong Kong Day One and Two
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
Off to Hong Kong
Hong Kong Day Three - Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
27 Dec 2008 03:04 PM
All photos by Jacky, except those that have her in
them. Thanks again Jack! For more photos, visit
Jacky's Multiply Site.
Day three, we were in Ocean Park from morning till afternoon.
In the double decker bus.
Dex and Ria
Jacky and JD
View from Ocean Park entrance:
Jacky, Ria, JD
Jacky and me.
We went to the aviary
This duck looks really exotic (and delicious) he he
Me and Jacky posing beside the Mine Train, which we rode later.
Mine Train. I enjoyed the view during the ride, when the train wasn't swooping downward.
Entrance to the Atoll Reef. Here, Jacky is pointing to the Philippines on the map. According to the legend on the map, the Philippines is coral country (coral reefs are indicated in orange)
Fantastic sea creatures. God is amazing
Someone once told me that the Sea Horse is the only species whose male members carry the unborn offspring in their womb. The females inject the eggs into the males' body. Hmm, I wish humans had that option! He he.
Many Nemo's in their sea anemone homes. These anemones are poisonous to other creatures.
More fishies.
Shark!
Cable car time. JD's favorite part of the trip! (Not)
- - - -
In the evening, Dex and I watched Lee Hom Wang in concert with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, conducted by Gerard Salonga. We didn't have Jacky with us, so all I have are these pictures taken before the start of the show:
I'll just find the YouTube videos and link them here.
- - - -
After the show, we went out for a few drinks.
JD and DJ
Ria and Jacky
From left: Gerard, Michael Priddy (bass trombonist of HKPO), Dex, Jonathan Clarke (principal trumpet player of HKPO), and Rose (Jonathan's wife)
Gerard and giant beer!
Related Posts:
Off to Hong Kong
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
Hong Kong Day One and Two
Hong Kong Day Four - shopping and Typhoon Shelter Restaurant
Hong Kong Day Five - Disneyland and Morton's Steak House
Hong Kong Day Six - Sai Kung
Day three, we were in Ocean Park from morning till afternoon.
In the double decker bus.
Dex and Ria
Jacky and JD
View from Ocean Park entrance:
Jacky, Ria, JD
Jacky and me.
We went to the aviary
This duck looks really exotic (and delicious) he he
Me and Jacky posing beside the Mine Train, which we rode later.
Mine Train. I enjoyed the view during the ride, when the train wasn't swooping downward.
Entrance to the Atoll Reef. Here, Jacky is pointing to the Philippines on the map. According to the legend on the map, the Philippines is coral country (coral reefs are indicated in orange)
Fantastic sea creatures. God is amazing
Someone once told me that the Sea Horse is the only species whose male members carry the unborn offspring in their womb. The females inject the eggs into the males' body. Hmm, I wish humans had that option! He he.
Many Nemo's in their sea anemone homes. These anemones are poisonous to other creatures.
More fishies.
Shark!
Cable car time. JD's favorite part of the trip! (Not)
- - - -
In the evening, Dex and I watched Lee Hom Wang in concert with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, conducted by Gerard Salonga. We didn't have Jacky with us, so all I have are these pictures taken before the start of the show:
I'll just find the YouTube videos and link them here.
- - - -
After the show, we went out for a few drinks.
JD and DJ
Ria and Jacky
From left: Gerard, Michael Priddy (bass trombonist of HKPO), Dex, Jonathan Clarke (principal trumpet player of HKPO), and Rose (Jonathan's wife)
Gerard and giant beer!
Related Posts:
Off to Hong Kong
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
Hong Kong Day One and Two
Hong Kong Day Four - shopping and Typhoon Shelter Restaurant
Hong Kong Day Five - Disneyland and Morton's Steak House
Hong Kong Day Six - Sai Kung
Hong Kong Day One and Two
25 Dec 2008 12:37 AM
Photos by Jacky and Cocoy Sarmenta.
Pictures from the airport and shuttle, 1st day:
I was already lightheaded by this time after a week of sleeping only 2-4 hours a day.
JD with his inaanak, Antonio
We watched rehearsals at the Tuen Mun town hall. This pic was taken outside of the hall.
2nd day (December 22)
My birthday! It didn't feel like it, as we postponed celebrations, but this was a happy day nevertheless.
We went on one of the packaged tours included with our travel package. A big, big, tourist trap (meaning you end up shelling out more than what you've planned for). Well, this warns us against packaged tours next time. But we did get to do a bit of sightseeing.
Me and Dex in the Sampan (fishing boat)
Jacky and JD. JD, we learned later, was nervous about this ride pala. He he.
Jumbo Palace, giant floating restaurant. There are three of these in the world, and one is in Manila Bay.
Jacky
- - - - - - -
After those, we went to the TSL jewelry store where Dex bought me some jewelry for my birthday. Then we headed off to the Hong Kong Cultural Center to watch rehearsals. The orchestra sounded really good, they nailed a full length concert in just two short rehearsals, and I'm very happy to be part of this project. Lee Hom Wang is very talented as well - he can play lots of musical instruments well, he writes lovely songs and he's a really good performer all in all. (Google him to see how popular he is all over Asia)
Many thanks to Gerard for this opportunity!
Gerard!
Gerard Salonga and Lee Hom Wang
Me, Dex, JD, Gerard and Michelle
For more photos, visit Jacky's Multiply Site and Gerard's Multiply Site
Related posts:
Off to Hong Kong
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
Hong Kong Day Three - Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
Hong Kong Day Four - shopping and Typhoon Shelter Restaurant
Hong Kong Day Five - Disneyland and Morton's Steak House
Hong Kong Day Six - Sai Kung
Pictures from the airport and shuttle, 1st day:
I was already lightheaded by this time after a week of sleeping only 2-4 hours a day.
JD with his inaanak, Antonio
We watched rehearsals at the Tuen Mun town hall. This pic was taken outside of the hall.
2nd day (December 22)
My birthday! It didn't feel like it, as we postponed celebrations, but this was a happy day nevertheless.
We went on one of the packaged tours included with our travel package. A big, big, tourist trap (meaning you end up shelling out more than what you've planned for). Well, this warns us against packaged tours next time. But we did get to do a bit of sightseeing.
Me and Dex in the Sampan (fishing boat)
Jacky and JD. JD, we learned later, was nervous about this ride pala. He he.
Jumbo Palace, giant floating restaurant. There are three of these in the world, and one is in Manila Bay.
Jacky
- - - - - - -
After those, we went to the TSL jewelry store where Dex bought me some jewelry for my birthday. Then we headed off to the Hong Kong Cultural Center to watch rehearsals. The orchestra sounded really good, they nailed a full length concert in just two short rehearsals, and I'm very happy to be part of this project. Lee Hom Wang is very talented as well - he can play lots of musical instruments well, he writes lovely songs and he's a really good performer all in all. (Google him to see how popular he is all over Asia)
Many thanks to Gerard for this opportunity!
Gerard!
Gerard Salonga and Lee Hom Wang
Me, Dex, JD, Gerard and Michelle
For more photos, visit Jacky's Multiply Site and Gerard's Multiply Site
Related posts:
Off to Hong Kong
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
Hong Kong Day Three - Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
Hong Kong Day Four - shopping and Typhoon Shelter Restaurant
Hong Kong Day Five - Disneyland and Morton's Steak House
Hong Kong Day Six - Sai Kung
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
21 Dec 2008 09:12 PM
Today is our first day here in Hong Kong. Had a blast
watching the rehearsals with Gerard S. conducting the
Hong Kong Philharmonic for Lee Hom Wang's show.
They're really outstanding musicians! I was also
happy to hear my arrangements this morning and
afternoon. Tomorrow will be the start of the
concerts. After that, we had super sarap dimsum. I
forgot the name of the place - will blog about it
tomorrow.
Too bad we weren't able to get pics of the orchestra during rehearsals. Tomorrow we'll try to do so during the break time.
Related posts:
Off to Hong Kong
Hong Kong Day Three - Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
Hong Kong Day Four - shopping and Typhoon Shelter Restaurant
Hong Kong Day Five - Disneyland and Morton's Steak House
Hong Kong Day Six - Sai Kung
Too bad we weren't able to get pics of the orchestra during rehearsals. Tomorrow we'll try to do so during the break time.
Related posts:
Off to Hong Kong
Hong Kong Day Three - Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
Hong Kong Day Four - shopping and Typhoon Shelter Restaurant
Hong Kong Day Five - Disneyland and Morton's Steak House
Hong Kong Day Six - Sai Kung
Off to Hong Kong
19 Dec 2008 03:07 PM
In a couple of days, Dex and I will be leaving for
Hong Kong, together with Gerard, JD, DJ and Jacky
(and little Antonio). We will be watching Gerard Salonga conduct the
Hong Kong Philharmonic for
Lee Hom Wang's concert. I am
so excited! I've just finished two of the three
arrangements I'm making, and haven't been
sleeping for the past week (I'm lucky to get 4
hours of sleep these days).
Lee Hom Wang is a performer of many talents. Aside from singing and dancing, he also plays Electric Guitar, Drums, Violin, and a lot of other instruments. I really like the songs that were assigned to me to orchestrate for his concert.
Will be updating when we get there.
Lee Hom Wang is a performer of many talents. Aside from singing and dancing, he also plays Electric Guitar, Drums, Violin, and a lot of other instruments. I really like the songs that were assigned to me to orchestrate for his concert.
Will be updating when we get there.
Video Happy
13 Dec 2008 10:52 AM
My newest software purchase, Tubesock. I find it very
useful because I get to watch my favorite videos
taken off YouTube on my iPod, over and over if I
need to (like I did with the various concert
performances of Lee Hom Wang, as reference
for my arrangements for the his concert with
Gerard Salonga and the Hong Kong Philharmonic).
Yes, I know there are freeware versions of this, but why not make a programmer/developer happier this season by actually paying for his efforts?
Yes, I know there are freeware versions of this, but why not make a programmer/developer happier this season by actually paying for his efforts?
It's In the Genes
08 Dec 2008 06:01 PM
Hi! I'd like to share with you guys a song from
Lea Salonga's May 2008
Concert, My Life on Stage.
May 2008. I only had less than a full day to finish the music and orchestration, but this had been one of the serendipitous times when everything just seemed to fall into place. Maybe it is true, that deadlines are the best inspiration.
Direk Freddie made some awesome lyrics. One look at it even without the music, and it already sounds like a song.
A few hours before this was due for submission and rehearsal, I suddenly got sore eyes. I couldn't see the notes on the computer anymore and I had to forego rehearsals. So Gerard and the orchestra rehearsed without me. Later that day I realized that the sore eyes had been a false alarm. There was no virus. I guess my body was just reacting to the stress. Yet I don't view stress negatively as I used to. Stress is beneficial, if not downright necessary, for certain tasks. Especially in performing or creating. Just try not to be in that state everyday, I guess, so there'll be balance.
In hindsight, maybe I unconsciously willed the sore eyes into existence, so I'd have an excuse to disappear - as I was really worried about the music not turning out well. He he.
But turn out well, it did. Lea and Gerard Salonga, plus FILharmoniKa - what could go wrong?
Notice here that Lea enters without any lead-in or pitch reference. That's why I could forego putting an intro. My golly.
(Lyrics below the video. Video credits go to bubbliehappy2)
IT'S IN THE GENES
Words by Freddie Santos
Music and arrangement by Ria Osorio
It's in the genes I tell you
It's in the genes, I know
It's in the genes, they compel you
To know exactly where you want to go
It's in the genes forever
It's in the genes, no choice
It's in the genes, whatever
Whether kicking up or acting out, or tuning in your voice
Maybe who knows, there could have been other choices
If I had a different DNA
But then again though, looking at all other choices
Every single one just pointed me this way
So now I'm here as always
And what a life it's been
On center stage, not just the hallways
It goes whatever stage of life I'm in
As a little girl, an awkward teen
A singing actress in between
Someone in love, a wife and mom
How good to know where it all comes from
It's in the genes that says it
It's in the perfect page
And this whole life, God bless it
Will always find its life on center stage
On stage, my life, my life
Thank goodness for genetics!
On stage
Related posts:
What I've Been Doing This Week
Arranging Muscles
May 2008. I only had less than a full day to finish the music and orchestration, but this had been one of the serendipitous times when everything just seemed to fall into place. Maybe it is true, that deadlines are the best inspiration.
Direk Freddie made some awesome lyrics. One look at it even without the music, and it already sounds like a song.
A few hours before this was due for submission and rehearsal, I suddenly got sore eyes. I couldn't see the notes on the computer anymore and I had to forego rehearsals. So Gerard and the orchestra rehearsed without me. Later that day I realized that the sore eyes had been a false alarm. There was no virus. I guess my body was just reacting to the stress. Yet I don't view stress negatively as I used to. Stress is beneficial, if not downright necessary, for certain tasks. Especially in performing or creating. Just try not to be in that state everyday, I guess, so there'll be balance.
In hindsight, maybe I unconsciously willed the sore eyes into existence, so I'd have an excuse to disappear - as I was really worried about the music not turning out well. He he.
But turn out well, it did. Lea and Gerard Salonga, plus FILharmoniKa - what could go wrong?
Notice here that Lea enters without any lead-in or pitch reference. That's why I could forego putting an intro. My golly.
(Lyrics below the video. Video credits go to bubbliehappy2)
IT'S IN THE GENES
Words by Freddie Santos
Music and arrangement by Ria Osorio
It's in the genes I tell you
It's in the genes, I know
It's in the genes, they compel you
To know exactly where you want to go
It's in the genes forever
It's in the genes, no choice
It's in the genes, whatever
Whether kicking up or acting out, or tuning in your voice
Maybe who knows, there could have been other choices
If I had a different DNA
But then again though, looking at all other choices
Every single one just pointed me this way
So now I'm here as always
And what a life it's been
On center stage, not just the hallways
It goes whatever stage of life I'm in
As a little girl, an awkward teen
A singing actress in between
Someone in love, a wife and mom
How good to know where it all comes from
It's in the genes that says it
It's in the perfect page
And this whole life, God bless it
Will always find its life on center stage
On stage, my life, my life
Thank goodness for genetics!
On stage
Related posts:
What I've Been Doing This Week
Arranging Muscles
Kumpas
13 Aug 2008 10:50 PM
FILharmoniKa's Kumpas is out on the market! Go get
yourselves a copy, and support Philippine orchestral
music.
For only P285, you get all these cool tracks:
(side comments regarding the arrangements are mine)
1. Laki Sa Layaw - arranged by JD Villanueva
- elegant orchestration. Stravinsky meets Copland meets San Mig Light.
2. 214 - arranged by Ria Osorio
- with a hint of electronica.
3. Kanlungan - arranged by Marvin Querido. Featuring Noel Cabangon on vocals
- sentimental, very moving
4. Muntik Nang Maabot ang Langit - arranged by Marvin Querido
5. Tao - arranged by Marvin Querido. Featuring Sampaguita on vocals.
- one of my favorite tracks
6. Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo (by Dong Abay)- arranged by Ria Osorio
- I really enjoyed making this arrangement because this song is one of my favorites. It's sure to become a classic Pinoy Rock song.
7. Ang Huling El Bimbo - arranged by Ria Osorio. Featuring Ely Buendia on vocals.
- Had a hard time with this one because the original is so deeply etched in my mind, as I've been a fan of Eraserheads way back, but I needed to make a new version. I tried to make the arrangement sentimental/nostalgic.
8. Paglisan - arranged by Marvin Querido
9. Salamat - arranged by Dennis Catli/Sharon Feliciano
- lively, good vibes
10. Himig Natin - arranged by Gerard Salonga. Featuring Wally Gonzales on guitar.
11. Next In Line - arranged by JD Villanueva
all tracks conducted and produced by Gerard Salonga
I really enjoyed working on this album. The songs which were assigned to me were songs which I already liked, and knew by heart, back in high school. So it was real challenge to get the original versions out of my head and try to make new ones.
Buy, buy, buy it!
Here's a clip from IMEEM. You can also hear it played in NU 107.
For only P285, you get all these cool tracks:
(side comments regarding the arrangements are mine)
1. Laki Sa Layaw - arranged by JD Villanueva
- elegant orchestration. Stravinsky meets Copland meets San Mig Light.
2. 214 - arranged by Ria Osorio
- with a hint of electronica.
3. Kanlungan - arranged by Marvin Querido. Featuring Noel Cabangon on vocals
- sentimental, very moving
4. Muntik Nang Maabot ang Langit - arranged by Marvin Querido
5. Tao - arranged by Marvin Querido. Featuring Sampaguita on vocals.
- one of my favorite tracks
6. Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo (by Dong Abay)- arranged by Ria Osorio
- I really enjoyed making this arrangement because this song is one of my favorites. It's sure to become a classic Pinoy Rock song.
7. Ang Huling El Bimbo - arranged by Ria Osorio. Featuring Ely Buendia on vocals.
- Had a hard time with this one because the original is so deeply etched in my mind, as I've been a fan of Eraserheads way back, but I needed to make a new version. I tried to make the arrangement sentimental/nostalgic.
8. Paglisan - arranged by Marvin Querido
9. Salamat - arranged by Dennis Catli/Sharon Feliciano
- lively, good vibes
10. Himig Natin - arranged by Gerard Salonga. Featuring Wally Gonzales on guitar.
11. Next In Line - arranged by JD Villanueva
all tracks conducted and produced by Gerard Salonga
I really enjoyed working on this album. The songs which were assigned to me were songs which I already liked, and knew by heart, back in high school. So it was real challenge to get the original versions out of my head and try to make new ones.
Buy, buy, buy it!
Here's a clip from IMEEM. You can also hear it played in NU 107.
FILharmoniKa at the FilFest
25 Jun 2008 01:06 AM
FILharmoniKa, under the baton of Gerard Salonga,
played Filipino classical music last June 21, 2008 at
the Insular Life Auditorium in Alabang. Works by
Antonio Buenaventura, Angel Pena, and Lucio San Pedro
were performed. These pics were taken from my friend
Adjeng
Sarmiento-Buenaventura's site. (We kept
wondering if her husband Rodrin was related to
the composer, he he).
Adjeng, Rodrin, Dex and me...
Ardie de Guzman (guitarist), Adjeng, and Rodrin...
FIlharmoniKa...
I played in one piece, Angel Pena's Peace Beyond. The piano is on the far right side of the stage, so I'm not visible from where Adjeng is taking pics...
The one and only Tots Tolentino, special guest soloist.
More FILharmoniKa.
Not in pictures, but Regina Buenaventura was also featured as a soloist on "Meditation" (composed by her grandfather Col. Antonio Buenaventura) and "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan" (music by Lucio San Pedro). She was fabulous!
Recordings of these composers' works are available here at the Musika Natin website... The purchase details for Col. Antonio Buenaventura's CD, "Heritage", isn't there yet but this is available in leading record bars.
Angel Pena's UGNAYAN
(click for more info)
Lucio San Pedro's LAHING KAYUMANGGI
(I wrote the blurbs on the music, on that particular page, namely the info on Lahing Kayumanggi, Buan Sa Kabundukan, and Sa Dalampasigan.. I am not an expert, okay, so that was for general consumption. Finally, all those years writing concert reviews for Music Literature class paid off)
(click for more info)
Col. Antonio Buenaventura's HERITAGE
Adjeng, Rodrin, Dex and me...
Ardie de Guzman (guitarist), Adjeng, and Rodrin...
FIlharmoniKa...
I played in one piece, Angel Pena's Peace Beyond. The piano is on the far right side of the stage, so I'm not visible from where Adjeng is taking pics...
The one and only Tots Tolentino, special guest soloist.
More FILharmoniKa.
Not in pictures, but Regina Buenaventura was also featured as a soloist on "Meditation" (composed by her grandfather Col. Antonio Buenaventura) and "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan" (music by Lucio San Pedro). She was fabulous!
Recordings of these composers' works are available here at the Musika Natin website... The purchase details for Col. Antonio Buenaventura's CD, "Heritage", isn't there yet but this is available in leading record bars.
Angel Pena's UGNAYAN
(click for more info)
Lucio San Pedro's LAHING KAYUMANGGI
(I wrote the blurbs on the music, on that particular page, namely the info on Lahing Kayumanggi, Buan Sa Kabundukan, and Sa Dalampasigan.. I am not an expert, okay, so that was for general consumption. Finally, all those years writing concert reviews for Music Literature class paid off)
(click for more info)
Col. Antonio Buenaventura's HERITAGE
On Johnny Alegre Eastern Skies part1
30 May 2008 12:30 AM
Listening to the album now makes me wish I had made some detailed documentation regarding the arrangements, what Johnny/I had intended to do, and if the actual results matched his/my intentions. I know that I was the arranger and not the composer, but I could say I was very compositionally involved in the songs, because Johnny was generous in that aspect. I could liken his pieces to jazz standards in a real book – there are already solid structures (maybe AABA or AABC, or what), the melody is already laid out, and most of the harmony. But the possibilities for interpretation are endless, and as with good pieces or great songs, one can come up with so many good things out of it, that the tricky part is trimming down the possibilities so that it will still sound cohesive.
Yes, I wish I had made more detailed documentation. As of now I’m also thinking to post some of the arrangement sketches (not the actual arrangements themselves, but their planning and doodling stages), if I can find them in my haystacks of sheets.
I did record in my journal how amazed I was with the orchestra (FILharmoniKa, back then known as Global Studio Orchestra) and Gerard Salonga's conducting.
Right now, though, I hope you can visit my Works page (Arrangements section), and give some of the Eastern Skies clips a listen. I don’t own the copyrights to the songs, so it’s not wise to post the full songs themselves. Even if I posted them in non-downloadable (streaming) format, lots of software are available nowadays which can capture those streaming media as mp3’s, so I thought it best to just post 1-minute sections of the songs.
I’ll be posting more on these in the weeks to come.